Mr John, another hardy welcome to the forum. All above statements are accurate. Especially note what Pat says about "have fun". You WILL make mistakes but from what you have conveyed you have done some good research and will surely dodge some bullets. You seem to be a reasonable and common sense type of guy. Therefore we may not get along. I like ta stir the muck. However I have learned tons from this site and am not shy about givin suggestions whether or not that it is good.
OK, here we go!
First and most important to me is that if I could, I would much rather have a couple or a few small ponds than one larger one. Cecil and others have repeatedly shown what incredible fish can be coaxed from a very small bow. I might want to go a bit deeper, maybe 13-15'. Then when ya aerate (which is surely necessary with your warm climate)it will enable you to have more useable water. Also a pond will always want to fill in with dirt and plant debris. Your kids and grandkids will enjoy a deeper bow for more yrs.
Now, fish choice. HSB are GREAT! Put and take as ya choose. Hard fightin and fast growing. I know most folks have been raised to think LMB, BG and CC are the perfect pond. I was criticized harshly for havin a YP, HSB, SMB, RE and WE pond but now all my buddies want to come to my place ta fish rather than go on a charter on the Great lakes. Just something ta consider, nothing at all wrong with LMB, BG and CC. Be sure to get a strong population of forage going before ya put in the predators. Probably be tough ta get BNM or SFS but if ya can, they are soo much better than FH. Papershell crawdads are very good, especially if ya go with Smallies and YP. Actually they are good cause they eat weeds/algea.
Build a nice wide pier, 6' wide if possible. There is never enough room on a pier. A T pier is very nice.
Structure and spawning areas are important, especially for the minnows and shiners. Plenty of info on those two things that I don't need ta re-hash, you've probably already read all that but may want to change your plans if ya decide ta change your stocking.
Do please take and post pics and keep us all updated as to your progress, we're all junkies.
Don't be afraid ta ask ?s that ya might think are a little dumb.
Best wishes to ya and am sure you will do fine. Bob-O
