Greetings all. I follow these threads, usually every two or three days, when not on the road. I post to answer specific questions, or keep things in order, if I deem it necessary.
One of my favorite aspects of our site is the difference of opinions. My post was in response to two things. First, the stocking rates, in my opinion, are excessive. Second, the offer to send catalogs sent my antenna up. That's it, nothing more.
It's obvious Deb's intelligience level is high, and her ability to communicate it is exceptional, also.
Deb, you are welcome on this site. Personally, I like the variations in opinions. Seems everyone has one, and can support it. As Martha Stewart might say, "That's a good thing." At the same time, when I saw the general stocking rates, I was compelled to refute them. That's all. If they work for you, and have for forty-odd years, go get 'em. I've personally been a fisheries biologist and lake manager for twenty-six years. I spend my time with individual clients all over the nation,designing lakes, creating individual management strategies, then helping them buy and stock different species of fish from different hatcheries around the United States, and have formed different opinions on what works, and what doesn't.
I am not opposed to hybrid sunfish. I see them as a tool. Many different hatcheries advertise them and sell them. Since Ken's fish are a proprietary genetic blend, I can't defend or refute them. I simply don't know, and the scientist in me wonders how much of that is marketing and how much is biology, kind of like the "tiger bass" trademark. Capitalists are always looking for an angle. I look for results for my clients. All I know is, hybrid sunfish on the general market fit a well defined niche. They don't grow to five pounds. The ones I have seen over the years will grow beyond 3/4 pound, and some even get to 1 1/2 pounds. An exceptional fish pushes two. That's what I have seen, that's what I can talk about.
I welcome Deb's input, and her intellect. Conflicting opinions are great, honestly. It's how we all grow, and how we all learn. Heck, if everyone agreed, we wouldn't have this site. Meadowlark, I will always welcome opinions. At the same time, I am in charge of this site and will take charge when I see fit. I saw fit.
Bill Duggan, I don't think any differently now about hybrid sunfish than I did before these posts. I see them as a niche fish. If Deb's and Ken's fish are better, that's great. My knowledge and understanding of their fish is the same now as it was yesterday and the day before. Ken's Fish Hatchery has filled a niche in the stocking business, and their clientele, as everyone's tends to be, is loyal.
I respect that.
What works for Bill Duggan fits directly with the suppliers he chooses. What fits for Ken's and Deb's company matches their clients. Same for me.
It's healthy, it's business, and personally, I like it.
Deb, let me be as clear as I can. Your posts are refreshing, thoughtful and well spoken. You bring points not brought before on this site. I think it's great. Just don't openly try to sell anything. It's as simple as that. Stay on, read on, post on. You are welcome here.
And, if I disagree with stocking rates, or anything else, with anyone on this site, I will raise the point, then give my opinion, and everyone can take it or leave it. Heck, it's your pond.
The most exciting thing about all this is the fact a wide variety of thinking brings people "out of the box." Too many people get lodged into what I call "definite opinions" and the learning curve dwindles. Not with this website.
Bring it on, everyone.
