A blast from the past....BBG style.

[Tony Livingston]

Bruce thought this would make for some interesting reading for BBG members...and it is pretty cool!!

http://forums.pondboss.com/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=3...

[Bruce Condello]

Thank you!!!

[Leo Nguyen]

Great article to read. But I'm still a bit "???" on the deduction of the overpopulation observation. We have problem here with overpopulation and stunting issues in various small lakes, no greater than 25 acres. Larger lakes, no problem, due to abundant amount of apex predators, and plenty of water body to expand.

[Tony Livingston]

I think we now have a better understanding of HBG, and BG in general, then compared to 40 years ago when this piece was written. The notion that hybrids stop reproducing in the presence of largemouth Bass is simply not correct....from my own observations the males continue to build nests, and if females are present reproduction will most likely occur. The key to successful management of these fish is the same now as it was back then,: take steps to control recruitment. It used to be commonplace to hear that HBG would not overpopulate and stunt, irregardless of whether predators were present or not. Now, we know differently.

They may not be as likely to overpopulate, due to the majority of the population being male....but they still need predators to control their numbers....just not as many.

[Leo Nguyen]

Indeed. But to have a much more developed system, human intervention (ie. fish taco nights) is required. You, Bruce, Walt, and Richmond Mill are a few testimonies to a splendid management systems being perfected.

[Tony Livingston]

Quite right Leo. Harvest, is an integral and essential part of pond management.

[David, aka, "McScruff"]

Pretty cool!