Catch-and-release mortality of spotted seatrout in Texas

Catch and release is becoming more common as a management tool in marine recreational fisheries. Clearly, a critical factor in determining different management scenarios that use this strategy is postcapture survival. We investigated the mortality associated with catch and release in the fishery for spotted seatrout Cynoscion nebulosus in south Texas. Specifically, this study investigated the mortality for hook-andline-captured spotted seatrout as a function of bait type, hook type, angler skill level, and fish size. Using a variety of angling techniques, we captured 448 spotted seatrout ranging from 250 to 760 mm total length (TL) and assessed mortality in replicate field enclosures. The overall short-term mortality for all treatments was relatively low (11%); the majority of fish survived. The exception was angler skill level. Angling by novices produced a significantly higher mortality rate than angling by skilled anglers; however, mortality averaged only 18% even for inexperienced anglers. To evaluate long-term mortality, we monitored 27 spotted seatrout held in a laboratory facility for 30 d; the fish showed no signs of long-term mortality. We observed 11% mortality during the first 48 h and no mortality during the subsequent 28 d. In an attempt to increase the abundance of trophy (> 635 mm TL) spotted seatrout, Texas has adopted new slot limit regulations that allow only one trophy-size fish to be kept per person per day. We targeted larger (635-736 mm TL) fish to assess the mortality associated with this size-group. Regression analysis showed no size-related mortality. The location of hook-related injuries may be the most important factor in determining catch-and-release mortality. Anatomical hooking location was not a factor in the analyses but was treated as a component of experimental treatment level; however, we observed that mortality was typically associated with hooking location rather than angling method or bait type. These data suggest that management options involving the release of spotted seatrout, including those larger than 635 mm TL, are viable tools.