Yes, that's possibly a factor in limited spawning areas.
Comment by Kevin Hobgood on March 31, 2008 at 4:19pm
My pond is only 115' across (circle) max depth found so far 14'. Extremely (IMO) steep bank on one side, this is what you mean by "limited good spawning areas", correct? Perhaps it's time for some sort of PVC housing? Pond has 'scary' clear water 10-12' clarity, but ice-off was only 2 weeks ago, so we'll have to see come spawning time.
Generally speaking, I don't think they compete with bluegill that much. It all depends on the size of the water body, and the number of hybrids present. How big is the water body they came from? I think if you had high density hybrid sunfish they would compete as much with the bass as they would the bluegill. Hybrids come about from the following sources.
1. Intentional stocking
2. Turbid conditions during spawning seem to increase number of hybrids in a particular year class.
3. Limited good spawning areas seem to increase hybridization as well.
Comment by Kevin Hobgood on March 31, 2008 at 3:26pm
Actually, I wasn't even fishing, I was trying to get line twist out of an ice fishing reel, (tied on swivel & #2 blue fox spinner) FIRST cast, H1/2GSFBG. Second cast; LMB. I was amazed that any fish would be that active, this soon in the year. But then again, I've got alot to learn. Hey Bruce, Theo, I should be removing these, yes? So my BG won't have any competition?
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