CB1 :
When I went back and read my attempt at humor it was neither very good nor clear. To many tin foil hats around.
Bill your last point (as well as CB1's) was what I was asking about. I know of no one down here that grows BG to over 6in. for sale , hatchery or otherwise. While there are some good genetics they are not selected like Bruce's. Plus I know Bruce's word is his bond and to me that from a hatchery is priceless. I would pay double or triple for that quality and trusted service. Now if I could figure a way to get some here when he is ready to sell.
American Sportfish's development of the tiger bass is similar in concept. I wonder how many extra fish they have sold as a result. However to my knowledge they do not grow them out to trophy size for sale or as brood fish , but only to about 10-12 in. and 1lb.+.
Here is a question for you. What do you think about this idea. On a brand new pond 1 acre (empty) rather than stock 2in BG of uncertain genetics (from a good hatchery) I am thinking about putting in 200 adult BG 60 % female and 40% male and let them create the forage base. Then I will know about the genetics and that there are no GSF or HBG. 1000 2 in. BG @ .25 = $ 250. While I would pay more at that rate the larger BG could be priced at over a $ and would be a steal.Unknown 3-5 in BG go for 60 cents. To a select market I think you could sell Bruce's BG (or ones like them) for $2.50 each at 5in. That would be like 3-4lb. tiger bass at $ 10 . But again I am not in the hatchery business.
While thinking about it I may try Condello BG males and cross them with CNBG females and call them -- I am open for a name.