Effects of Bait Composition and of Water Temperature on Harvestability of Crawfish Baits

Abstract

The effects of water temperature and bait composition on harvestability of crawfish, "Procambarus" spp., baits were evaluated. Eleven experimental baits, a commercial bait, and gizzard shad, "Dorosoma cepedianum," were compared in six 2-ha experimental ponds. Baits were randomly placed into two-funnel stand-up traps two consecutive days each week for 15 weeks (240 trap-sets/bait). When the water was less than 7°C, catch was low, regardless of bait formulation, and shad was most effective. At 7.1-14°C, a significantly greater weight of crawfish per trap set were caught with shad than with formulated baits, except the bait containing 10% fish solubles and 25% menhaden meal. At 14.1-21°C, five of the experimental baits and the manufactured bait caught significantly (P < 0.05) more numbers of crawfish than did shad (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference (P > 0.05) in weight of crawfish caught among six experimental baits, the commerical bait, and shad. Crawfish catch at 14.1-21°C increased with increasing amounts of menhaden meal and fish solubles in the bait. A 21.1-25°C, shad caught fewer numbers of crawfish than any other bait. Shad is more effective bait at water temperatures up to 14°C. Manufactured baits can be used at temperatures above 14°C. At water temperatures above 21°C, the amount of expensive attractants in baits can be reduced without sacrificing a loss in bait effectiveness.