Factors Affecting Estimates Of Fishing Mortality Of Largemouth Bass In A Southeastern Reservoir

Largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) were tagged on West Point Reservoir, Alabama-Georgia in 1976-1978 to estimate rates offishing. During the 3 years, several factors affecting these estimates were evaluated. Non-response by anglers who recovered non-reward tags was calculated to be 0.66; tag loss was estimated to occur at an average rate of 4% per week; tagging mortality and displacement offish while tagging did not appear to affect estimates of fishing mortality.