"I'm not a fish guy so I'm guessing that the effects of hybridization will be to create some interesting looking fish and possibly muddle up the gene pool. If the redears are on the edge of their range, maybe they are a better choice experimentally than the pumpkinseed, which might establish very quickly. Anyone know what the traits of the natural hybrids would be(redear/bluegill vs pseed/bluegill)? Would a northern bluegill/redear cross be a 13-inch coldwater snail killing machine that breeds 5 times per year?"

"On a serious note, if hybridization occurred, would the fertility of the forage base be diminished?"

Actually redear/bluegill hybrids and pumpkinseed/bluegill hybrids can get quite large. We have a few lakes in my are that nuturally produce bluegill/redear hybrids. Addtionlly first generation male bluegill/pumpkinseed hybrids can be quite large. I just mounted one up that is 1 lb. 6 oz.

Not sure about pumpkinseeds but redears only spawn once a year vs bluegills more than once a year so any hybrid would produce less offspring than a pure bluegill.

As far as hauling it can be done in cold water with a large coolers and the baitwell aerators available from Bass Pro and Cabelas.

If pigs could fly bacon would be harder to come by and there would be a lot of damaged trees.