Relationship Between Lure Size and Fish Size in Black Bass By Roger Bitz Undergraduate Student (Fisheries Concentration) Department of Biology Tennessee Tech University Cookeville, TN 38505

Project Summary Many factors can influence black bass feeding patterns. Many factors can influence black bass feeding patterns. This can make it difficult for anglers to catch fish. This can make it difficult for anglers to catch fish. The objective of this experiment is to determine if a correlation exists between fishing lure size (prey size) and size of black bass (Micropterus spp.) caught. The objective of this experiment is to determine if a correlation exists between fishing lure size (prey size) and size of black bass (Micropterus spp.) caught. The null is that there is no correlation between lure size and size of black bass caught. The null is that there is no correlation between lure size and size of black bass caught. A series of experiments will be conducted to determine if a correlation exists. A series of experiments will be conducted to determine if a correlation exists. I expect to find that overall, there is a positive correlation between lure size and size of black bass caught. I expect to find that overall, there is a positive correlation between lure size and size of black bass caught.

Introduction and Background Have you ever wondered what lure to use when fishing? Uncontrolled Variables Uncontrolled Variables Controlled Variables Controlled Variables

Uncontrolled Variables Barometric pressure Barometric pressure Weather fronts and conditions Weather fronts and conditions Sunlight Sunlight Water temperature Water temperature D.O. D.O. Water clarity (Turbidity) Water clarity (Turbidity) Current Current Seasonal movements Seasonal movements Spawn Spawn Available forage Available forage Individual fish size Individual fish size

Controlled Variables Rod/Reel/Line/ selection Rod/Reel/Line/ selection Tackle selection Tackle selection Location Location Timing Timing Presentation/Mechanics Presentation/Mechanics Confidence/State of Mind Confidence/State of Mind

Key Concept The more intuition an angler can develop over the controlled variables, the more he/she can adapt to the uncontrolled variables. This=Greater angler success! The more intuition an angler can develop over the controlled variables, the more he/she can adapt to the uncontrolled variables. This=Greater angler success! Ex. Acclimation Ex. Acclimation This project - Lure Size

Previous Research Lure-size restrictions in recreational fisheries (Wilde et al 2003) Lure-size restrictions in recreational fisheries (Wilde et al 2003) Variation in prey-resource utilization and oral jaw gape between two populations of largemouth bass (Huskey and Turingan 2001) Variation in prey-resource utilization and oral jaw gape between two populations of largemouth bass (Huskey and Turingan 2001) Patterns of diet and growth in co-occurring populations of largemouth bass and smallmouth bass (Olsen and Young 2003) Patterns of diet and growth in co-occurring populations of largemouth bass and smallmouth bass (Olsen and Young 2003) Seasonal and size-related food habits of largemouth bass in two Connecticut lakes (Ward and Neumann 1998) Seasonal and size-related food habits of largemouth bass in two Connecticut lakes (Ward and Neumann 1998) Diet and prey selection of naturalized smallmouth bass in an oligotrophic Adirondack lake (Weidel et al 2000) Diet and prey selection of naturalized smallmouth bass in an oligotrophic Adirondack lake (Weidel et al 2000)

Objective Determine if a correlation exists between fishing lure size (prey size) and size of black bass (Micropterus spp.) caught. Determine if a correlation exists between fishing lure size (prey size) and size of black bass (Micropterus spp.) caught. There is no direct correlation between lure size and size of black bass caught. (Null) There is no direct correlation between lure size and size of black bass caught. (Null)

Study Site Lake Guntersville, AL 67,900 acres/76 mi. long 67,900 acres/76 mi. long Abundance of Vegetation Abundance of Vegetation (Hydrilla and Milfoil) (Hydrilla and Milfoil) Black bass forage includes: Black bass forage includes: Sunfish, Threadfin and Sunfish, Threadfin and Gizzard shad, shiners, Gizzard shad, shiners, minnows and crayfish minnows and crayfish

Methods and Materials Materials: Boat Boat

Electronics & Map

Rods/Reels, Tackle, Measuring Board

Methods: Sampling by Rod and Reel (various casting methods) Sampling by Rod and Reel (various casting methods) Three lure sizes tested (based on length/weight) Three lure sizes tested (based on length/weight) Multiple 9-hour outings Multiple 9-hour outings Each outing broken down into three 3-hour segments, with lure size change occurring every hour Each outing broken down into three 3-hour segments, with lure size change occurring every hour

Statistics: Total lengths/fish & calculate mean TL Total lengths/fish & calculate mean TL Total # of fish and TL/fish plotted for each lure size to determine length frequency Total # of fish and TL/fish plotted for each lure size to determine length frequency Use T-test to determine if there is significant difference between mean TL versus lure size Use T-test to determine if there is significant difference between mean TL versus lure size

Data Form Data Form Data Form Data Form Data Form

Expected Results and Benefits Give confidence and strategy to anglers abroad Give confidence and strategy to anglers abroad Anglers can selectively choose their lure based on the size/number of fish they want to catch Anglers can selectively choose their lure based on the size/number of fish they want to catch Lure manufacturers can better market their product Lure manufacturers can better market their product End war in Middle East End war in Middle East

Project Timeline

Budget (Annually) Salary80,000 Truck54,000 Boat60,000 Rod/Reel Combos 15,000 Tackle9,000 GAS7,500 Camping2,500 Food5,000 Computer2,000 Misc.5,000 Total240,000

What’s Next? Go Fish! Go Fish!