We've probably really have your head spinning now.
I have a 1/3 acre pond that is a hybrid bluegill and catfish pond. It is a little over a year old. I've stocked HBG three times, starting 14 months ago, and catfish 14 months ago and two months ago. They are all eating like crazy, and growing like crazy. I also added two 4-5 inch koi last summer. They are now about 12-14 inches.
I also put in a few pounds of fatheads 14 months ago. They hit a maximum number this spring, but have been disappearing slowly.
I was a little concerned about HBG offspring not being controlled by the catfish, since I've seen HBG fry in the pond. I'm not sure if I did the right thing, but I added five small mouth bass last month.
This pond does remain muddy, but I'm not sure it is because of the catfish. The pond is in a wet area that weeps water from muddy areas. I've had problems getting vegetation established in these areas because the sides are very steep and shaded.
My other pond has had catfish for many years and I've not had muddy water problems from them.
I've found that even the big hook shy catfish have a hard time passing up a large live minnow tossed in at dark, and left overnight.
