Articles and photos about fish biology by experts

Bass Regulations 101

Author: Dan Ashe

Often, especially when I am out doing creel surveys, I come across fishermen that want to know why TPWD has a certain bass regulation in place versus some other regulation. Depending on what the fishermen’s motivation is, more often than not the appropriate regulation they feel is needed is the one that will likely impose the least restriction over them compared to other fishermen with different fishing motivations (i.e. harvest, release, tournament, non-tournament, etc.). The goal of any fishery regulation is to ensure long term sustainable quality use of a natural resource. Texas has three general types of bass regulations – minimum length limits, slot length limits, and catch and release only.

Warming Water Temperatures Trigger Sport Fish Spawn

Author: Todd Driscoll

Although air and water temperatures are still relatively cool, longer days and increasing air temperatures are slowly warming area lakes. Increasing lake temperatures begin to stimulate natural spawning instincts of many area sport fish. In preparation for the upcoming spawning season, most sport fish undergo increasing levels of activity. When one mentions increased fish activity, anglers are never very far behind. Those that pay attention to spawning requirements of targeted species can better their springtime fishing success.

Black Bass 101

Author: Todd Driscoll

Depending on whom you are talking to, the “black bass” name might mean a couple of different things. Most often, I find that when anglers refer to black bass, they are specifically referring to largemouth bass. However, from a biology perspective, the phrase “black bass” is actually a group that includes seven closely related species classified by the scientific genus Micropterus. In other words, although a largemouth bass is a black bass, so are spotted bass, smallmouth bass, and four other similar species.

Movement of Largemouth Bass Following Tournament-Release

Author: Todd Driscoll

Tournament fishing is popular at Sam Rayburn Reservoir. TPWD’s most recent estimates indicate that 52% of Sam Rayburn anglers participate in at least one bass tournament per year, compared to only 6% of all Texas anglers. We also estimate that there are over several hundred bass tournaments per year at Sam Rayburn, with tournament fishing (including practice fishing) comprising 36% of the total annual fishing effort, and 46% of the bass fishing effort. Therefore, we know that tournament anglers handle a large number of bass every year at Sam Rayburn, and some of these fish may be relocated greater than 20 miles from their original capture point. In addition, because a majority of the larger tournaments conduct weigh-ins at the lower, southeast end of the reservoir, concentration of largemouth bass at weigh-in sites is also likely. These concerns can affect overall angler catch rates, both in a negative (relocation) and positive way (stockpiling following weigh-ins). If stockpiling is severe, fish growth, body condition, and survival may be reduced.

Read more about tournament fishing at Sam Rayburn Reservoir...

Hydrilla 101, Part 1

Author: Todd Driscoll

Hydrilla! You mention this aquatic plant and some reservoir constituents are all smiles (primarily anglers) while others label it the world’s worst aquatic weed (swimmers, water skiers, homeowners, industrial and municipal users, etc.). Both sides of the issue have merit in certain situations. Before we explore both beneficial and detrimental scenarios associated with hydrilla (Part 2 of this topic in a future Lakecaster issue), a little biological/life history information is in order.

Impact of Tournaments on the Largemouth Bass Population at Sam Rayburn Reservoir

Author: Todd Driscoll

Hopefully, many of you recall catching tagged largemouth bass two years ago at Sam Rayburn. In addition, during October 2003 – October 2004 TPWD creel clerks interviewed a lot of you while fishing. Although we conduct these creel surveys throughout the year as part of our routine fishery monitoring efforts, the frequency of these surveys was increased during this period. These events were part of a research project to determine impacts of tournaments on the largemouth bass population.

Read more about tournament bass fishing on Sam Rayburn Reservoir...

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