Wow... my ISP goes down for a day and I miss out on my favorite conversation! HBG! I read back through all the posts thinking "here we go again", then I was struck by something I hadn't thought about before. Many times I have read about the growth potential of HBG vs. BG, as in how can a hybrid be expected to exceed the size of it's parental species, or native BG can theoretically reach 4 lbs., etc. Then the ephinany struck. It's so obvious that I can't believe it just occured to me. I'm calling it "Tony's general theory of relativity". You see, (as I'm sure most of you have already figured out, I'm kinda' slow), size is relative to location. Guys, I have nothing but the highest respect and admiration for all of you. The fact that you're willing to take the time to help neophytes like myself means a great deal to me, and I would never knowingly or intentionally say anything meant to disrespect anyone here. On the contrary, I mean the following as a compliment. You guys are cutting edge, you're so far advanced from myself, and I suspect many other pond owners out there, that you give me reason to aspire to greater things. Remember however, that size is relative. Case in point, in this part of Indiana, a true 1lb BG is cause for discussion around the breakfast table at the local diner. A stringer of 1lb. BG's will get your picture in the local daily paper, and admiring glances from the regulars in the bait shop. An honest-to-goodness 1.5lb. BG will cause people you don't even know to knock on your car window and ask for your autograph. Any bigger than that, you're gettin' your own statue on the courthouse lawn. It all boils down to what your goals are. Are you satisfied with 1-1.5 lb fish? HBG will get you there quicker than BG. Native BG are "perennials", you put em' in, they're there forever, unless something tragic happens. HBG are "annuals" they require replenishment from time to time. BOTH species require management to achieve their full potential, at least that's what I believe. Again, I hope I haven't come across the wrong way, It was not my intention to offend or upset anyone, I just wanted to supply a viewpoint from what I consider myself to be: an average pondowner. I appreciate the chance to learn from, and participate with everyone here.

Tony

"Forget pounds and ounces, I'm figuring displacement!"

If we accept that: MBG(+)FGSF(=)HBG(F1)
And we surmise that: BG(>)HBG(F1) while GSF(<)HBG(F1)
Would it hold true that: HBG(F1)(+)AM500(x)q.d.(=)1.5lbGRWT?
PB answer: It depends.