Fish Angler Research Articles

Influence of Largemouth Bass Behaviors, Angler Behaviors, and Environmental Conditions on Fishing Tournament Capture Success

AbstractTournament anglers typically possess extensive knowledge of the habitat and seasonal movement of their targeted species. While fish–angler behavioral relationships are critical to understanding fish catchability, few studies have assessed how fish behavior influences their vulnerability to capture by tournament anglers. Our objectives were to determine if Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides behavior, angler behavior, and environmental conditions affect tournament angler catch rate (CPUE) and Largemouth Bass capture probability at fishing tournaments. Forty‐nine Largemouth Bass were tracked weekly using radiotelemetry during a 4‐month period. Five tournament anglers were also selected at weekly tournament events and tracked continuously using a handheld GPS unit. We quantified individual Largemouth Bass behaviors (home range, weekly movement rate, depth use, and spatial overlap with anglers), angler behaviors (depth use, angler movement rate), and environmental conditions (air and water temperature) and used these estimates as covariates in a multiple regression model to assess their effects on tournament CPUE and then used a multistate mark–recapture model to estimate Largemouth Bass capture probability at tournaments. Our results indicate that Largemouth Bass movement rate, angler fishing depth, and air temperature were highly correlated to tournament angler CPUE. Mark–recapture models also indicated that air temperature and angler–fish overlap were positively associated with Largemouth Bass capture probability while fish total length, home range, movement rate, and depth use were not successful in characterizing individual variation in capture probability. Our results indicate that Largemouth Bass that are encountered by anglers are more likely to be captured, whereas mismatches between angler and Largemouth Bass behavioral factors, including depth use and movement rates, may result in decreased tournament capture rates. Consideration and continued evaluation of the relationships between Largemouth Bass and angler behaviors and environmental variables is critical to fisheries management as tournament pressure paired with high capture probabilities and selective angling can have large‐scale population‐level impacts.

Segmentation of Mississippi’s natural and artificial lakes

Miranda L, Bull L, Colvin M, Hubbard W, Pugh L. 2018. Segmentation of Mississippi’s natural and artificial lakes. Lake Reserv Manage. 34:376–391.Segmentations divide a diverse resource into groups, or segments, based on distinctive attributes that may respond similarly to management actions. A 4-way segmentation based on lake origin (natural or artificial) and size (small or large) was constructed for Mississippi lakes using a 30 yr data set. We aimed to document elements distinguishing these segments to understand relationships among them and to seek insight into lake management that may be apparent at the segment scale but not at the lake scale. Analyses pinpointed differences among the 4 segments relative to nutrient levels, fish assemblage composition, fishery characteristics, angler catch, and fishery management objectives. In general, most artificial lakes were eutrophic, varied widely relative to species composition depending on whether they impounded small or large rivers, their fish assemblages could be heavily influenced by stocking, provided principally centrarchid fisheries, and the management focus was on angler harvest. Most natural lakes were hypereutrophic, included higher species richness, provided a greater diversity of fisheries, and the management focus was on fish populations and habitat. Fishing success was similar across segments. The group-wise differences substantiate the segmentation and bring into focus a new level of concepts not typically relevant when considering lakes in isolation, such as issues about lake quantities, similarities, and geographical distributions. The segmentation represents the framework needed for considering lakes as parts of a larger and interactive management system.

When plenty is not enough: an assessment of the white stumpnose (Rhabdosargus globiceps) fishery of Saldanha Bay, South Africa

White stumpnose Rhabdosargus globiceps is the main target of the linefishery in Saldanha Bay. Increased fishing pressure over the last three decades, particularly by the recreational sector, has led to concerns regarding sustainability of the local white stumpnose stock. The fishery was exceptionally productive between 2006 and 2008, with an estimated annual catch of 141.2 tonnes (t). Only 3% of boat outings surveyed were commercial boats targeting white stumpnose, yet this sector accounted for 39.3 t (31%) of the average annual catch. The recreational boat sector accounted for most of the catch (70.0 t), and the recreational shore sector the least (31.9 t). Commercial boat catch per unit effort (CPUE; 3.7 fish angler–1 h–1) was more than 10 times that of recreational boats (0.3 fish angler–1 h–1). White stumpnose catch length-frequency differed significantly (p < 0.01) between the fishing sectors, with the commercial sector retaining larger fish (34.7 cm [SD 5.9]) than the recreational boat (33.9 cm [SD 5.9]) and shore (30.4 cm [SD 5.8]) sectors. A decline in commercial CPUE (2000–2015) of approximately 40% and a concomitant severe decline (>95%) in survey data for juvenile white stumpnose CPUE (2007–2016) indicate that the current rate of exploitation is not sustainable. Recovery of the white stumpnose stock will require a decrease in fishing mortality. Possible management regulations include sector-specific effort limitations, extending the ‘no take’ marine protected area, reducing the recreational-sector bag limit to 5 fish person–1 day–1, implementing a commercial-sector bag limit, and increasing the minimum size limit to 30 cm TL.

An assessment of participation, catch and effort in the KwaZulu-Natal shore-based marine linefishery, with comments on management effectiveness

The primary purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of current management of the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) shore-based marine linefishery. Methods used included a stratified-random creel survey and an associated questionnaire survey. The study was undertaken between February 2009 and January 2010. Total participation ranged between 41 283 and 68 087 shore-anglers. Results show that there has been little change in participation in the KZN shore-fishery since 1994–1996. In contrast, total angler effort (779 382–843 702 angler-days y−1) has decreased substantially over the past 13 years. Overall catch per unit effort (CPUE) for the KZN shore-linefishery amounted to 0.18 ± 0.3 fish angler−1 h−1 or 0.07 ± 0.13 kg angler−1 h−1. In all, 84 fish species, belonging to 39 families, were recorded in catches of shore-anglers during the study period. Only five species accounted for 75% of the catch recorded along the coast (Sarpa salpa 34.8%, Pomatomus saltatrix 14.7%, Diplodus capensis 14.5%, Pomadasys olivaceum 6.5% and Rhabdosargus holubi 4.9%). The total annual catch for the KZN shore-linefishery was estimated between 249.2 and 276.7 t y−1 (or 636 589–706 995 fish y−1). Analysis of overall CPUE, catch composition and total catch in the shore-based linefishery of KZN suggested that it is currently in a relatively stable condition and that little change has occurred over the past 13 years. However, comparisons of species-specific CPUE values from this study with recent literature suggest that some species (e.g. Argyrosomus japonicus) are severely overexploited. Over the past few decades there seems to have been a gradual transition in landings from long-lived, high trophic-level, piscivorous fish (e.g. A. japonicus) to more short-lived, low trophic-level species (e.g. S. salpa). The results therefore suggest that present exploitation levels may not be sustainable for certain slow-growing, long-lived fish species. Current management regulations appear to have limited effectiveness based on poor angler compliance and knowledge of the regulations. In this regard, it is important to consider alternate management measures that may offer more effective protection to fish and at the same time be more easily understood by all anglers in the linefishery. Recommendations for improved management and the importance of the establishment of an effective MPA network are briefly discussed.

The ichthyofauna in the Port of Ngqura, South Africa

This study provides one of the first quantitative assessments of a fish community within a pre-operational deep-water port system. Between September 2006 and September 2007 a total of 4 559 fish, representing 47 species and 27 different families, were caught within the Port of Ngqura, Africa's deepest port, in 1 713 h of shore-angling (2.3 fish angler−1 h−1) and 239 h of boat-based angling (2.8 fish angler−1 h−1). Catches included species representative of both estuarine and shore fisheries. The majority (83.0%) of species caught were marine and most were less than size-at-50% maturity (71.4%). The most abundantly caught species were dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus (25.5%), elf Pomatomus saltatrix (24.9%), garrick Lichia amia (17.7%) and dusky sharks Carcharhinus obscurus (10.7%). Fish assemblages differed significantly (p < 0.05) between three habitats within the port: Dolosse, Quay Wall and Sandy Shore. The Dolosse habitat supported the greatest abundance (3.1 fish angler−1 h−1) and diversity (43) of fish species. The Port of Ngqura is thus functioning as an important habitat for both juvenile and adult fish. The diversity and abundance of fish suggests the potential use of ports and other artificial structures for enhancing local fisheries in South Africa.

Using baseline biological and ecological information to design a Traffic Light Precautionary Management Framework for leerfish Lichia amia (Linnaeus 1758) in southern Angola

The coastline of southern Angola is sparsely populated and, largely because of a protracted civil war, has very lightly exploited inshore fish stocks. This has provided the almost unprecedented opportunity to determine prefishing-state reference points and to implement management strategies at the early stages of exploitation. The leerfish Lichia amia is distributed from the Mediterranean Sea, along the west coast of Africa to the southern and eastern coasts of South Africa. Despite its importance in recreational catches in South Africa and Angola, there is little information on the biology of this species. The leerfish is one of the three most dominant recreational shore-fishery species in southern Angola, and a biological study on the species was conducted in that region between May 2005 and December 2006. The mean length of captured fish was 767 mm fork length (FL) and 6.8 kg, and the catch per unit effort was 0.13 fish angler−1 h−1 and 0.79 kg angler−1 h−1. The growth of the leerfish population (in mm) was described by: L t = 1 137(1 − e0.22(t + 1.58)), and its total mortality was estimated to be 0.41 (±0.05). Female mortality (0.40 ± 0.06) was lower than that for males (0.44 ± 0.14), and the length and age-at-50% maturity was 623 mm FL and 2.4 years respectively. Female fish with ripe ovaries were found between June and November. The male:female ratio was 1:1.9. Leerfish fed exclusively on fish, mainly sardinella Sardinella aurita (62% frequency of occurrence). Based on this biological information, a theoretical Traffic Light Precautionary Management Framework is constructed for the species. Appropriate management regulations and potential future threats to the species are discussed.

Few fish but many fishers: a case study of shore-based recreational angling in a major South African estuarine port

Richards Bay is a subtropical estuary that has been extensively dredged to accommodate one of Africa's largest commercial ports. In the non-commercial areas of the harbour, shore-based angling is a popular recreational activity, but little is known about the anglers or their catches. Using a roving creel survey over 12 months, 3 765 shore-anglers were checked for catch and fishing effort information and a further 603 shore-anglers were interviewed using a detailed questionnaire. Fishing effort was higher on weekends (119 anglers per count) than during the week (37 anglers per count). The total annual fishing effort expended by shore-anglers in Richards Bay Harbour was estimated to be 69 064 angler-outings. Mean catch per unit effort was very low at only 0.064 fish angler−1 h−1 or 0.030 kg angler−1 h−1, and total retained catch was estimated to be about 8.5 t y−1. Although 78% of the total catch was released (because the fish were undesirable species or too small), Pomadasys commersonnii (23%) was the most commonly targeted and retained species. The questionnaire survey indicated that anglers made an average of 38.7 fishing outings per year. Most participants in the fishery were employed in port-related industries and their annual expenditure in terms of bait, travel and equipment was considerable. They indicated that recreation was the primary motivation for their fishing trips and the high numbers of adult females and children recorded during the survey confirmed the importance of the harbour as a recreational asset for the community. Several considerations pertinent to continued sustainability of the fishery and management thereof are discussed.

Assessment of the charter-boat fishery in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

The South African KwaZulu-Natal charter-boat fishery was assessed by means of a socio-economic questionnaire survey and catch inspections during the period August 2003–November 2004. In all, 38 charter operators were interviewed and 135 catch inspections undertaken. Of a total of 79 species recorded caught, Chrysoblephus puniceus (34%), Lethrinus nebulosus (16%), Cheimerius nufar (14%) and Chrysoblephus anglicus (11%) dominated the catch numerically. Surveyed average catch rates for the charter fishery (0.91 fish angler−1 h−1 and 1.43 kg angler−1 h−1) in the KwaZulu-Natal province were almost three times higher than the recreational boatbased fishery, but less than the commercial linefishery in that region. Participation and total annual effort of the charter fishery was calculated to be 96 participating boats, undertaking 6 800 outings y−1. Total annual catch in the fishery was estimated to be 281–296 t, approximately 15–17% of the province's total linefishing catch. Charter fishing was not a viable option as a sole source of income. Income levels per operator were low at <R60 000 per annum, and there was evidence of participants subsidising their operations from alternative sources of income. Economic input by the fishery is large, with some R50 million having been invested by operators in fixed assets and a cumulative annual expenditure of about R9 million on operating expenses.

Assessment of recreational boat-angling in a large estuarine embayment in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

An access point study was conducted from June 2002 to May 2003 to collect fishing effort, catch, catch composition and socio-economic information from the recreational estuarine boat-fishery in Richards Bay Harbour on the east coast of South Africa. An estimated 10 977 individual angler-outings were undertaken annually by 1 497 anglers during the study period. Numerically, retained catches were dominated by spotted grunter Pomatomus saltatrix, rockcod Epinephelus andersoni and stumpnose Rhabdosargus sarba. By mass, the most dominant species were pike conger Muraenesox bagio, dusky shark Carcharhinus obscurus and E. andersoni. The prevalence of marine species reflects the marine nature of the estuary, although many estuarine species also occurred in the catches. Catch rates were low, at 0.08 fish angler−1 h−1 or 0.11kg angler−1 h−1. The total annual retained catch was estimated at 3 827 fish with a mass of 5 355kg. Total annual expenditure on boat-angling in the harbour is estimated at R6 million, and together with the high proportion of local anglers, this underlines the importance of the estuarine fishery both socially and economically to residents of the uMhlathuze Municipality. Although there is a high presence of conservation officers in Richards Bay Harbour, contravention of regulations imposed on the recreational estuarine linefishery still occurs because estuarine boats are seldom inspected. Improved monitoring will generate a long-term data series of estuarine catches that will facilitate assessment of sustainability of the fishery.

An assessment of catches and harvest of recreational shore angling in the north of Portugal

Abstract Recreational shore angling in the Atlantic Ocean between Moledo and Aveiro (Portugal) was examined using roving creel surveys (March/September 2001). Cooperation was high (90% of 2310 anglers approached). At least 39 species of fish were caught at a rate of approximately 0.5 fish angler h−1. An estimated 7319 kg of Dicentrarchus labrax (L.), with 45.6% below the minimum legal size, and 2040 kg of sea breams (genus Diplodus), correspond to 5.75% and 1.19% of the commercial landings in the same geographical area, respectively. The results shed light on a number of issues relevant to integrated coastal management, including temporal and spatial distribution of fishing effort, species caught, sizes of fish, catch rates, and factors influencing catches and angler satisfaction. Whilst the results suggest that the catches of sea breams and sea bass by day‐time recreational shore angling in northern Portugal are small compared with commercial fishing, other recreational activities, such as boat fishing and spear‐fishing, must be assessed.

Socio-economic characterisation of specialised common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) anglers in Germany, and implications for inland fisheries management and eutrophication control

Many freshwater ecosystems suffer from dense common carp ( Cyprinus carpio L.) stocks. From the ecological point of view, high carp densities are not desirable because of several negative impacts (e.g. bioturbation, competition with other benthivores). A mail and internet survey among specialised carp anglers (SCAs) ( n=710) suggests that, in Germany, carp anglers’ catch exceeds commercial carp harvest by up to 2500%. This indicates that by following at least five steps (marketing, education, specific regulations, risk communication and monitoring), carp angling may reduce carp stocks efficiently. Moreover, demographics, participation patterns, economic impact and value of SCAs suggest a great potential for marketing (tourism, commercial fishermen). Thus, specialised carp angling provides a means for inland (carp) fisheries management world-wide. However, input–output balances for total phosphorus revealed that, under certain conditions, carp angling may contribute substantially to anthropogenic eutrophication if ground- and pre-baiting is used in excess and harvest rates are low. A simple equation was developed to provide managers with a tool for a quick appraisal of the likelihood of a negative ecological impact of phosphorus inputs by angling. Further research on this topic is recommended to develop management guidelines on maximum tolerable amounts of bait because ground-baiting is intensively practised not only by carp anglers but also by the general coarse fish angler.

An assessment of the recreational fishery in the St Lucia estuarine system, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

St Lucia is one of the largest estuarine systems in Africa, and attracts thousands of anglers each year. Catchcard data from the National Marine Linefish System for the years 1986–1999 were analysed to determine catch composition, catch per unit effort (cpue) and seasonality of catches by recreational anglers. Because not all anglers completed catch cards, estimates of total catch were made using additional data on the number of private boat outings, the number of boat trailers at boat slipways and the number of boats recorded entering the campsite gates during 1992 and 1993. In all, 27 fish families, constituting 55 species, were recorded by recreational anglers. Dusky kob Argyrosomus japonicus, spotted grunter Pomadasys commersonnii, perch Acanthopagrus berda, Natal stumpnose Rhabdosargus sarba, springer Elops machnata and mini-kob Johnius dorsalis were the most prominent species caught in terms of numbers and mass. Catch rates expressed numerically (fish angler−1 h−1) peaked during the summer and early winter. However, in terms of mass, catch rates peaked during late winter and spring, when there were increased landings of large dusky kob. Fluctuations in cpue were linked to salinity and estuary mouth conditions (i.e. mouth closure). Despite annual fluctuations in cpue, regression analysis revealed an overall downward trend for the dominant species (dusky kob and spotted grunter) and a gradual increase for stumpnose, perch and springer, but with the exception of stumpnose, these trends were not significant. Socio-economic aspects of the fishery were also investigated by conducting an independent boat-angler survey. The value of the recreational fishery, in terms of accommodation and direct angler expenditure, was estimated to be in the region of R9 million during 1992. Angler attitudes towards fishing regulations were positive and anglers generally had a good knowledge of the regulations for target species. Based on this assessment, a number of suggestions are made regarding the future management of the recreational fishery at St Lucia.

Functional and Numerical Responses: A Framework for Fish‐Angler Interactions?

A conceptual framework for sport fisheries in which fish—angler interactions are viewed as a dynamic predator—prey relationship was evaluated with data from the walleye fishery in Lake Mendota, Wisconsin. A detailed 7—yr creel survey data set for this fishery revealed a link between fish and angler dynamics. Angler catch rates were positively and linearly related to fish abundance over the range of data in the study. Angling effort was positively related to catch rate. Fish—angler relationships were obscured by three difficulties commonly associated with fishery data sets: seasonal responses, measurement errors in predictor variables, and time series bias. Statistical techniques removed each of these biases, but the data were still insufficient to conclusively identify an appropriate model for the interaction. Nevertheless, it is clear that assumptions of static angler response to sport fish manipulations are unwarranted and capable of seriously confounding management efforts. Interactions among anglers and the influence of alternative fisheries outside the observed system appeared to be important. A combination of longer duration studies on a broader geographic scale and manipulative management experiments is probably necessary to advance our understanding of fish—angler interactions.

Panfish Use of and Angler Success at Evergreen Tree, Brush, and Stake-Bed Structures

Abstract The material selected for artificial structures is usually determined by availability or by the preference of a sponsoring organization. Comparative studies of panfish use of different structure materials and types have been inconclusive, largely because of confounding effects of depth, location within a reservoir, or difference in fish populations. We evaluated the utility of several materials and types in a localized area of an Ohio reservoir. The materials consisted of vertical and prone evergreen trees, a brush pile, and stake beds with 150-mm and 350-mm spacing. Utility was based on fish attraction (determined by pop-net sampling), angler success (determined by controlled angling), and cost ofeach material. Evergreen trees yielded pop-net catches ofbluegills Lepomis macrochirus that were equal to or significantly greater than catches at the other structures. Catches of white crappies Pomoxis annularis were not significantly different between materials during pop-net sampling. Anglers enjoyed...

Long-term Monitoring of Fish Communities in Acid Sensitive Lakes in Ontario

ABSTRACT A monitoring program began in 1982 to establish baseline data from which to assess long-term effects of acid deposition on fish communities in 20 low alkalinity (0–2.6 mg/L) lakes in south-central Ontario. The study lakes were all clear (dissolved organic carbon 35 μS/cm), but differed in size (11–607 ha) and fish community composition (2 to 18 species). Monitoring included assessment of fish species presence, abundance, age composition, growth, recruitment, and angler harvest. Field toxicity tests were used to test the direct toxicity of lake or runoff water to sensitive life stages of various indigenous fish species. A description of the sampling procedures and some current findings from this ongoing study are presented.

An Automatic Data Processing System for Storage and Manipulation of Life History, Catch, and Angler Effort Data

Responding to a need created by voluminous collections of fish life history, catch and angler effort information, a computerized information management system was developed at the National Marine Fisheries Service laboratory in Beaufort, N.C. for use on an IBM Model 360/65 Computing System. The management system incorporates sequential data storage on disks, analytic programs written in IBM FORTRAN IV, and editing/updating programs written in American National Standard COBOL. The file creation procedure utilizes single or multiple card entry records to generate a single master record. Analytic programs generate arrays displaying fish weights and simple statistics, length-frequency distributions, catch curves, back-calculated fish lengths per annulus, back-calculated length frequency distributions, percentages sexually mature, reproductive condition, age at sexual maturity (using gonad index), occurrence and abundance.

Assessment of the Linefishery in Two Urban Estuarine Systems In Kwazulu-natal, South Africa

The recreational linefisheries in Durban Harbour and the Mgeni Estuary were surveyed using roving creel and access-point surveys during the period January–December 2000. In total, 3 351 shore-anglers and 652 boat-anglers were checked for catch-and-effort information, and 432 shore-anglers were interviewed using a demographic and socio-economic questionnaire. Durban Harbour had much higher angling effort than the Mgeni Estuary. Angling activity was higher on weekends (121 and 23 anglers per count for the harbour and Mgeni Estuary respectively) than during the week (34 and 9 anglers per count respectively). Total effort expended in Durban Harbour and the Mgeni Estuary shore-fisheries during 2000 was estimated to be 54 024 and 11 977 angler-outings respectively. Annual effort for the Durban Harbour boat-fishery for the same period was estimated to be 9 991 angler-outings. The flathead mullet Mugil cephalus was the most commonly harvested species in both Durban Harbour and the Mgeni Estuary shore-fisheries (25.2 and 68.1% respectively), and spotted grunter Pomadasys commersonnii (41.5%) was the most commonly harvested species in the Durban Harbour boat-fishery. Because of their small size, a large proportion (>63%) of the total fish catch at both localities was released. Mean catch per unit effort for the Durban Harbour boat-based fishery (0.11 fish angler−1 h−1 or 0.15 kg angler−1 h−1) was higher than that of the shore-based fishery (0.071 fish angler−1 h−1 or 0.034 kg angler−1 h−1). The questionnaire survey indicated that anglers had high site fidelity, considerable years of fishing experience (mean of 17.2 years for the harbour, 13.6 years for Mgeni) and high compliance with possession of fishing permits (86% harbour, 84% Mgeni). Although anglers generally supported the regulations currently applicable to the linefishery (>71% harbour, >77% Mgeni), the questionnaire results showed that specific knowledge for target species was poor (45–70% harbour, 29–60% Mgeni). The level of fisheries law enforcement (6.4% of harbour outings inspected, 7% Mgeni outings inspected) was poorer than in the previously studied KwaZulu-Natal marine shore-fishery. Economic investment by participants in terms of angling equipment used in the shore-fisheries of the two systems was calculated to be >R10 million, and expenditure in terms of bait, travel and tackle costs was approximately R9 million per year.