I have no idea about SMB in ponds but do know quite a bit about them in Texas reservoirs.
The present Texas state record for small mouth bass is held by Lake Meredith in the Texas panhandle � one of the hottest, driest, desolate places in the country � so rule out hot water.
The Oklahoma state record is held by Lake Texoma, which I know a lot about, and it has sometimes low and hot water.
The most important element present are steep rocky wind blown points and bluffs near deep water � seldom clear water � they didn�t name the Red River by accident.
I don�t fish for small mouth bass, but frequently catch them along with LMB and sometimes Spotted Bass in the spring, when fishing Lake Texoma for striped bass.
I would question stocking SMB in Texas ponds unless deep cooler water with rocky shoreline, which is somewhat questionable conditions for pond building.
I would be interested to hear about Mr. Lusk�s SMB pond.
I prefer Striped bass over SMB � they fight harder and grow much larger � the reason I stock Hybrid Striped Bass in our ponds.
My 2 cents worth.
George Glazener
N.E. Texas 1/4 acre and 2 acre ponds
