Exploitation and Survival of Black Crappies in Three Georgia Reservoirs

Abstract

During 1987–1989, population dynamics and fisheries for black crappies Pomoxis nigromaculatus were evaluated at three Georgia reservoirs that traditionally received substantial crappie-fishing effort. Exploitation rates and survival were estimated with mark–recapture studies relying on tag returns from anglers. Fishing pressure, harvest, and angler success were evaluated with nonuniform probability roving creel surveys. Growth rates were determined by scale analysis. Annual survival estimates ranged from 8 to 18% at all reservoirs; exploitation estimates ranged from 40 to 68%. Black crappies entered the fisheries at age 2 or 3 and numerically dominated the total angling harvest at all reservoirs. All populations were characterized by low survival regardless of angler exploitation, so standing crops of harvestable crappies would not be expected to increase appreciably if exploitation were reduced. Thus, anglers would not benefit from additional regulation of harvest.