Harvestable Hybrid Striped Bass Stocking in an Urban Fishing Program: Fishing Success, Angler Satisfaction, and Influence on Bluegill Size Structure

Authors: Cliff Hutt, Tom Lang, and Wes Neal

Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) recently expanded its statewide Family and Community Fishing Program (FCFP) to include seasonal put-take stockings of harvestable hybrid striped bass (HSB; Morone chrysops x M. saxatilis). The objectives were to provide a unique fishing opportunity for urban anglers while potentially influencing size structure of stunted sunfish populations through predation. This study examined fishing success, angler satisfaction, and HSB influence on pond prey communities during the first year of stocking. In October 2006, HSB (ranging 0.75 – 1.25 kg) were stocked at two densities (247 HSB/ha and 494 HSB/ha) in three ponds each. Three additional ponds did not receive HSB and served as reference ponds. Bus-route roving creel surveys were used to collect angler catch, effort, and satisfaction data. Electrofishing was conducted prior to stocking to assess bluegill size structure, and was repeated the following summer for comparison. Creel surveys showed highly variable targeted effort, catch, and harvest of HSB. At least 51% of the HSB stocked were estimated to be caught within one month following stocking, with a harvest rate of 63%.  Despite high initial removal of HSB, significant increases in bluegill size structure and condition were observed, suggesting HSB can be used to improve bluegill growth rates while simultaneously diversifying urban fisheries.