We raise Hybrid Bluegill (male Bluegill x female Green Sunfish) and have not observed them reverting to Green Sunfish. If the broodstock is not pure, it is certainly possible that it could happen. We commonly see F1 Hybrid Bluegill producing stunted offspring that usually become bass food. The problem is that if you cross a F1 generation with a F2 generation, who knows what you're going to get. Therefore, we only recommend stocking them in a situation where bass keep them in check. This works well in small ponds that are managed properly for catch and release fishing. They also work well along with bass at controlling nuisance populations, like goldfish, carp, bullheads, et cetera because they really go after fish fry.
Hybrid Bluegill are definitely not right for every situation. We always go over the pros & cons with the customer before they purchase the fish (details are listed in the fish stocking section of our web site & catalog). We probably have a 50/50 ratio of Bluegill to Hybrid Bluegill production/sales. Did I read right that 30,000 per acre were recommended?? We normally go with 500 per acre in the correct situation.
Mike Robinson
Keystone Hatcheries
