Mortality of black bass captured in three fishing tournaments on Lake Amistad, Texas

Total mortality of black bass (Micropterus sp.) captured in three fishing tournaments held on Lake Amistad, Texas, ranged from 0.3 to 64.8% and was directly related to water temperature. Total mortality in tournaments held in August and September 1998 (64.8 and 47.2%, respectively) was considerably greater than expected (28.3 and 24.4%, respectively) based on a model that predicts mortality as a function of water temperature. High mortality in these tournaments probably was related to unusual handling and holding procedures (August) and depressurization illness (September). Total mortality in the third tournament (0.3%), held in March 1999, was less than expected (12.0%) based on water temperature.