As far as I know, production of triploids is not 100% effective. I think only 98% or so of grass carp end up triploid, which is why they have to be individually tested and certified before release from the hatchery.
If the same goes for LMB and Crappie, then what is the point of triploid production. The equipment used for ploidy testing costs around $40K.
Maybe I'm wrong but if a producer already had the equipment he was using for grass carp and he was able to individually market the bass and crappie as 100 percent triploid the investment would be minimal compared to the potential profit. Even if one had to go out and buy I still think it would be profitable. All you need is half the marketing skills of Ken Holyoke and you're in business. After all if Ken can make people think his green sunfish bluegill hybrids are the Holy Grail why couldn't someone market feed trained triploid bass and crappies as a way to open up a whole new market?
Todd you have forgotten more than I will ever know about raising fish, but I guess I see this as a great opportunity for the first one to market it, and be known for supplying these fish. It's a risk sure but anything worthwhile is.
And it's not like triploidy is rocket science. Most rainbow trout produced in this country are either sterile females or triploids. Most producers buy the eggs from farms that specialize in this kind of thing rather than go to the trouble and expense of keeping broodstock around.
