The Selectivity And Effectiveness Of Certain Types Of Commercial Nets In The T. V. A. Lakes Of Alabama

From November, 1955, through May, 1956, trammel and riprap nets of 3-, 3.5- and 4-inch bar mesh and gill nets of 3- and 4-inch bar mesh were fished by resident commercial fishermen under the supervision of State Fisheries Biologists, in T. V. A. lakes of Alabama. A total of 10,425 fish which weighed 42,689 pounds was caught, of which 95.4 percent was rough fish. All of the nets were selective in taking rough fish. Whip set trammel nets were the most effective type of net fished, followed by fixed trammel, riprap anc~ gill nets. In general, as the mesh size increased from 3 to 4 inches, the effectiveness of all nets decreased.