Follow what George is saying. He's done it in a small pond too.
Weekender, I restock HSB each year to replace estimated numbers lost due to harvest and fish loss due to our extreme Texas heat and drought conditions.
I call it a” stocking ladder”.
IMO a ¼ acre pond is as much or more fun than a large pond or lake, and muvh easier to manage. You mention that the size and depth is ot negotiable but dig as deep as possible.
The most important factor for successful HSB program is water quality -
I am surprised no one has recommended a test.
The other factor is HSB susceptibility to stress due to high water temps and fishing pressure. You likely know that all fish will die if not landed quickly, resuscitated and released - if for table fare use light tackle and have more fun with the fight. They are a fantastic spoart fish and will fight to their death on light tackle but I have lost only one over many years because I know how to fight a fish. If they go belly up in hot weather, I resuscitate in a O2 live well, but not a problem for you if your fish will be harvested anyway.
I just don’t fish for them when water temp is over 80 degrees - it’s too hot for me as well!
Another factor is budget consideration - you say you have a well and that is a BIG plus with our current drought conditions.
That also means you have electricity so you have options for aeration if you choose. If you are a DIY guy - you have options - if you have deep pockets the subject is wide open..
Our 1’4 acre pond is too far removed to have aerations but has a remarkable fish survival rate in spite of no aeration, but that another story for anther day. Hand feeding only and HSB to 4-5 is not unusual but will not grow as large as in large wter body. Don’t forget the CNBG - you can grow some giants if properly manged.
HSB can be forage trained on CNBG and when overpopulated can be successfully by adding LIMITED predator control.
I have written much about this subject, some unconventional and controversial, and hate to have to write it all over again. It may be easier than trying to find it with a search that I am not inclined to do. Review my posts and see what you can find.
Back to water quality - HSB DO NOT LIKE nor do well in acidic water!
You mention you are east of Tawakoni which IIRC is marginal Post Oak Svannah and not in Deep Piney Woods E. Texas so water should be OK.
Both ZEP and FireIsHot are in same general area and know the area well and will chime in very likely.
I’ll spend some time today if you are truly interested in HSB and CNBG but have other priorities timewise if your interest is only casual.
Below are a couple of photos of HSB we picked up from Overton Fish Farm yesterday and HSB previously caught from our small pond.
George Glazener