I for a very rare time do not agree with what Bob Lusk says. Unless Learnboutfish has taken Lusk's comment out of context.
"Bob Lusk says any LMB over 10# must have Florida genetics."
These northern states have state record LMB over 10 pounds or close to 10 lbs. . I bet big money these northern state record fish did not have Florida bass genetics.
OH = 13.18 lbs
MI = 11.5 lbs
IN = 14.7 lbs
IL = 13.06 lbs
WI = 11.1 lbs
IA = 10.4 lbs
NE = 10.6 lbs
KS = 11.7 lbs
PA = 11.3 lbs
NY = 11.3 lbs
NJ = 11.8 lbs.
MN = 8.9 lbs
SD = 9.3 lbs
ND = 8.4 lbs
You feed, feed feed, them and give them constant high quality water year round they will grow beyond your expectations.
Northern largemouth bass will grow to really big sizes if they are not over crowded, and always have easy to get high quality food, food, food. One of our Forum Monitors Bruce Conello has proven this in his Nebraska quarry. Maybe a forum member can post a picture of one of Bruce's hand fed big LMB. I need some help here moderators.
If one is concerned about bass catchability and their tendency to become hook smart ,,, I would not use any Florida bass genetics in a pond that has a northern latitude or central USA such as KY. IMO Florida LMB genetics in a fish for their best survival and ability to grow big fast relies heavily on them having a long growing season with water above 50F plus an UNLIMITED amount of food during all year even when they decide to have an EASY snack in water below 50F. The above state record fish show that big bass over 8 lbs do not need Florida genetics and they are less prone to becoming hook smart. Hook smart fish of any species is a definite concern for pond owners.
Last edited by Bill Cody; 08/11/25 08:00 PM.
