All of the big bull BG I have caught in surrounding lakes have exhibited what I would consider unquestionable male traits, like the magazine pics. Big earflaps, bright colors, differences as significant as between peacocks and peahens. Most of the big bulls I have caught while they were on their nests (I think) in late spring dragging tiny jigs on the bottom in 7' of water off of rocky banks with no vegetation. The one outstanding difference in how I manage my pond compared to most others on this forum is the type of feed I use. I am feeding 42% protein all plant based pellets. No fish meal or animal by-products. The trout I have purchased raised on this feed look like every rainbow I've caught from the Mad River in Ohio to the Obey below Dale Hollow's dam in Tennessee. Would a feed designed for trout be the cause of lack of coloring in the male BG?
