I was reading on another post that one fellow tff'er doesn't keep hybrids because they don't reproduce....reading that brought the question to my mind " is it good management/sportsmanship to keep hybrids"?

My take on the situation is this. I've read and been told that hybrids grow very fast in most healthy lakes here in Texas, topping out in size in 4-6years. I've also learned that because of their fast growth rate they don't have much of a life span, About 7-8years. This being said.....in my opinion I think its just fine to keep large "22+inch" hybrids. My thinking is why not keep them because they are gonna die in a couple of years anyway! I release most of the other large adult species such as catfish and crappie "yes even crappie!!". I only keep what we will eat that year and try my best to never throw out fish that's been in the freezer.

What is yalls opinion on the subject?

I didn't post this question to argue a point or to say my way of thinking is the only way of thinking. The bottom line for myself is, as long as your not wasteful or breaking the law I can't say you are in right or wrong!

Catch'M all return the Hybrids. Want a fish fry, keep sandbass. I bet no1 on the forum can tell the difference between fri'D sandbass vs fri'D hybrids.

Wait til your favorite lake does not get re-stocked for 2-3 years because the State has no $$$$. You will have a sand bass lake.

Sand bass lake just no fun...

lakesteak... i think you said it right.. i agree with you!

I bet you can't tell the difference between blackened redfish and blackened hybrid either. We only keep what we'll eat but I never feel bad putting the knife to one. TPW calls them a put-and-take fishery.

I release most all hybrids and stripers. With that said, I don't mind keeping a few for family or friends.

I have no issues with someone keeping hybrids however, I don't. They are great fun to catch but for taste you can't beat a 11-13 inch sandie. Hybrids just are not as tasty to me. Then again I have never had a redfish prepared to my liking either.

For the most part, release them all and spend more time fishing! My opinion is that if you are going to keep fish, keep sand bass. Hybrids are too much of a bloody mess. Why not let the bigger hybrids have the chance to reach the 10 pound mark like they are capable of if they are CPR'd.

I think the biggest factor is the time of year as related to the heat and water conditions. throwing back stripers and hybrids in the heat of the summer is pointless, i can't tell you how many i have seen release stripers and hybrids floating dead a few hours after they've been caught. it is sad but a true fact. you can practice catch and release in the cooler water months but as for summer time keep them. just my 2 cents good luck clete

I try to take it easy on young fish....And encourage letting go of fish under 20 inches or so. We have seen some 7-8 pounders lately, They are usually kept, as LS said they are getting up there in years.

I agree with SuperDuck on this one. Lake Palestine
went a long time between stockings a few years ago,
Hybrids got scarce quick.

If you are going to keep some, I would suggest keeping
barely legal. You just never know which fish might
grow in to a fish of a lifetime. The 8 lb fish has a huge
headstart on the four lb fish.


MO

Hybrids are best to eat when they are fresh. When they have been frozen the meat gets alittle rubbery of tuffer. I cook alot on the gril or in the oven. Realy good!
Its better to put catfish,crappie and white bass in the freezer for fish fry's

By the way the state record is 19+ lbs so don't think they want grow BIG.

This is very true! I advise people that the sooner they eat them the better they are...

I've always thought, if licensed fishermen taking a legal limit threatens a fishery, then the limits need revising. So keep your limit if you are so inclined.

On the other hand, in my experience, hybrids don't taste quite so good as sandies even fresh. Plus which, they have a tendency to go belly up in the livewell so you need a big cooler.

Myself, if I catch sandbass and hybrids I release the hybrids. If it's just hybrids biting, I don't mind bringing a couple home for the table.