Temporal Trends in Voluntary Release of Largemouth Bass

Abstract

We used creel survey data collected from 1975 to 2006 to evaluate temporal changes in the voluntary release of legally harvestable largemouth bass Micropterus salmoides at four Texas reservoirs and two Florida lakes noted for providing high‐quality largemouth bass fisheries. The voluntary release rate increased substantially over time at all six water bodies and reached asymptotic levels exceeding 0.90 in two Texas reservoirs in the early 2000s. Year explained from 68% to 96% of the variability in voluntary release rates. The level of voluntary release ranged from 0.53 to 0.99 among Texas reservoirs in the early 2000s. The increase in voluntary release over time was similar at the two Florida lakes, which had identical largemouth bass harvest regulations, but the levels differed. Catch and release of legally harvestable largemouth bass was more prevalent than harvest at five of the six water bodies included in this study but also varied across small spatial scales. Fishery managers should measure the level of voluntary release and be mindful of the potential effects of high voluntary release when considering the use of harvest restrictions to restructure largemouth bass populations.

Decline in angler use despite increased catch rates: Anglers’ response to the implementation of a total catch-and-release regulation

“…If anglers are interested in using bait and harvesting fish, they may not take advantage of high catch rates that might result under restrictive regulations, and may become disgruntled (Sullivan, 2003). Indeed, despite a trend towards less harvest-oriented angler behaviour and voluntary catch-and-release in some fisheries (e.g., Slipke et al, 1998;Simonson and Hewett, 1999;Mosindy and Duffy, 2007;Allen et al, 2008;Myers et al, 2008), anglers in Alberta surveyed in 1990 and 1995 rated the reason "to catch fish to eat" 53% higher than "to catch a trophy fish" in determining their fishing site choice (Fisheries andOceans Canada, 1990, 1995;not collected in 2000). Where dissatisfied anglers, displaced from fisheries with restricted harvest, might redirect their effort in the fishery landscape will also likely strongly affect the use and exploitation of alternative fisheries in the region (Lester et al, 2003;Carpenter and Brock, 2004;Parkinson et al, 2004;Hunt et al, in press).…”

Physiological and behavioural consequences of catch-and-release angling on northern pike (Esox lucius L.)

“…In freshwater fisheries, C&R rates are particularly high for specialized fisheries such as largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) (Myers et al, 2008), common carp (Cyprinus carpio) Arlinghaus, 2007), muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) (Fayram, 2003) and northern pike (hereafter termed pike, Esox lucius, Pierce et al, 1995). It is the latter species that is of interest in the present paper.…”

Temporal and Regional Trends in Black Bass Release Rates in Minnesota

“…Voluntary release of black bass has likely increased because of the promotion of this behavior by various fishing-based organizations and the outdoor media (Quinn 1996;Myers et al 2008), but other factors, such as increases in fish consumption advisories (Jakus et al 1997;Burger et al 2001), may have also contributed to this trend.…”