Minnesota DNR Creel Survey
In a collaborative effort with the Minnesota DNR, you have been asked to assist in collecting bass creel survey data. Creel surveys provide valuable information such as:
- Maximum size and mean weights, which are indicators of size structure and exploitation
- Catch per effort, which are indicators of standing stock and abundance
- Relationships to lake habitat condition, such as secchi disk, aquatic plants, etc.,
- Angler effort and success rates, which are indicators of potential exploitation rates
Voluntary creel data, when collected reliably is the most cost efficient assessment
technique available to determine the status of bass populations. Statewide
coverage that includes data on a wide variety of lakes increases the analytical
power for identifying problems associated with habitat and over exploitation.
The overall impact would be that the DNR obtains more timely and consistent
information from a valued partner at a minimal cost to effectively manage Minnesota's
bass fisheries. In return for the Minnesota Federation's participation, the
DNR would provide updates that explain what this information shows and how
it is being utilized.
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