Thanks, Chris.
As has been hypothesized in previous threads, water quality rather than temperature may be an important determinant in SMB survival in the south....and possibly forage as well; many of our southern ponds have various sunfish as the primary forage species. I've spent a lot of time watching the SMB in my pond interact with BG and RES--they're just not a preferred forage for smallies in my opinion, though there are a few individuals that will adapt and grow pretty well on this forage base.
