Some years back (17), I had only yellow perch YP, largemouth bass LMB, and 2 grass carp TGP, in our pond. No sunfish of any sort, although the gal that sold us the property said that there were bluegill BG and crappie BCP in there, too. As I understood that sunfish are great fodder for LMB and also desireable for panfishing, I bucket stocked a handful of GSF and BG. These all fizzled out. I had no commercial source for the sunfish.
Several years later I found a pond loaded with "bluegills". I was doubtful, and sure enough, my fishing that pond got me 2 dozen more GSF for my water. The next year a source of mature BG appeared, so I bought 2 dozen 7'' fish from him. Roll forward all these years, and you'll see and catch all sizes of HBG, BG, and GSF. Pond record of GSF equals Colorado Parks and Wildlife reported state record. BG to 10.5", HBG to 10" are there for the taking. I ate a 19" LMB last week poached in butter ala Hank Shaw's suggestion.
There is no evidence in my pond that BG are out competing GSF, nor the other way around. The HBG are really agressive biters and a remarkable bonus fish. I thoroughly enjoy the variety and quality of my fishing.
All this to say I'm not disputing in any way the observations, wisdom, and recommendations of our incredible experts on this forum. All I'm saying is that in my cool water, 1/4 acre, irrigation water fed pond at 6540' above sea level, 3 types of sunfish get along fine. The few smallmouth bass present don't seem to reproduce. I have a firm grip on the handle of the LMB slaying operation. The GSF have likely decimated my YP as I only see 8" to 12" individuals anymore. My 5 TGC are lazy suckers, 36" to 48" toads that don't do their jobs eating the over abundant elodea, and the one lonely 12" bright orange goldfish has successfully eluded the great blue heron GBH attackers for many years.
All of this may not be reproduceable anywhere else.
