Eric and Todd,
I like information and Idea sharing. This is informative to me.
The truth of the matter is that our ponds have what they have. If I were to start over and create a new "big pond," I don't think I would do it any different with the exception of where I got my original stockers.
I manage my waters. If I find a fish I don't want in my pond, it finds its way to the skillet. We eat a lot of fish.
A wise man told me once, if you have a pond and manage it properly, you are going to kill a lot of fish. Another wise man told me to judge each fish on its own merits. If it makes the cut, it goes back, if it does not it goes to the skillet, or it becomes bait.
I understand the both sides of this argument, pure science is where I side. It has to be that way. Its in my DNA.
