Sampling Flathead Catfish in Small Streams

Small diameter hoop nets were compared with low frequency, pulsed DC electrofishing for assessing flathead catfish (Pylodictis olivaris) stocks in the Noxubee River, a small stream in east-central Mississippi. Small diameter hoop nets fished during summer low flow regimes were appropriate for collecting stock size fish (≥280 mm, total length) while electrofishing was a better tool for assessing smaller flathead catfish. No significant difference (P >0.05) was found between the 2 sample techniques with regard to kg/man-day or fish/man-day. Small diameter hoop nets were determined to be the most appropriate gear for sampling flathead catfish resources in streams where the use of boats is restricted by poor access.