Sampling Stream Centrarchids: Comparing Electrofishing and Underwater Observation
We compared electrofishing and underwater observations as different methods for estimating population characteristics of centrarchids in a medium-sized warmwater stream in Missouri. We evaluated how well each method determined length-frequency distribution of smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieui), rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris), and longear sunfish (Lepomis megalotis). Underwater observation was the more accurate technique, producing length-frequencies more typical of a catch curve. When compared to underwater observations, electrofishing sampled the largest size class of fish...
