F. A. Harris

Results of a 45-cm (18-in) Minimum Size Regulation on Largemouth Bass Populations

A 45-cm (18-in) minimum size limit was placed on largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in January 1978 in 4 North Carolina reservoirs. Annual spring electrofishing samples were conducted to obtain size distribution information on each lake, length-weight information on 2 lakes, and largemouth bass population estimates on one of the study lakes. After a 4-year investigation, the proportion of quality size bass in the stock size distribution of 2 lakes increased. On a 3rd lake, a newly developing largemouth bass fishery was successfully protected from a reduction in quality size bass from...

Growth Rates And Food Habits Of Roanoke Bass In The Eno And Tar Rivers, North Carolina

Two hundred and thirty Roanoke bass (Ambloplites cavifrons) were collected from the Tar and Eno rivers in Piedmont, North Carolina. Seven age groups (I to 7) were collected from the Tar River and 5 age groups (I to 5) were collected from the Eno River. Mean back-calculated total lengths were similar in both rivers. Five-year old fish from the Tar River averaged 246 mm and from the Eno River 243 mm. Roanoke bass were generally opportunistic feeders, hut larger individuals selectively fed on crayfish (Cambarus sp.) and fish. Feeding appeared to he concentrated in ve~etated riffle areas.