Bruce -- just a couple of other thoughts after reading through this string.

Size? Well, when I worked down in Emporia, KS, we got redears to at least 1.5 pounds in a 3-acre pond. I can't remember seeing one that ever honestly made 2 pounds. Of course, 1.5 pounds was a darn nice fish!

Second, I assume your pond might be near Lincoln?? The NE Game and Parks biologists say that redears can be introduced as fingerlings in the southern part of the state. In the northern part of the state, they say adults are needed to get the population established. Being a "southern" fish, the little guys don't survive well that first winter, while the adults apparently can make it and will be able to reproduce in the future.

Dave

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From Bob Lusk: Dr. Dave Willis passed away January 13, 2014. He continues to be a key part of our Pond Boss family...and always will be.