I would definitely get some Redears. They may be "iffy" in Kansas, but if they make it in your pond I think you'll be glad you have them. I have found that they grow and are caught on live bait as well or better than Bluegills, plus they occupy a slightly different niche than BG. Toss in Snail control and it's a go.

Michigan DNR has had success getting RES established as far North as at least halfway up the lower peninsula. They have a .pdf publication titled "Redear Sunfish in Michigan" (or something like that, I don't have it on file at work) available on-line which shows where their RES have made it versus the number of average frost-free days in a year (Michigan has a high number of those for their Latitude since they're "between the lakes"). You might compare that with your Kansas climate to help make the decision.


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