Even though you found longear sunfish, that doesn't mean you have found EVERY species that exists in your pond.
Will your pond be connected to other bodies of water that contain fish during flooding events, or will you have 100% control over the water entering the pond?
Being in Louisiana, will this pond have plenty of water available?
I ask these questions, because it is much more difficult to manage a large pond with multiple undesirable species that are working against your pond goals.
I am NOT an expert, but have read lots of the discussions on Pond Boss on very similar situations.
The consensus is usually, that it will cost you much less time and money to start from scratch to achieve your final pond goals.
If you believe you will have excess water over the course of the year, then your best option might be to drain/pump the pond as low as possible. If you can then perform a "perfect" survey, and determine you only have fish you desire, then start your stocking plans.
However, I (non-expert) think you will probably be happier five years from now if you drain, and then rotenone (fish kill) your pond and start from zero.
As soon as you get some water, you can start your fathead minnow forage. You might then be able to add your CNBG this fall - and nothing will eat their fry on their first spawning! The pond might then be perfect (and nearly full) to add LMB next spring.
Hopefully, an actual expert will drop in with some more comprehensive advice.
Good luck on your pond project. A 2.5 acre pond in LA sounds like a dream!
