I was planning on the 8-10" range. They are reasonably priced and I have read several places that at that size it is common to see them put on 1" on average per month.
I had not honestly considered Browns. I have caught many wilds over the years. I have pics of Cecil's but I guess I just figured they might be a little harder to manage for a rookie like me.
They are so sly to the hook in the river are they catchable in a pond or would have to net?