Economics of Fingerling Production Largemouth bass fingerling production can be profitable if markets are available. Most fingerlings from private hatcheries are sold to private lakes and fishing clubs. Competition from public hatcheries limits markets in some states. Some producers market bass wholesale to fingerling distributors. Wholesale arrangements must be made in advance if all the production cannot be sold retail in a short period of time.
Production costs vary with the techniques used.
Bass production is normally only a part of a sportfish fingerling operation. Costs must be prorated among species to estimate return on investment. Market success and price largely determine profitability. Equipment costs are prorated for a 20-acre sportfish fingerling operation. This technique gives variable results but is usually successful using minimal labor and technology.