Effects of Brush Reefs on Distribution of Fish in Florida Lake

This study describes a method of constructing inexpensive, durable, shallow-water reefs in freshwater lakes with whole Australian pines (Casuarina spp.). Snorkel observations demonstrated that largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides), bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus), and redear sunfish (L. microlophus) abundance was significantly higher on reef areas as compared to between-reef areas, or control areas. A creel survey measured improved catch rates for largemouth bass and lower catch rates for sunfish on reef areas. The use of on-site materials during lake construction should be considered an economical method of concentrating certain sport fish species for the purpose of improving angler success.