Edge’s Aquatic Services, a family-owned fish hatchery and pond management farm based in Middle Georgia, is proud to unveil a new generation of sport fish for the region: F1 Largemouth Oxbow Bass. These selectively bred bass are designed to deliver exceptional growth, survival, and performance for freshwater lakes and ponds.

In the world of pond management, growth metrics like these are rare. But that’s exactly what happened when Edge’s Aquatic Services stocked a client’s pond with their F1 Largemouth Oxbow Bass fingerlings in July 2024. The fish, averaging just 4.5 inches at the time, were recently weighed and measured during a follow-up electrofishing survey conducted on April 4, 2025. Less than nine months later, no Oxbow Bass were found weighing less than a pound and measuring between 13-14 inches long. Among the standout results were a 14-inch bass weighing 1 lb 14 oz, a 13.5-inch bass weighing 1 lb 9 oz, and a 13-inch bass weighing 1 lb 6 oz.

“These results are just the beginning,” said Keith Edge, owner of Edge’s Aquatic Services. “When you pair top-tier genetics with proper pond management, you're going to get fish that not only survive—they thrive. It’s incredibly rewarding to see fish grow this quickly in real-world conditions.”

But what exactly is an Oxbow Bass, and why should pond owners care? Oxbow Bass are a premium F1 Largemouth Bass hybrid, which results in a fast-growing, aggressive, and hardy sport fish that adapts well to freshwater lakes and ponds. They are named after oxbow lakes—those crescent-shaped water bodies formed when rivers change course—because they are well-suited for the fluctuating environments that mimic these natural systems.

“The genetics we use are selectively chosen for their rapid growth, aggressive feeding tendencies, and overall resilience in freshwater environments,” said Ethan Edge, Keith’s son and owner of Edge’s Pond Management. “Oxbow Bass are ideal for landowners who want sportfish that perform without needing intensive intervention.”

Whether you’re managing a recreational pond, a homestead water system, or a trophy fishing lake, bass are a vital part of the ecosystem. Bass act as apex predators in freshwater systems. They help regulate forage fish populations like bluegill, preventing stunted growth and population imbalance. Without a top predator, many ponds quickly develop an overpopulation of small, undernourished forage fish, leading to poor water quality, lower biodiversity, and a frustrating fishing experience. A properly managed bass population creates what biologists call a balanced pond—a self-sustaining ecosystem where both predator and prey fish populations thrive. This balance not only produces healthier fish but also supports overall water quality by controlling species that disturb sediment or contribute to algae blooms. In simpler terms: If you want a healthy, clear pond with big fish and lots of biodiversity, you need bass.

Stocking a pond with high-quality bass isn’t just about choosing any Largemouth—it’s about choosing the right Largemouth. Oxbow Bass thrive in controlled environments because they’ve been bred for high performance. We emphasize fast growth, excellent feed conversion, and robust survival in private pond or lake settings. But stocking fish is only the first step.

“To really get the most out of your pond, you need a plan,” said Keith Edge. “That’s where we come in.” Edge’s Aquatic Services provides much more than fish. The farm offers customized stocking plans, electrofishing surveys, habitat installation, and long-term consultation. Each plan is tailored to the pond owner’s goals, whether that’s growing trophy bass, increasing biodiversity, or simply improving water quality. The farm is also committed to education. Through free consultations and online resources, Edge’s Aquatic aims to help more people understand the biology behind pond management—something often overlooked by new pond owners.

“There’s a lot of misinformation out there,” said Ethan. “We want to simplify pond management and make it accessible. You don’t need to be a biologist to have a thriving pond—you just need the right support.”