Stress Response of Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Barbless Hooks Versus Barbed Hooks C & R

Authors

Wesley Steinmetz
Carson Tembrock

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides and Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu are two of the most popular species of fish for anglers to target in Minnesota. In this study, Largemouth Bass and Smallmouth Bass stress was characterized by handling time and recovery time. This study compares handling time and recovery time between barbed and barbless hooks. For Largemouth Bass, there was a significant relationship between recovery time and time out of the water for barbed (P = 0.02, R² = 0.86) and barbless hooks (P < 0.01, R² = 0.74). For Smallmouth Bass, there was no significant relationship between recovery time and time out of the water for barbed (P = 0.29, R² = 0.37) and barbless hooks (P = 0.68, R² = 0.50). The slope of the regression lines showed a positive trend for both barbed and barbless hooks. Barbless hooks were found to have a major impact on Largemouth Bass stress. This study is meant to help make the sport of bass fishing better and will hopefully help create healthier Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass populations.

Publication Date

2021

Comments

Faculty sponsor: Dr. Andrew Hafs, Department of Biology, Aquatic Biology Program

Recommended Citation

Steinmetz, Wesley and Tembrock, Carson, "Stress Response of Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Barbless Hooks Versus Barbed Hooks C & R" (2021). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 17.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/17