Population Studies of the Sports and Commercial Fin-Fish of the Lower Laguna Madre - Analysis of Populations of Sports and Commercial Fin-Fish and of Factors Which Affect These Populations in the Coastal Bays of Texas

Although changes were made in methods of sampling and in number of samples taken in 1964, a successful spawning of all five species was indicated. Most notable was the abundance of juvenile redfish in 1963-64 after an almost complete absence in the previous season. Adult sampling stations were increased from 4 to 11 in 1964 to greatly improve sampling for trout, black drum and redfish which were taken in that order of frequency. Average yield of speckled trout by month ranged from 0.2 to 1.9 pounds per acre with the high in June. Redfish yield ranged from less than 0.1 to 1.05 pounds per acre with highest yields in November and December. Black drum yields ranged from .22 to 5.65 pounds per acre with the greatest yield in December. Adult sheepshead and flounder were not sampled adequately by the methods used. Fish tag returns indicate most trout and redfish are recaptured close to the tagging site; although some drum move considerable distances. Special studies on trout populations in the Arroyo Colorado indicate 68 per cent survival per 30-day period. The 32 per cent total loss per interval was composed of 6.4 per cent fishing mortality and 25.6 per cent from other losses. Cooperation in reporting fish tags remains high with sports fishermen, but has deteriorated greatly in recent years with commercial fishermen.