Tucker, I'm on the north end of southern IL (Clay County)--if that makes any sense--and my smallies are doing well. Is this a new pond, or is it already established? There is also a good so IL hatchery (Logan Hollow Fish Farm) that offers SMB. I believe they are only available during the winter. Mine cost $3/ea and were supposed to be 4-6" long. However, they were only "2, but I received double what I ordered. They are nice folks to work with and could offer good advice.
