Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations basics? what is a georgia giant?

please answer the questuion, who sells them?and what are they?

A Georgia Giant looks to be cross with a Blue Gill and a Hub Cap !! (just kidding)

Read about them HERE

The Georgia Giant is a hybrid bream that displays extreme aggressiveness and a quick growth rate. Only one or two members of this forum (other than myself) have had experience with this particular fish, but many other professionals here have vast knowledge of this topic in general. Currently two forum members are working on projects (to be stocked in late November) to document current growth rates and viability of this fish.

Facts:
1. Most hybrid sunfish are a cross between a standard bluegill and a green sunfish. This is not the case with the Georgia Giant. It is actually a genetic combination of several species of bluegill.
2. The fish was developed about 30 years ago by a South Georgia fishery specialist after dabbling for almost ten years with different crosses of the species bluegill.
3. Documentation of growth rates was done in the early years (through rough notes and photography), but is now "buried" in piles of research. The developer moved on to other projects once he felt he had "proven" his fish. This is why the two current projects listed above are underway.
4. A 12 week study was done to compare the GG with other hybrid bluegill by the West Va State College Department of Biology. This test proved that during the three month test period the GG had a 400% better growth rate than the standard hybrid bluegill while consuming less feed.
5. Ohio state has just started a two year project on the long term results of the GG versus the standard hybrid.
6. The GG hybrid does reproduce, but subsequent generations are not as desired as the original F-1 stock, thus the need for predator intervention. Any hybrid's offspring are unpredictable.
7. No hybrid offspring REVERTS to it's parent stock. Each offspring will display features and characteristics of its parents, but at no time will it "turn into" another fish.

Opinion:
An excellent hybrid sunfish if you are looking for rapid growth, aggressiveness, and tastiness in a perch. This fish need not be combined in a pond with other bluegill due to the potential for cross breeding. Predators MUST be introduced to dispose of offspring allowing for maximum growth of original stock. If you are only looking for a forage fish in order to grow world record bass, the GG is not the fish to stock. On the other hand, if you are into large bream that bite quick and fight hard (good for kids both old and young) you might consider them an option.

Deb

Hub Cap. I like that.

Interesting,

How do they interact in a smaller setting with many other species? Do they have eating habits similar to a crappie?

What is the average size after a year? 1lb common?

Due to the breeding habits of the bluegill species, we do not recommend stocking this fish with any other sunfish. Usually we stock the GG with cats (if the pondowner wishes to), minnows, and LMB or SMB as predators. By "eating habits similiar to crappie" what exactly do you mean? The GG will feed on pellet as well as live bait, and will do so many times a day during the summer months.
Average size for an aquaculture setting is 1/2 to 3/4 lb within the first year. Some have seen one lb or more. There are a large number of professionals on this forum that can offer further advice as to stocking, water quality, and feeding plans. This is my first month or so on this forum, and I have certainly learned (or taken) more than I have given. The pros here have been around the block a lot more than I.

Hope this helped some,

Deb

Wait a minute, this must be a jokester...ther are no Bronco fans in Texas! Right?

:p

gator

Yes I am a texas native but love the broncos, because they are always consistant, there ain`t no 1-14. 4-10 records just consistent winning, Dallas is finally looking good , but it`s been what since 1992 ? Hello were is the consistency, a losing consistency. Can`t wait until Thanksgiving day broncos vs cowboys. The cowboys got there work really cut out for them, even if they are playing alot better. but the broncos are really showing this year! But any ways any GG suppliers I have a cat pond and a bass pond.

broncofan,
Send an e-mail to Debra King. She represents Ken's Hatchery & Fish Farm & can supply & advise on GG's.

well then I guess i`ll do just that -- thank you military!!!!!