IMO every pond requires management to do well. SMB will be less likely to stunt than LMB. There is much left to learn about SMB in southern ponds. In fact we know very little WRT SMB in southern ponds. IIRC Dave has said that SMB and YP will stunt in some circumstances (unmanaged) in northern ponds but not nearly to the degree or as easily as BG and LMB. I think SMB and HSB with BG and FH would be a great idea in a southern pond with good water quality. I would sure like to know how it works. You might end up with a pond that has good SMB and HSB fishing and trophy BG.