Thread: Single Line Sampling

Yesterday Matt Horton and I conducted our first single line sample on a study lake that we are evaluating the effectiveness of cedar tree piles and Mossback piles. We are trying to evaluate whether or not one type of brush pile has an advantage over the other. The study calls for the use of minnows only, so that it keeps things consistent and we have a chance to catch multiple species. Each pile is only fish for 15 minutes due to the need to sample 18 sites in a day. We were out there from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm sampling in the cold rain. We did manage to collect some samples but I am paying the price today (sick). Due to the low number of fish collected, we will be brainstorming ideas to increase catch rates. I was even toying with the idea of asking anglers for help with the study. Anecdotally, I can report that fish were on both types of brush pile. We caught more crappie on the Mossbacks and more Largemouth Bass on the cedar trees. Water temp was 67-68 degrees and piles were in 7-9 fow.

Today Tom and Matt are conducting electrofishing samples on the same piles as phase two of the study. We will be conducting these samples seasonally for at least three years. When we have all of the data compiled and analyzed, I will share it with y’all. Believe it or not, there are very few studies like these in the published literature.

Even though being out in the nasty weather made me sick, it was worth it. These are the first crappie I have caught since March! Life seems to be getting busier and busier.


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