Laurie, try with inexpensive feeder fish (goldfish) in a half whiskey barrel or small preformed pond. Good way to ease in to fish at very little cost - last time I checked, feeders were 15 cents each and some are very colorful. If you have regular predators, spending money on koi makes little sense. But, if you find you can keep the same fish for a season or two, then I'd spring for more expensive varieties (even some of the fancier goldfish). If you know someone who has koi, they often will have babies that need to be thinned out.
