SMB & HSB will co-habitate okay even at different sizes, plus with good or proper spawning substrate, the SMB will often successfully recruit with HSB present providing the HSB are not too abundant. Too abundant will be determined by habitat type and amount in each pond. HSB and LMB can co-habitate & thrive. The SMB will survive, but not do very well with the LMB even if both are stocked at the same size -small or large. It does not take very long for the LMB to always soon crowd out the smallies. To get the smallies to be present long term with LMB, smallies need to be restocked periodcally as larger individuals (8"-12").
Read these with confidence; as they were written from lots of testing and experience:

http://www.bassresource.com/fish_biology/largemouth_smallmouth.html

http://www.sdstate.edu/nrm/outreach/pond...ul-Aug-2004.pdf


Last edited by Bill Cody; 02/26/12 03:08 PM.
aka Pond Doctor & Dr. Perca Read Pond Boss Magazine -
America's Journal of Pond Management