Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Pictures of Georgia Giant

I should have started this thread before posting the pics to another thread, I was just a little over excited that I got them to transfer. Anyway I posted two pics of "bubba" the record GG on the original GG post. As I stated on that post, I have hundreds of slides that Ken got out of the bank vault this morning (as well as a signed affidavit from DNR and other witness's on "Bubba") showing various sizes and ages of GG. I will get some of these slides made into photos (help me Wal-Mart?), and then I will post them on this thread.
Hopefully everyone will be able to see then that this fish is indeed a fine fish.

Deb

Even in Texas, those would have to be considered some big BG. I'll bet that kid was one happy fisherman!

Most of the slides were too old and dark for the transfer, but I do have a few good pictures that we took at Expo that came through (thank you Wal-Mart). We will catch some more this weekend for weight, age, and length to post here.
Everyone please understand something. It was mentioned on the original GG post (page 6-7) that I was a salesperson, and that the post reeked of a sales pitch.
I beg for rescue on this one. I don't believe I have tried to sell anything. We were asked to come onto this forum to discuss and defend a fish that has been under scrutiny for a long time. For years we were unable to post our stand on our product because we were unaware of the negative opinions being generated here. That is all I have done. If we never sell a fish off this forum that would be fine, as long as everyone realizes the truth about the GG. That truth was my intention from the first post, and I have not changed my stand or goals on that. I am a biologist, not a salesperson, who is simply asking for open-mindedness from the forum. Nothing else!

Deb


As stated above, this was a fish we took to an agricultural expo in Moultrie, Ga. He weighed in at 25 oz and was stocked 1 year 4 months (and a few days) prior to being hooked and placed in the tank.
Thank you all again for allowing me to share my views and opinions on this forum, and for allowing me to defend "Bubba" and his kinfolk .

That's an impressive fish. Deb, how far north have you had success with GG's? Do they have any difficulty tolerating extended periods of cold water?

Deb, is it correct to assume that the horizontal photo's fish is 14" long, and then about 7" high?

Great pictures. I'm struck by the dark colors of the GG (in addition, of course, to the obvious size). Is that typical or do they, like LMB, adapt colors to their surroundings?

By the way, you stated "I am a biologist, not a salesperson, who is simply asking for open-mindedness from the forum. Nothing else!"

I'm sure you realize there are some people who you can ask 'till the cows come home, but they will never be openminded. Most on here are not like that...skeptical, yes, wanting proof, yes, but most are not closedminded. A few may make it seem that way, but it isn't generally true, in my opinion.

Bruce we have stocked ponds in Indiana and Illinois with great success. I had a customer a while back from up there that had stocked GG's 4 years prior and had already caught a 4 1/2 pounder. The Northern US has a shorter growing period than the south, but I am sure with good water quality and supplemental feed (aeration also a bonus) there would be no problems. In fact I personally have only had one really upset customer, and he was from Cape Girardeau, Mich. He lost most of his fish, but his pond was only 3 foot deep, and it completely iced over (he used no type of aeration).
We have actually had such good luck up in that area that we had to set up a dealer. Water temp. does not appear to have an effect as long as you have good depth and oxygen (like any other fish).

Sunil that is correct. I was not around when the pic was taken, but I have seen ones in direct comparision with this one (we go to Expo with fish every year). Also you will notice the ruler is backwards but remember that these pics were transferred from slides so the pics are backwards.
By the way that is the same fish in each pic, just from a different angle.

Deb

Deb,

Sorry to ask a dumb question, but what is "Expo"?, when, where is it? and can an average pond meister attend?

ML- They do vary slightly in color mostly due to the genetic pool they come from (several differnt fish combined) but this is a very accurate specimen. Water quality and sex effect coloring in about every fish, as well as there is shadowing (in the pic) from the camera.
And you are correct about the forum. I have felt welcomed by most members here, and have learned a ton about aquatic biology. I just don't want to in anyway misrespresent the reason we came on board here. Selling just is not my thing!

Thanks to everyone,

Deb

The Expo is an agricultural fair held every year in Moultrie, Ga. Exhibitors come from all over the United States to present new products in the agriculture field. Everything from farm equipment and fish to deer hunting and food can be found at the Expo. It runs three days (Oct. 18-19), and is open to the public. My first two years of college were at ABAC in Tifton. I was president of the show choir, and we performed both years. What a blast? Exhibitors are added every year, and fun is to be had by all.

Deb

Where in Michigan did the disgruntled gentleman come from? Cape Girardeau is in Missouri, not Michigan. Where is the dealer you set up located in michigan? Some of the Hybrid Bluegill I stocked in my pond are very dark in color and have gotten quite large in just 2 years.

Sorry, I was typing too fast. Missouri is correct. The dealer I referenced to in the North is in Muncie, Ill. He is gonna try to cover Indiana, Illinois, and Kentucky if he can.
Sorry again about the state mix-up!

Deb

Deb - You have a good start in some new fish photos. Your efforts this week-end should be beneficial for measurments and fresh fish photos. Keep up your good efforts.