THE MOST PRACTICAL METHOD OF MASS-PRODUCING BASS FINGERLINGS UP TO A TOTAL LENGTH OF 4 INCHES (10 CM) IS TO STOCK SMALL BASS OF AN APPROPRIATE SIZE INTO PREPARED REARING PONDS AT A DENSITY GOVERNED BY THE SIZE BEING REARED. FRY CAN BE PRODUCED IN A SPAWNING POND UNDER THE CARE OF THE PARENT FISH OR OBTAINED BY USE OF A SPECIALIZED TECHNIQUE CONTROLLED BY THE FISH CULTURIST. BEYOND A SIZE OF 4 INCHES, ARTIFICIAL FEEDING IN EITHER A POND OR RACEWAY ENVIRONMENT SEEMS MORE FEASIBLE FOR PRODUCTION OF LARGE NUMBERS OF FISH. GROWTH AND MAINTENANCE OF HATCHERY BROOD STOCK IS COMMONLY DONE WITH A FORAGE FISH RATION, AND PROBABLY IS THE BEST APPROACH FOR MOST HATCHERIES. HOWEVER, THERE ARE ADVANTAGES TO USING AN ARTIFICIAL FEED WHICH COULD MAKE THIS PROCEDURE WORTHWHILE IN MANY SITUATIONS. ADDITIONAL RESEARCH APPEARS TO BE NEEDED IN THE INTENSIVE CULTURE OF LARGE-MOUTH BASS TO INCREASE SUCCESS IN FEEDING THE SMALLEST SIZE FRY ARTIFICIALLY. A STUDY OF METHODS FOR REARING ADULT BASS IN LARGE NUMBERS ON ARTIFICIAL FOOD ALSO IS NEEDED. WITH THESE EXCEPTIONS, IT APPEARS THAT EXISTING HATCHERY TECHNOLOGY HAS THE CAPABILITY TO MEET ANY REASONABLE DEMAND FOR BLACK BASS OF ANY SIZE, PROVIDED THAT FACILITIES, FUNDS, AND MANPOWER ARE MADE AVAILABLE.