ML :

I do understand your methods and the drive to find answers and the frustration that surrounds not knowing the why of LMB traits , especialy aggressiveness . To do so only requires that I look in the mirror . It helps to know there are many more in the same boat. That is why it is being studied.

I would not change your methods or expirmt. design or parameters . I think and expect interesting results . I think 2 good questions are do the feeders add to the problem and how much do the pure Fla. genes add to the problem. You have tried to isolate those with no feeders and F1 crosses. I think in your case the waiting by the feed area is learned {I hate to use that word as I don't think it fits bass} so lets say adaptive behavior which over time will tend to change the genetic tendancies of your bass population. How long it will take or the % chance I don't know ?

Since I don't have those facts in my test ponds I am trying the genetic approach . I will introduce marked 10 in. LMB with the genetic propensity for aggressive behavior and large size this fall after having adjusted the bass and forage base numbers this spring and summer. Will this exp. work and can I measure the change over time ? Even if I can will that be the sole or main reason for the change ? I don't know but will see what happens and post the results. If enough of us try to figure this out I bet over time we will have an answer or at least better understand the parts of the question of LMB traits. ewest