Virgil, nice start. Standard bluegills are great for an ongoing forage base to feed predators. But, you are talking about getting a FEW catfish. A few cats will not control bluegills. They can and will overpopulate.

The "brim" you are talking about must be red ear sunfish to do the snail damage you desire. If you don't wind up with much vegetation, you shouldn't have a whole lot of snail or other parasite problems. I love redears. They are pretty and a great table fish. They spawn only once a year and shouldn't overpopulate. They don't eat fish pellets but find a lot of other groceries, even without snails.

If I were in your shoes, and I'm not, I would consider about 200 hybrid bluegills, fatheads, and about 50 cats. Set up a feeder and it should be a great pond. No matter what you do, you are betting on rain (so am I). If it doesn't work, due to rain, you don't have a big fish investment and you will have the feeder.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP Grandpa