Big Hybrid Bluegill from Herman Brothers Pond Management

Comment

Comment by Bruce Condello on July 12, 2010 at 11:15am

Yes, they do, Zach. The theory is that purebred bluegill, if they have equal food resources available, and in the right size for their smaller mouth, will grow larger overall than hybrid bluegill. But it usually takes some good circumstances to grow one-pounder, and very special circumstances to grow two-pounders.

Comment by Zach Pierce on July 12, 2010 at 11:11am

Which depending on what you want those are the best eating size anyway.

Do these assumptions hold true for pure bluegill lines?

Comment by Nate Herman on July 12, 2010 at 8:44am

Zach,
You are right on with your hybrid bluegill assumption. They quickly grow to a 1/2 lb and fairly commonly get to 3/4 lb, but on average, hybrids (even from georgia) dont typically grow to past 1 lb. There are always exceptions with individual fish and individual places, but averages is what you need to go by for stocking expecations.

Comment by Zach Pierce on July 12, 2010 at 8:14am

So as to not be disappointed, most pond owners should expect to reach 1/2 pound bluegill with the bonus of the 3/4 pounder every now and then and just be satisfied with that?

Comment by Jim Gronaw on July 12, 2010 at 8:09am

Absolutely amazing! I feel big-time blessed that the larger hybs I am catching are pushing the 2 pound limits, and with no management program at all to encourage it! The pond owner just dumps in some fingerling hybrids from Southern States every 3 or 4 years and lets them have at it. Makes me wonder what 'could be' if a program was implemented to get these guys even bigger! WTG Bruce!

Comment by Bruce Condello on July 12, 2010 at 7:54am

No, those two-pounders were stocked the same time as the 1 to 1.5 pounders. Usually, if all goes absolutely perfectly, you might be able to get to two pounds by the fourth or fifth year. But that is if all the planets align. Typically bluegill, and hybrid bluegill will never reach a pound before they die of old age, but in bodies of water with lots of good food, water quality, and the right harvest program, you'll usually get fish over a pound. But two-pounders take great water quality, great food availability, limited competition, and even good genetics. Then a good dose of luck as well.

Comment by Zach Pierce on July 12, 2010 at 7:45am

So he has had some fish top 2 pounds in less than a year?

Comment by Bruce Condello on July 12, 2010 at 7:32am

Nate has personally seen a couple of two-pound fish from this year class. There's lots of natural forage, and a strong feeding program. But to really top it off, they have amazing water quality, which keeps the fish healthy, growing, and having good visibility in order to chase down prey items.

Comment by Zach Pierce on July 12, 2010 at 6:49am

So 1/4 pound a year is avg growth for them?

How do you achieve the 2+ pounds that they sell to you at the fish farms, and how long does that take?

Comment by Patrick "Bullworm" Olson on July 12, 2010 at 5:35am

That thing is a TOAD!!

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