Effects of Color, Mesh Size, Fishing in Seasonal Concentrations, and Baiting on Catch Rates of Fishes in Gill Nets

Abstract

Abstract Increasing efficiency of gear to catch more fish per unit of effort and to catch species and sizes selectively are inherent objectives in fishery research, population control, and commercial fishing. Color and mesh sizes of gill nets, fishing in seasonal concentrations of fishes, and baiting gill nets were tested to identify single and combined factors which enhance efficiency of nets for a variety of objectives in Elephant Butte Lake, New Mexico. Catch rates of one to five species of game, forage, and commercial fishes were significantly different (P < 0.10) in nets of any of nine colors than they were in white nets. Seasonal differences occurred between multifilament and monofilament nets. Stretch-meshes ranging from 5.1 to 15.2 cm were selective for all species and the three groups of fishes. Selectivity changed linearly in 10.2-, 12.7-, and 15.2-cm meshes; catches of commercial fish increased and those of game and forage fishes decreased with increasing mesh size. Concentrations of several sp...