William M. Seawell

Available prey-predator ratios (API P) in Crooked Creek Bay indicated a deficiency of prey for predators (largemouth bass equivalents) 200 mm long (total length) or less. Analysis of samples collected after the application of rotenone to small coves led to overestimates of available prey. Application of adjustment factors to account for differences in fish distribution in coves and in open water improved AP/ P estimates based on small-cove samples. After reviewing previous food studies, we redefined crappies longer than 210 mm and catfishes longer than 390 mm as predators. Revised AP/ P...

The population of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) in 2314-ha Melton Hill Reservoir, TN, was estimated by 2 mark and recapture methods. Shoreline electrofishing was used to capture fish for marking, while shoreline electrofishing and a bass fishing tournament were used to obtain recaptures. Both methods yielded estimates of the same magnitude; however, slightly different size selectivities were found with the 2 recapture methods. Species selectivity of shoreline electrofishing and the bass tournament are also compared. The population structure of the black bass population in Melton...