To assess the survival of striped bass in Lake Lanier, the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) will capture up to 500 striped bass during February and attach numbered, orange plastic tags to each before returning them to the lake. WRD encourages anglers to be on the lookout for these tags, which can be found on the fish’s belly. Those mailing or bringing in tags to WRD will receive $5 for each tag returned through February 2006. Anglers wishing to release tagged stripers can simply cut the tag off and return it to WRD.

“The return of these tags will help WRD staff better evaluate its Lanier striped bass management program,” says WRD Biologist Reggie Weaver. “Fisheries biologists can more effectively measure the annual mortality rate of striped bass from tags returned by anglers. Based on these tags and information gathered from anglers, we will be able to measure the percent of the population that dies from natural causes like disease and those that are taken home.”

A lake-wide survey by a creel clerk also will record angler catch of stripers and other species, as well as angler opinions about fishing quality.

“A similar tagging and creel study conducted in 1997 revealed that angling-related mortality was less than 20 percent of the population in any given year,” said Weaver. “This second study will give us a current look at mortality rates and enable WRD to optimize the Lanier striper fishery for the benefit of Georgia anglers.”

Information needed from anglers who catch tagged stripers includes:

· Angler’s name, address and telephone number,

· the date and area of the lake in which the tagged fish was caught,

· whether or not the tagged fish was caught during a tournament,

· whether or not the tagged fish was released alive or kept. Anglers wishing to release the tagged fish, but still wish to send in the tag for the reward, can simply cut the thin monofilament holding the tag.

Tags may be returned to the Georgia WRD/Fisheries Management Office (2150 Dawsonville Highway/Gainesville, GA 30501) or anglers can call that same office at 770-535-5498.

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