My fish guy stocked some as a "bonus" about 8 years ago; 3 acre pond with SMB, BG, HSB, YP. Didn't see one for 4 years, thought they'd died, then caught several at 20+ inches. Biggest one I've caught was a little over 28", though most are 18-22". They are really fun to catch, and to watch, and I would encourage you to try them. I suspect it takes the right environment for them to thrive--lots of forage, and good water quality, they seem to like small BG and SMB....though I still have plenty of both.