Good stuff. I just go on the low end of the spectrum and toss a bunch of CNBG in and make it a great forage/recreational pond. Maybe a 10% RES mix for the snails in the depth. You would not beleive the amount of people looking for a pond just like this so thier kids can fish and catch lots of fish. It is actually my number one request.
If I was going elaborate the fenced area and seine would probably go with shiners for an ongoing source. Depending upon the size of forage you want. They are the #1 baitfish in my area. I try to stay with what I can get local to avoid transport costs. Plus they can handle a little rough handling. Would love chubsuckers but those are miles away. I have a few ponds that residents do not really care about. I load them up with gambusia and am trying fhm this year. I just scoop them out by the hundreds with a commercial net. I think I remember one of the pro bass guys using 8" shiners fishing for lunkers.
My next hopeful project is a standalone golden shiner pond. They have a pretty good resale also. I might keep that pond 6-7 feet deep.
