tritonvt Scott (great post) answered most of the quesitons and I have to be brief, heading out of town for about 5 days, Couple of things diversying can led to more management challenges.

ALso redear do reach large size and I do suggest their stocking. Yes they only reproduce once but many times they get bigger than bluegill and they eat snails that seve as intermediate host for several parasitic problems. You might want to stock both native strain and coppernose bluegill in your area. Like Scott said I think golden shiner would be a good choice in your area as well.

Also about fertilizing check visibility with secchi disc 18-24 inches is ideal. If cleaer than that during the warm months of the year you could beneift from fertilizing especially if you plan on harvesting some fish. I'll try to read this post upon return and thanks for your kind words.

Greg Grimes
www.lakework.com