Catfish Sampling Techniques: Where We Are Now and Where We Should Go

Abstract

We review the peer‐reviewed literature regarding sampling of the three most commonly managed ictalurids: Channel Catfish, Blue Catfish, and Flathead Catfish. For each species, we summarize what is known about data quality (accuracy and precision) and sampling efficiency of the most commonly used gears for surveying these species. We identify research needs and provide information to guide gear selection based on different sampling objectives. To rank gear‐specific sampling efficiency (catch/h and catch/person‐h), we report median catch rates and the interpolated 25th and 75th percentiles of published means. We also describe the accuracy of relative abundance and size‐related metrics for each gear. For Channel Catfish, tandem baited hoop nets provide the most efficient (11–24 fish/net/tandem set, 20–60 fish/person‐h) and accurate samples. Low‐frequency electrofishing provides the most efficient samples of Blue Catfish (23–373 fish/h, 2.1–11.3 fish/person‐h) and Flathead Catfish (19–62 fish/h, 2.1–2.5 fish/person‐h) and the most accurate samples of Blue Catfish. No accuracy studies exist for Flathead Catfish. Other gears examined for each species may also be useful for some sampling objectives; however, most are inefficient or lack accuracy.

Effect of bait and gear type on channel catfish catch and turtle bycatch in a reservoir

“…Further complicating a trotline standard is the wide variety of hook styles from which to choose (e.g., Kahle, circle, Limerick), which may affect catch bias and mortality (Ott & Storey 1991). Our results agree with other studies that have found trotlines capture larger individuals, but we did not assess accuracy of our results (sensu Bodine et al 2013), we compared relative differences between trotlines and baited tandem hoop nets, which have been used in this system before (Stewart & Long 2012;Stewart 2013).…”

“…Thus, the cautionary statement to using Zote TM soap as a bait seems unwarranted with reference to increased phosphorous loading. Many previous studies have investigated bait type for use in hoop nets (e.g., Flammang & Schultz 2007;Wallace et al 2011;Bodine et al 2013) and we hope the results of this study spurs additional research regarding the use of soap, such as Zote TM , as bait. Moreover, we hope further research investigating the use of trotlines baited with soap will be initiated as it appears to hold promise for sampling channel catfish specifically with negligible bycatch, particularly aquatic turtles.…”

“…Tandem hoop nets have been gaining popularity as a means to sample channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus in reservoirs (Michaletz & Sullivan 2002;Bodine et al 2013) but it is often associated with high bycatch, particularly aquatic turtles (order Testudines). Few studies have quantified bycatch of turtles but personal experience and anecdotal evidence from other biologists have confirmed that this is an issue.…”

Population dynamics of introduced flathead catfish in Lake Mitchell, South Dakota

“…Maximum catch rates in lotic systems have been achieved during summer months, when water temperatures exceed 20 C and water levels were low (Quinn 1986;Travnichek 2011); however, sampling conditions relative to efficiency have not been evaluated for lentic habitats (Bodine et al 2013). Although we did not quantify catch by habitat type, a large proportion of the flathead catfish were captured near rocky habitat.…”

“…The relative abundance of flathead catfish in Lake Mitchell was similar to the nearby James River, but higher than that reported for the Big Sioux River in South Dakota (Arterburn 2001). Electrofishing catches for lentic systems on average are higher than for lotic systems (Bodine et al 2013) and a chase boat was not employed to do the river sampling (Arterburn 2001).…”