Trends in the Human Dimensions of Texas Angling: A 20 Year Analysis

The previous twenty years have seen dramatic changes in the population of Texas anglers. These changes have been driven by social forces related urbanization, migration, population growth, and shifting economic conditions. The changes are evidenced in anglers’ motivations, species preferences, consumptive orientations, and preferred angling locations. These shifts also have bearing on the way in which anglers engage the sport and implications for the manner in which fisheries resources are managed in the state. This study examined trends in selected variables taken from six Texas Statewide Angler Surveys conducted over the period of 1989-2009. Data were collected at approximate four-year intervals using mailback survey research methods (Dillman, 1978). Analyses focused on freshwater and saltwater species preferences, participation trends in saltwater and freshwater angling, motivations, consumptive orientations, preferred angling locations, and place of residence. Findings illustrate shifts in: socio-demographic characteristics, preferences for both freshwater and saltwater target species, preferred angling locations, and consumptive orientations. These shifts have implications for fisheries management in Texas’ inland and coastal waterways.