Seasonal, spatial, and water level predictors of angler catch and effort within Texas black bass reservoir fisheries

ObjectiveWe sought to identify seasonal, spatial, and water level predictors of black bass angler catch rates and effort densities (i.e., angler-hours/ha) within Texas reservoirs.MethodsWe tested for predictors of effort density and catch rate while building generalized additive models with responses derived from a long-term creel data set and explanatory variables derived from the season of the creel survey, geoposition of the reservoir, and water level data obtained from the Texas Water Development Board.ResultSeason significantly affected models, with strong positive effects on catch rates during the spring and fall and strong positive effects on effort densities during the spring. Spatially, the strongest positive effects were observed for catch rates in the southern and eastern portions of the state and for effort densities in the northern and western portions of the state. Quarterly (i.e., 3 months) fluctuations in water level were identified as environmental drivers of catch rates and effort density during the springtime. Percent full (i.e., surface area relative to full pool) was also identified as a significant predictor, with increasing effort densities and catch rates at higher levels of percent full.ConclusionOur study provides a comparative baseline for future evaluations of black bass fisheries in Texas and a depiction of key factors influencing black bass angler catch rates and effort densities using a modeling approach that may be applied within a variety of fisheries research applications. Texas black bass reservoir fisheries are incredibly important both economically and culturally. Identifying drivers of catch and effort within these fisheries allows managers to better understand mechanisms influencing fishery performance and utilization.Impact statement