Mortality and survival rates of tagged largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) at Marle Collins Reservoir

A tagging study from 1965 through 1969 revealed that exploitation rates of largemouth bass increased after the first season following impoundment, reaching a high of 0.65 in 1968 and 1970. Annual survival rates generally increased and stabilized near 0.20. Natural mortality declined. A combination of the highest reported exploitation rates, reduced annual catches, lowered catch/hour, increased bluegill populations and competition with small mouth bass and threadfin shad indicate possible continued depletion and overexploitation of largemouth bass.