I've got carp, crappie, bluegill and channel cats in mine. My pond is 15 acres. Two years ago I stocked 100 BC in the 8-10" range. Last fall I stocked another 250 and then a week ago I stocked another 200. So I now have a total of 550 BC. I'm guessing my biggest ones are about 22-23" and close to 5 lbs. In regards to relative weight they are doing much better than my channel cats. If I was starting over I'd go with bluegill and crappie for their reproductive capability. Maybe even let them overpopulate before introducing the BC.
I know you've been told about the Blue Cats at Osage Catfishery in Missouri and you thought it was too far. But it looks like its only about 6 hrs from you. You may wanna look into transporting them, or call and see if they make a delivery your direction and you could meet them part way. That's where my BC are from and I believe they do well in ponds. Or at least mine have so far.
At minimum I'd call them and ask if they deal with anyone in your area.
