Effects of Angling on Bluegill Populations: Management Implications

Abstract
Angling would affect a fish population if it increased the total mortality rate, reduced numbers or biomass, or reduced the average size of fish in a population by removing the larger ones. Data from the literature indicate that angling commonly affects populations of bluegills Lepomis macrochirus. Substantial exploitation rates (mean, 27%) are not unusual; exploitation is directly related to fishing effort, and angling reduces average size and increases total mortality. Many exploited bluegill populations comprise mainly small fish, less than 150 mm long. Consistent high recruitment of young of the year, size-selective exploitation, and reduced growth and increased natural mortality from competition would tend to produce and maintain such a population size structure. Because angling affects populations, management steps to reduce angling mortality of larger fish, as well as to reduce density of small fish, seem desirable.

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