Valid points by all above. Mike what you stock depends on your goals and the water you have. There is no perfect solution - only the one that works for your goals and pond.

Mike there is a ton of info here on the catachability issue. It includes the genetics issue (Fla LMB vs Noth LMB ) and an overview of a conversation with the TPWD fisheries scientist who did the studies. That was TPWD's position for years but now they are not so sure as the data only involved sub 2 year old fish (feeding patterns change for a host of reasons including age and competition). Here are 2 to look over http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthread...=true#Post58263 - http://www.pondboss.com/forums/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=57807&fpart=1 The mag also has an article on the issue. PB MAR - APR 06 - LARGEMOUTH BASS ANGLING AND CATCHABILITY. D.Willis & B.Cody look into how angler catches can monitor your LMB, and what affects angling has on their catchability.

George you have several ponds and one with LMB - Mike only has one pond so his choice is from a different perspective.

If you want to catch and eat fish then a BG/LMB pond will fit the bill (as Theo notes). If you don't want to work on keeping a pond balanced (to meet your goals) then there are a number of fish to avoid (most all that reproduce in more than minimal numbers). The factor (either negative or positive depending on goals) with HSB and/or HBG is they result in a put and take fishery. It must be restocked and unless you use adult fish to do so there can be times with only small fish. They can be mixed with other fish species as noted above but that again involves mgt work to track what is happening and adjusting as needed.

Our goal is to empower people make the best choice for THEIR SITUATION through the access to info and knowledge . As Lusk suggests learn all you can about each species , your water and your goals and then decide. Let us know how we can help by asking questions.