Recreational fishing gears on the Kakhovka Reservoir

Purpose. Determination of the main fishing gears used by recreational fishermen on the Kakhovka Reservoir and their place in the general system of fishing gears according to their functional and structural features. Methodology. The work is based on the materials obtained during 2003-2022 on the Kakhovka Reservoir. Collection and processing of information was carried out on the basis of unified and adapted existing methods of research of recreational fishing by direct creel survey, survey of recreational fishing, interviewing recreational fishermen at the place of fishing and observation. Analysis of ichthyological material was carried out according to generally accepted basic methods. Statistical data processing was carried out in MS Excel. Findings. The most popular fishing gears used by recreational fishermen on the Kakhovka Reservoir were identified: summer float rods, bottom rods, winter fishing rods and spinning rods. Their place in the general system of fishing gears as well as functional and structural components were defined. Peculiarities of the use of fishing rods of various types and the species composition of catches were given, an assessment of compliance with the requirements of the current Fishing Rules regarding equipment and fishing methods was provided. Originality. The study is a first assessment of recreational fishing gears and methods as well as the peculiarities of their use on the Kakhovka Reservoir. Practical value. Based on the systematization of current information on the classification and design features of gears used by recreational fishermen, unified approaches for their definition in scientific research and legislation were proposed.