Predicting development preferences for fishing sites among diverse anglers

Shifting demographics among angling communities mean that managers may need different amenities at fishing sites to satisfy new constituents. Anglers approach recreational fishing from diverse demographic and cultural perspectives which influence the sites they access and utilize. Understanding linkages between landscape preferences at fishing sites and demographics in shaping those preferences can improve plans for providing better fishing experiences for diverse constituents. We began addressing this need with a survey of 811 resident anglers in North Carolina. Respondents were asked to state their preference for development at fishing locations, and choose between pictures of streams, rivers, and lakes with and without visible docks and walkways. We used logistic regression analysis to model preference for development in each of the four contexts, with demographics and fishing practices as independent variables. Anglers who stated a preference for developed fishing sites and chose pictures with docks and walkways tended to be non-White minorities, female, older than average, and fish more frequently. Consumptive anglers, however, preferred the less developed site. These results suggest that should the current angling population continue to age and diversify, more individuals will desire development of user amenities at fishing sites. Development of family oriented sites may successfully attract and maintain key groups of anglers and encourage intergenerational transfer of fishing as a cultural practice.