Thanks for the pics! I'm going to make some of both types, cinder blocks & stone. How many beds would I need and at what depths? I currently don't have a very large area that is flat and above 4 to 5 feet in depth. My skidsteer won't start and running out of time for the humps I was hoping to make.
Basf50
I'm pumped to hear you are going SMB! I think it's an excellent choice - knowing you can always change a SMB to a LMB pond by adding a dozen fish, but cannot easily go from a LMB to a SMB pond...if at all. This is the logic that dictated my choice in going SMB first, change later down the road.
I would go with Ewest, Dave and Ric's advice and go RES as your panfish - but HSB and YP could complement nicely. This was very aptly identified in the latest PB Mag issue I recommend checking out all the installments by Eric and Bill. Invaluable stuff.
Establishing forage is easy and highly recommended prior to stocking any predators [YP, HSB, SMB]. Guys here can help you figure out the timing on the RES/GSH/FHM/BNM stockings.
I am very interested to hearing what you do step by step...what's your plan looking like now?