W. S. Coleman

Age composition, growth, and mortality of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides floridanus) populations in 6 major Florida resources were determined. Most largemouth bass were in the first 4 or 5 year classes; however, 6 and 7 year old fish were not uncommon, and largemouth bass up to 12 years of age were collected. Females grew faster and exhibited greater longevity than males. Total annual mortality (A) estimated from catch curves ranged from 0.37 for the Suwannee River to 0.54 in Lake Weir and was within the range reported from other localities. Backcalculated lengths based on...

An experimental multiple dewatering plan designed to control Hydrilla verticillata and improve sportftsh habitat was implemented on Fox Lake in 1979 and 1980. Hydrilla above the hydrosoil and turions were eliminated while relative abundance of tubers decreased from 19.44 to 1.79 per m2 by termination of the project. The depth of organic sediments was reduced by 29%, 36%, and 47% for the 30, 60, and 90 cm contour intervals respectively. Expansion of native vegetation was documented by a 40% areal increase in Vallisneria americana and basin-wide germination of Typha latifolia.