Many PB forum members are aware of my interest in introducing Hybrid Striped Bass into smaller Texas farm ponds, instead of the traditional recommended stocking of Large Mouth Bass, eliminating the intensive management problems required to keep LMB populations under control.
From the beginning of the search for an answer to pursue my HSB goals, I discovered Todd Overton of Overton Fisheries to be interested and willing to take the business risks to accomplish this goal.
At my urging and persuasion, Todd agreed to develop a hatchery program for the culture and propagation of hybrid striped bass.
2005 Expermental HSB Hatchery Program:
Our first attempt on this program in March 2005 resulted in a setback that resulted in intensive research and experiments to insure success in 2006.
We were aware that the state hatcheries used the traditional striped bass x white bass, known as the Palmetto HSB, and later learned that the commercial producers used the reciprocal white bass x striped bass hybrid, known as the Sunshine HSB.
This process is now recognized as a standard for commercial producers due the recognition of stress factor of female striped bass, whereas female white bass have a much greater tolerance for stress.
2006 Experimental HSB Hatchery Program:
March 7, 2006, twelve (12) male Striped Bass and four (4) White Bass were collected by hook and line from Lake Texoma, and transported to Overton Fisheries hatchery and fish farm at Buffalo, Texas to begin the hatching process.
The following week weather conditions deteriorated to near freezing temperature, delaying the program until water temps improved.
Water temps moderated to optimum 65 degrees F on Monday April 3, 2006, and the fish were injected with the required hormones to induce ovulation, and white bass eggs were stripped and fertilized with striped bass milt on the evening of Tuesday April 4, 2006.
Very little information regarding the white bass x striped bass has been published, therefore striped bass ovulation stage photos were used for microscopic egg development analysis. Striped bass x white bass documents ovulation up to 36 hrs after hormone injection.
Eggs developed to 15 hr stage with no further development, and fresh white bass females were collected from Lake Limestone on April 5th and injected with fresh hormones.
The male stripers remain in good condition.
Progress Report
03-12-06
Todd Overton:
�We had some fungus on eggs, but treated them today. One other female ripened overnight and was so dang full of overripe eggs that we could have filled the farm had we been ready at the right time.
Our problem here with the hatchery is and may always be that we are extremely busy with fish orders and deliveries, farm management, and hatchery stuff all at the same time.�
Timing of the ovulation and fertilization process is very difficult to determine and is based largely on experience.
It is a matter of hours and sometimes minutes for success to be achieved.
The rest of the story will follow.
George Glazener
