Been looking at this a while. It seems pure strain Florida is not generally recommended this far north. The fish struggle or simple do not handle the winters. Is it possible that even if they don't do well that they could survive well enough to breed with my northerns and create F1's?

If I were to throw in some F1's would they breed with my northerns and create some hybrid vigor?

What about stocking some northerns from a fishery that has selected brood for good relative wts? I believe it's considered good to add genetics to a pond for genetic diversity.

You guys with experience... what's your thoughts? Is there a best way to go?
I'm very south in KS, just above the OK border.

19 acre watershed pond
LMB, BC/WC, Bluegill, Crawfish, GShiners