hey big_pond, why do you say that LMB are a must have? Certainly there needs to be a predator species involved but I would think that it depends on a pond owners goals whether or not LMB are the preditor of choice. For expamle if the primary goal is trophy catfish or trophy walleye or something like that, then I would think that LMB would only be more competition. If the primary goal is large crappie or bluegill than LMB would be an excellent choice to controll thier numbers, but would they be the only choice?

Ed, big_pond is correct, dimensions are rather important (particularly if you are considering crappie). But also providing your goals for you pond is necessary. If you don't know what your goals are than you should sit down figure out what you want your goals to be and prioritize them. You really can't make any good desicions about what to stock or how to manage unless you know for sure what you intend to achieve.
-Scott

Take great care of it, or let someone else have it.