Quote:
Originally posted by Meadowlark:


The concern...summer temps. My concern would not be about the absolute value of the summer temps...we get as high or even higher water temps in East Texas as you do in central Florida. The temps are not a problem as long as DO is sufficient. The problem, or really concern is how you plan to utilize the HSB.

Let me explain...in my pond HSB are a "put and take" operation. I have definitely noticed that in summer when caught the HSB react very negatively to the stress. I do use fly fishing equipment and that contributes to the stress. The HSB fights with the heart of a champion. They never quit, unlike LMB. That's good of course, but in the summer on fly fishing equipment the HSB may very well not survive being caught. If you plan "catch and release", then you need to be careful about your tackle and not over stressing these wonderful fish. In my estimation, they fight so hard they will literally kill themselves when hooked. For me, except when I accidently hook one, it isn't a problem, because I'm "put and take". I do think it is a concern for "catch and release". I would be very interested in others chiming in with their thoughts on HSB vulnerability in high temps to survival after being hooked and released.
Nicely stated.

Holding a redear sunfish is like running with scissors.