We have put some redear and coppernose bluegill in our private ponds. Our intent was to raise them both for us, and to sell to a local restaurant commercially. We live in TX, and our neighbor told us that was illegal due to them being sport fish. I could find nothing about this online. Anyone know about this? Anyone know how to get them to grow to an eatable size? Seems like they are only used for bait. We do have a few catfish in the ponds, hopefully enough to keep the numbers down. Is there any need for me to tell you this is all new to us?
This was my first forum post when I joined BBG. Update - fish have increased in size from 2" to 6" average, but it's not a 6" you can eat. Looks small still, although fat. We did get some newly hatched fry this summer, I don't know if it was from my fish, or fish previously put in the pond. Got some LMB in the spring, they have increased from 3" to 10" over the summer. Since it's now approaching winter, I guess it will be next spring before we can harvest any. I have never seen on or the redear since I put them in the pond. We seem to have the same amount of fish as when we started, which is strange. I would think that since I'm feeding them, and didn't get bass until spring, that there would be an increase. Course, I'm just guessing from what comes to the surface when I'm feeding.