Welcome JeremyH, to the PB forum.
Sound like you have done your homework � yep, I know Firewheel Mall all right.
Now if you look at my member number you�ll see that I am a relative newcomer, but I got demoted recently when changed my email address.
I�ve been around for a goodly number of years now, and have learned enough from the PB forum experts to discuss, but not advise your stocking plans.
There are those that like HBG and will likely recommend them for your 1/3 acre pond for casual fishing � I prefer a CNBG/RES mix but am serious about my fishing in our N.E. Texas ponds.
As far as predators, I would not consider SMB in the black gumbo soil I see in you photo.
I think it would require major expensive rock and gravel additions to create spawning areas, as well as perhaps a deep well to keep cool water source, thinking about our hot Texas summers.
As you know, there have been many reports of LMB reproductive overpopulation problems which I personally would avoid unless you are a serious fisherman.
Have you considered HSB (Hybrid Striped Bass)?
They are inexpensive to stock initially, and as you likely know, do not reproduce.
I like non-reproductive species.
There have been reports on the forum that HSB do not do well in small ponds, and do not survive Texas summers when reaching a �critical� five pounds, but I have not found this to be the case.
We have been successful with HSB in the five-pound class in a 2 acre aerated pond, with numbers of 1 to 4 pound fish.
We are also successful in growing them to three pound class in a � acre non-aerated CNBG/HSB pond, for the past two record breaking hot drought years
We�ll determine the survival rate the next couple of years, and also see how well they control CNBG reproduction.
I would be careful about the numbers of CC, stocking ONLY the numbers you plan to harvest on an annual basis, and repalcing annually if more needed.
Good to have you on board.
You will find the most knowledgeable and helpful folks on this forum that will further respond to your questions.
George Glazener
Plano, Texas
