Comparison of catch efficiency, hooking location, and determination of post-release survival rates of "J" and "C" hooks used in pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) fishing

This study compares the post-release mortality rates associated with circle hooks and traditional "J" hooks. Fieldwork was conducted in the Seyhan Dam Lake between May 2024 and July 2024. A total of 16 operations were carried out, 8 of which took place during the spring months and 8 during the summer. During the field studies, 65 individuals were caught in total, 56 of them were Sander lucioperca. It was determined that catch efficiency was higher in spring for both hook types. This was attributed to increased feeding activity following the spawning season and the elevated water temperatures during the summer months. Of the captured S. lucioperca individuals, 51.8% were caught with circle hooks, while 48.2% were caught with "J" hooks. The difference in the average number of individuals caught per operation was not statistically significant. Additionally, no significant difference was found between the two hook types in terms of anatomical hooking location.The results showed that deep hooking occurred in 13 individuals (44.83%) and shallow hooking in 16 individuals (55.17%) with circle hooks. For "J" hooks, deep hooking was observed in 12 individuals (44.44%) and shallow hooking in 15 individuals (55.56%). Moreover, no statistically significant difference in mortality rates was found between the two hook types.The findings revealed that among individuals caught with circle hooks, 4 (25%) experienced short-term mortality, while 12 (75%) survived. For "J" hooks, 1 individual (6.67%) experienced short-term mortality, while 14 individuals (93.33%) survived. The absence of a difference in mortality rates between circle and "J" hooks is thought to be related to the feeding behavior of S. lucioperca.