Relative Size Selectivity of Trap Nets for Eight Species of Fish

Abstract

Relative size selectivity of trap nets was determined from the ratio of recaptured fish per 2.5-cm length groups to the number of marked fish of corresponding lengths in the population. The 12 nets were fished in Manistee Lake (348 hectares), Kalkaska County, Michigan, from mid-September to mid-October (1974-1978), and were size selective for six of eight species of fish. In general, nets were selective for the larger sizes of rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris), walleye (Stizostedion vitreum vitreum), black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), yellow perch (Perca flavescens), and pumpkinseed (Lepomis gibbosus). Significant size selectivity was not evident for smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui) and white sucker (Catostomus commersoni).