Some people don't realize this but HSB are fertile and can back cross back to white bass and striped bass. This is the reason they are illegal to stock in VA. The VDGIF is afraid they will escape the pond, swim their way to the Chesapeake Bay and spawn with wild striped bass and screw the gene pool up. However, few if any ponds would have the correct spawning locations for HSB to successfully pull of a spawn.
All true, but the biggest hole in the reasoning by the VDGIF is that white bass can and do naturally cross with stripers as well, and they've never screwed up the gene pool. There's a reason these fish stay apart. The bluegill gene pool hasn't been screwed up over time and there may be as many as a dozen other fish close enough genetically to cross their DNA with the BG. I understand their reasoning, and support it up to a point, but if they're going to outlaw HSB stockings they may also have to undertake a massive white bass eradication program if they're going to be consistent.
Holding a redear sunfish is like running with scissors.
