Population Studies of the Sports and Commercial Fin-Fish and Forage Species of the Upper Laguna Madre - Analysis of Populations of Sports and Commercial Fin-Fish and of Factors Which Effect These Populations in the Coastal Bays of Texas

Two methods of population estimation are shown for redfish in the upper Laguna Madre. The two estimates are compared and discussed. Fish tag returns during the past 16 months indicate a southward migration of fish from the area. There was a reduction in the number of juvenile redfish, trout and drum in the area in 1962 as compared with 1961. No explanation for the decrease was found. Flounder and sheepshead appeared to have a good spawning season in 1962. Forage was plentiful in the lagoon, especially in late spring and summer. The pinfish was the more common forage species consistently available.