Comparison of Hoop Nets to Trap Nets in Sampling Panfish

Authors

Jayden R, Alsleben

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Panfish including bluegill Lepomis macrochirus and black crappie Pomoxis nigromaculatus are gamefish species of significance found in Minnesota. Hoop nets and trap nets are two types of gear that can be used to sample these fish. Fisheries managers and anglers alike are interested in the best tactics to capture panfish. The behavior of fish, including bluegill and black crappie, change throughout the sampling season and make it difficult to assume accurate representations. Trap nets have historically been adequate in sampling near shore populations, but questions surrounding the gear have allowed other options to be pursued. The objective of this study is to compare the effectiveness of hoop nets to trap nets by analyzing the difference in catch per unit effort (CPUE), length, and proportional size distribution (PSD) of panfish. Nets were set within two weeks of each sample period. Captured panfish accounted for 96.5% of the total catch between the two nets. Black crappie CPUE significantly increased (P < 0.01) with hoop nets while bluegill CPUE was not significantly (P = 0.30) different by net type. The average lengths for bluegill captured in hoop net were longer than those captured in trap nets. Bias in gear selectivity may have produced different catch rates and size structures for each net and species. Further studies will be needed to accurately estimate the differences in each nets ability to sample panfish.

Publication Date

2025

Comments

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

Recommended Citation

Alsleben, Jayden R,, "Comparison of Hoop Nets to Trap Nets in Sampling Panfish" (2025). Journal of Earth and Life Science. 74.
https://pines.bemidjistate.edu/j-earth-life-sci/74