George. Can you inform us as to your maximum water temps that you see in the summer? Remember that since HSB are hybrids that all of their traits, including ability to withstand warm water, can vary depending on genetic factors. An example would be resistance to salinity. It's been proven that some HSB can withstand salinities up to and including actual seawater at 35 ppt. Other HSB may only be able to withstand salinities up to 15 ppt. When it comes to warm water, if you stock enough fish, you may have some that go belly up at 80 degrees and others that may make it up to 90 degrees, depending on whether the fish inherit this particular trait more from the WB parent or the SB parent. Oxygen is more of a limiting factor. The point I'm trying to make is that if you maintain good water quality, especially DO levels, that it would be logical that you would lose some but not all of your fish during a warm summer. Don't be surprised that if you avoid a major DO crash that a 5 pounder will pop up when you least expect it next fall. If you continue to stock high quality fast growers you'll continue to have the fun and enjoyment of the 2-3 pounders, but not necessarily be limited as to the size you may achieve.

Holding a redear sunfish is like running with scissors.