Thanks each and every one of you for your thoughtful suggestions, recommended links, and advice. I'll take all into account as I search for my GSH.
People's experiences with these forage fish populations in their ponds seem to be all over the place, reinforcing our belief that every pond is different.
A reason I chose to add GSH to my small pond was to diversify the forage base. Green sunfish GSF are doing every bit as well as bluegill BG and likely are severly limiting yellow perch YP recruitment. As an attempt to lessen predation on YP young, I've considered that the addition of the shiners as forage for the GSF could allow a few more YP to grow up.
"It depends" certainly applies. Now, the trick is to find out what is driving "It".
