JR :

Many things effect growth rates. Water quality and fertility as well as forage base are critical to growing LMB. In southern waters Fla. LMB have a longer life span and female Fla. LMB grow bigger and faster after age 2. Before age 2 the data is mixed. Male Flas. do not grow larger and are proportionally smaller than northern males. F1s (crosses between the 2 ) are called intergrades and can also grow larger than northerns. The state records in the deep south states I am aware of are all Fla. or intergrades (Miss., Ga., La., Fla., Tex., Cal. ?Ala.).

The why is genetics. The differences are noticeable over time. You have not ask about catchability of Fla. LMB which can be a problem. Fla. LMB are harder to get to bite artificial baits than northerns. That is why some stock F1s. while others will stock a combo of all 3. See the link below.


http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=001994;p=2