Application of Angler-Based Data Collection in a Muskellunge Monitoring Program

We solicited volunteers from a local muskellunge angler group and from local fishing guides to participate in a cooperative data collection program.  The study lakes contained muskellunge with passive integrated transponders (PIT tags).  Primary sampling objectives were to collect length at age data, and to test feasibility of estimating capture frequency of individual fish in a largely catch and release fishery.  We also evaluated potential to use angling as part of a modified Peterson population estimate.  Volunteers were provided with PIT tag readers and data forms to record angling effort, catch, individual fish length, PIT tag presence or absence, and PIT tag number.  Tag detection during the 2010 season was lower than expected based on population estimates generated from fyke netting data.  Procedures were modified based on input from volunteers, and a second year of data will be analyzed after the 2011 season closes.  Despite issues with tag detection and consistency in recording catch and effort, this approach has potential to supplement netting data with useful information on individual fish length at age and recapture frequency.  Until procedural and reporting issues are fully evaluated, we do not recommend using volunteer data for generating population estimates.