Michigan Department of Natural Resources
Fisheries Research Report No.1880, 1980
Size Selectivity of Trap Nets for Eight Species of Fish

Percy W. Laarman and James R. Ryckman

Abstract.-Size selectivity of trap nets was determined from the ratio of recaptured fish of various lengths to the number of marked fish in the population. The nets operated in Manistee Lake (348 ha) from mid-September to mid-October (1974-1978) were size selective for six of eight species of fish. In general, nets were selective for the larger sizes of bluegills, pumpkinseeds, rock bass, black crappie, and yellow perch. Walleyes about 55 cm long and larger were more catchable than smaller sizes. Significant size selectivity was not evident for smallmouth bass and white suckers.