Accidental Mortality of Crappie in Pound Nets Fished for Rough Fish Species

Crappie contributed a maximum of 28% to the catch of commercially fished pound nets. Mortality of crappie in pound nets was measured concurrently with total catch and temperature. A regression analysis was calculated for net density, in pounds per net lift, and water temperature (°C) against the percentage loss of crappie. Net density was the most relevant factor affecting mortality. Possible removal rates of rough fish at various, arbitrary levels of expected crappie losses were discussed. The second ranked sport fish in the catch was bullhead, but no mortality was observed. Other sport fish contributed less than 2% to the catch