Comparison Of Two Methods Of Recapturing Marked Fish For Estimating Black Bass Populations In A Reservoir

The population of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in 2314-ha Melton Hill Reservoir, TN, was estimated by 2 mark and recapture methods. Shoreline electrofishing was used to capture fish for marking, while shoreline electrofishing and a bass fishing tournament were used to obtain recaptures. Both methods yielded estimates of the same magnitude; however, slightly different size selectivities were found with the 2 recapture methods. Species selectivity of shoreline electrofishing and the bass tournament are also compared. The population structure of the black bass population in Melton Hill Reservoir is examined and possible causes for this structure are presented.