James M. Carlson

Evaluation of a Crappie Length Limit on Lake Chicot, Arkansas

Population characteristics for black Pomoxis nigromaculatus and white crappies P. annularis combined were simulated using a dynamic pool model to determine if the current 254-mm length limit is practical at Lake Chicot, Arkansas. Catch curve regressions were used to estimate annual mortalities, and exploitation was estimated with two consecutive tag reward studies. Exploitation was adjusted for tag loss, tagging mortality, and non-reporting. Average annual mortality was 78% and adjusted exploitation was 17%. The model predicted no significant changes in PSD, RSD-P, RSD-M, or population...