Species Preference, Motivation and Consumptive Orientation Among Texas Anglers

The shifting socio-demographic landscape of Texas has several implications for the management and sustainability of fisheries resources. This study examined differences in motivation and consumptive orientation among anglers who prefer to target various species of fish in freshwater and saltwater in the state of Texas. As anglers’ preferred species, motivations and expectations related to the angling experience change, so to must regulations governing fisheries. Data were taken from a mail-back survey of licensed anglers in fiscal year 2009 (n=1,882).  Anglers were segmented based on target species in freshwater (Black Basses, all other species) and saltwater (Red Drum, and Spotted Sea Trout). Comparisons were conducted using analysis of variance for items measuring motivations, and consumptive orientation between freshwater (Bass vs other) and saltwater (Trout vs Drum) anglers. The major results show significant differences in motivations and consumptive orientation among anglers that target Black Basses and those that do not, and very little difference between anglers that prefer Spotted Sea Trout and Red Drum among saltwater anglers. These results have relevance in determining which species anglers view as acceptable substitutes for deriving the same benefits from the angling experience and subsequent responses to changes in fisheries and regulations.