First, I concur 100% with what ESSHUP says above.
One more thought to muddy your thoughts, and it isn't something you have to decide on immediately. But, somehow none of us mentioned the possibility of hybrid striped bass (HSB).
They are hardy. They pretty much come feed trained. They grow fast. They are fun to catch. They are delicious. And, they do well in nearly all U.S. climates.
Like the catfish, these would be "put and take" fish -- that is, they are not going to reproduce in the pond. You have to restock ever year or two, depending on how many you take out each year.
These photos are from a small Pond Boss gathering at our friend Sunil's pond in southern Pennsylvania. It shows Todd3138 with one of Sunil's hybrid striped bass and "Rainman" Rex with one of Sunil's largemouth bass. The two species can co-exist quite well. Through good management, Sunil has a fishery that most pond owners wish they could have.
Sunil also has small mouth bass, yellow perch, bluegill, trout, and I don't know what all else in his pond. The small mouth bass, yellow perch, and trout probably would not do well in your southern location, but you have other opportunities. The ponds in our mountainous area are frozen over this time of year, and they don't get real warm in the summer, so we can raise different fish than you can raise. But, you too have many types of fish to choose from.
Just more to mess with your mind ...
Good luck,
Ken
