Id like to go back to this? So in central Illinois would YP last in the winter and Summers.
Yes.
What do you need to make these fish thrive in a central illinois pond?
Same as other fish. Good water quality and food. Feed trained fish survive really good and grow rapidly if pellet fed. They aren't crazy about really high temps but will survive for the most part.
And does anyone have some good pics of these fish?
Yeah if you're willing to wait. Just got my computer back yesterday and haven't had time to set it up. What kind of pictures are you interested in?