Completely new, where to start?

I think I want to make a pond. I have no experience with this and I don't even know where to start. I'll give you a little info I think might be pertinent for a start.

The only real spot in my yard only recieves direct sunlight from about 4:00 PM on. I live in the South, will this work?

Again due to my odd shaped yard, the pond will have to be small, around 3'-4'X 8' or so. I am not sure how deep I want to go..as deep as I need to i guess.

Other than this, I know nothing! Can someone point me to a site or a book or something to get me started? Also..any of your personal experience would be highly valued as well!

Oh yeah..are there any fish besides koi/goldfish that do well in little ponds?

the Dregs

dregs ....if i was going to dig my first pond ,,start with a good 45 mill linner found all over the net....dig your pond as deep as the ground is willing ,,, 2 ft is fine a 3 ft deep end is real nice ....the top rim of the pond needs to be a level as possible ,,,water is level,, i use morter around my rim to keep it solid and perfectly level....dont make the top of your pond a problem keep it up enough that high water will not swamp your pond ,cloud your water, let your fish swim away..just get started this site will walk you through it