Two points to ponder:
With any hybrid the successive generations are going to display different (sometimes undesirable) characteristics from the parent stock. We have noted less of a substantial growth rate with the babies, but they still do well compared to the average "run of the mill" crappie. Here again is a good example of the need for predators. Eat the babies!!!
Normally I do not recommend crappie unless a pond owner has at least two acres, but you can have success in a small pond if you stay on top of it. By that I mean keeping up a high supply of forage (our little gambusia, your's and mine), possibly a Bug-O-Matic for fresh (crunchy as someone stated) bugs, and the introduction of bass for a predator. Some crappie will eat their own, but Large HSB would also be a good choice to have in a small crappie pond.
Personally, and this is just my opinion, too many people get caught up in trying to have one pond with a variety of monster fish. They throw everything into the pot and expect to make world records. If you were to do a small crappie pond I would stay away from the BG and LMB. Stick with the crappie, minnows, and HSB. Again this is just my opinion!!!
Deb
