Influence of Angler Behavior on White Bass Catch Rates and Exploitation in Kansas Reservoirs

Abstract

We used a postcard survey in conjunction with a tagging study to document catch-and-release statistics on Kansas fisheries of white bass Morone chrysops for 3 years in five Kansas reservoirs. The incidence of catch-and-release angling was high (53%). Differences in angler behavior types were evident in that harvest rates differed between anglers that harvested tagged fish and those that released tagged fish. Anglers that harvested tagged fish harvested 78% of their white bass catch; anglers who released the tagged fish harvested 20% of their catch. Anglers who harvested tagged fish averaged 23 white bass per trip, and harvest rates averaged 15 white bass per trip. Anglers who released tagged white bass averaged 26 white bass per trip, and harvest rates averaged 5 white bass per trip. Exploitation rates that considered fish harvested when they were actually released were significantly greater than exploitation rates adjusted for catch-and-release angling. The results from this study substantiate high catch rates for white bass but refute the occurrence of high exploitation of white bass in Kansas reservoirs and show that failing to adjust for catch-and-release angling can overestimate exploitation estimates.