All factors, when trying to excel, are important.

Livestock producers have proven that selective breeding(genetics) pays off. That is undeniable. They make sure that there are no mutts in the mix and eliminate those that don't improve the strain.

I'll betcha that I could stock a pond with Bruces and/or Georges BG and another one with mine. If I feed them the same and pay equal attention to water quality, the "selected" pond will out produce the non selected.

BTW, the Texas Share A Lunker program has proven the value of fish genetics.

It's not about the fish. It's about the pond. Take care of the pond and the fish will be fine. PB subscriber since before it was in color.

Without a sense of urgency, Nothing ever gets done.

Boy, if I say "sic em", you'd better look for something to bite. Sam Shelley Rancher and Farmer Muleshoe Texas 1892-1985 RIP