Masters Theses

Date of Award

6-1986

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science

Major Professor

J. Larry Wilson

Committee Members

David A. Etnier, Douglas C. Peterson

Abstract

Following the imposition of the 14-inch minimum length limit at Norris Reservoir, frequencies of legal-sized largemouth and black bass decreased, indicating a stockpiling of smaller bass. Proportional stock density values for largemouth bass prior to (1977-1978) and after (1982- 1984) the imposition of the limit were 40 and 66, and 82, 36, and 26, respectively; relative stock density15 values were 10 and 20, and 46, 14, and 3, respectively. The post-limit increase in mean relative weights of largemouth bass from electrofishing samples may have been due to an increase in forage fish in 1983-1984 as compared to 1977-1978. Mean relative weights of creeled largemouth bass between 12.0-14.9 inches were lower in 1983 and 1984 as compared to 1981 and 1982 while those of bass 15 inches or greater in length remained fairly constant from 1981 through 1984 with the exception of a slight increase in 1982. Prior to the length limit an average of 8.5 hours of fishing was required to harvest a black bass whereas, following the limit, 43.5 hours were required of fishing on the average. Mean pounds per acre of harvested black bass decreased following the limit while intended black bass trips per acre increased. Post-limit catch-and-release fishing increased substantially with sub-legal fish being the primary contributor. Angler compliance values for the 4 years following the limit were 75.0, 87.1, 95.8, and 82.9%, respectively. Cove rotenone data indicated that intermediate and harvestable size black bass exhibited trends in abundance similar to those of young-of-year forage fish.

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