Kim E. Erickson

Recent nationwide trends showing stable or declining fishing license sales and participation should challenge resource agencies and the fishing tackle industry to question the wisdom of doing business as usual. A special fisheries session at the 1997 Annual Conference of the Southeastern Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies was devoted to addressing a marketing and outreach approach to the problem. Speakers included representatives from 2 state fisheries agencies, the fishing tackle industry, a market research group, the outdoor media, and a national bass fishing organization.

The investigation to verify striped bass, Morone saxatilis (Walbaum), reproduction in Keystone Reservoir utilized egg sampling and shoreline seining methods. Conditions in the Arkansas River throughout the egg sampling period were unfavorable and seemed to indicate little chance for a successful spawn. However, on June 21, 1971, natural reproduction was verified. The total 1971 fingerling survival was calculated at 975,000. Ten mature females and four male striped bass were taken below Keystone dam by electrofishing during the period May 24 to June 3, 1971. These fish were transported...