Proposed standard weight equations and standard length categories for Longear Sunfish

Objective Standard weight (Ws) and standard length categories have not been established for the Longear Sunfish Lepomis megalotis. Therefore, fisheries managers have been unable to evaluate condition and size structure of various populations across the species’ range. Our objectives were to develop and assess Ws equations using three different techniques and to propose standard length categories for Longear Sunfish. Methods Length and weight data were collected for Longear Sunfish from 17 states across the species’ native and introduced range. Data from 54,106 fish across 512 populations were used to develop Ws equations for Longear Sunfish by using the regression line percentile, linear empirical percentile, and quadratic empirical percentile techniques. Standard length categories for Longear Sunfish were developed using the length from the International Game Fish Association’s all-tackle world record. Results We propose the regression line percentile equations as log10W = 3.3127·log10L − 5.2861, where W is weight (g) and L is total length (mm) for metric units, and log10W = 3.3114·log10L − 3.2887, where W is weight (lb) and L is TL (inches) for English units. We also developed proportional size distribution length categories of 60, 100, 130, 170, and 210 mm TL, representing stock, quality, preferred, memorable, and trophy categories, respectively. Conclusions Our Ws equations and standard length categories will allow fisheries biologists to better understand and manage Longear Sunfish populations across their native and introduced range.