Jack,
I built about a 1/3 acre "put-and-take" pond several years ago. It has very steep sides and a flat bottom. It is about six feet deep.
It has been exceptional for channel catfish, hybrid bluegill, and hybrid striped bass.
Although I seldom ever catch any red-ear sunfish, I believe they are still in there. Whenever I stock hybrid bluegill, hybrid striped bass, or channel cats I always throw in about 50 red-ear sunfish.
For me, they are there to keep down any population of white or yellow grubs. Same in my 0.7 acre pond. I've never seen grubs in any of the bluegill or bass. Both ponds are frequented by grub carriers like great blue herons.
When I do catch a red ear, they are typically about 1-1/2 lbs. They go right back in the water immediately.
Good luck,
Ken
