Growth, Condition, Longevity and Size Differences Among Largemouth Bass Phenotypes in Southern Arkansas Reservoirs Having Mixed Bass Populations

The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) has traditionally had 2 primary approaches to stocking Florida largemouth bass (FLMB; Micropterus salmoides floridanus) in Arkansas reservoirs. These approaches to stocking FLMB have included supplementing established northern largemouth bass (NLMB; M. s. salmoides) populations with stocks of FLMB and renovating a lake with a putative complete fish kill or to construct a reservoir, and then introduce FLMB into those reservoirs. The focus of this study was to compare performance among bass having differing contributions of FLMB alleles in 10 southern Arkansas reservoirs stocked with FLMB over a period of years. Relative weights of FLMB > 380 mm were significantly greater than for other genetic classes of similar size. Greater longevity (> Age 6), total length (> 500 mm), and mass (> 2 268 g) were disproportionately represented by FLMB. From a management perspective, both increased total length associated with longevity, and relative weight advantages of FLMB lead to greater mass of Arkansas LMB. The opportunity of catching trophy bass leads to increased fishing activity and encourages the ongoing stocking of FLMB by game and fish agencies in the southern United States. This practice of stocking non-native fish creates conflict with immediate fisheries agency goals and long-term conservation needs.