TMK
I'm down the road from you by Whitmore Lake. I'm experimenting with YP, LMB and native BG mixes in two ponds. They are both deep at 25'. Aerators at 15-18'.
I do hand feed once a day, 5 days a week. I feed mainly so I can keep an eye on the ratio of predator to prey. I went with native BG as prey. Stocked 2 years ago from Imlay City Fish Farm. Believe what eveyone says regarding native BG reproduction.....they are prolific. They are keeping the LMB/YP fat and happy. Most fisheries want to sell Hybrid BG because you will have to restock and/or buy feed. I don't anticipate ever having to add more native BG. Native BG do require active pond management. If I stopped feeding, I have no doubt the LMB/YP would not starve and I'd still have to cull some BG.
I'm going to have to do some culling starting next spring. If you choose to go with the native BG and can't find any next year, let me know.
Chuck