Relative efficiencies of three trammel net striking methods

The relative capture efficiencies for fish in 732-m trammel nets using three striking methods were compared using nets set in open-water and along the shoreline in Texas bays in fall and spring. When compared to noise, sublethal concentrations of rotenone and KMnO₄ did not increase the catches of 9 of the 12 species tested at either shoreline or open-water stations in either the fall or spring. Some effect of strike type was noted for hardhead catfish (Arius felis), gizzard shad (Dorosoma cepedianum), and striped mullet (Mugil cephalus) at stations struck with noise or rotenone, but catches were not consistently greater for either striking method. The catches of some species were different between station types and seasons. However, the total catch at shoreline stations was the same as at open-water stations in both the fall and spring.