Thanks for the replies and more welcome; the more the merrier. Temperature definitely seems to be a major factor in HSB survival and growth. There are some folks in Texas who are pushing them to pond owners claiming they will be the repalcement for LMB, can easily grow to 8 to 10 pounds in Texas ponds, and can be maintained easily at 1000 pounds of fish per acre.

I'm just trying to gather data to find out what the real story is and appreciate each response.

One somewhat redeeming characteristic is that they will not reproduce in ponds. Hence, their numbers can easily be controlled. Thanks.