I have access to an electrofishing boat that the state uses for its bass surveys of lakes. Our main objective is to better understand the population distribution of bass and forage fish. We want to manage the lake for trophy size bass. I am shooting for +10 lbs.
Does anyone have any procedures for conducting electrofishing surveys?
Here are some of my questions.
What time of year is the best time to conduct electrofishing surveys?
Do you go around the lake one time (12 acre lake, see picture in signature)?
I assume you catch all the species that come up?
What data do you record? I assume length, weight, girth, and species.
Here is some background. The lake is located in North East Oklahoma. Our main objective is to increase the number and size of the big bass, most of our bass our 12” or less. We have not caught many bass in the 1.5 lbs to 3 lbs range. We have caught 19 bass over 3 lbs with a max of 6 lbs 1 oz. The property was previously owned by an older couple that never fished and did not let anyone fish the lake, EVER. They watched it like a hawk.
