Identifying Factors that Influence Anglers' Perceptions of Fishery Quality on State-Owned Fishing Impoundments

Studies of human dimensions in fisheries demonstrate that angler satisfaction is influenced by non-catch related aspects of the fishing experience. Thus, understanding factors influencing anglers’ perceptions of fishing quality may allow managers to address elements of the fishing experience that are within managerial control. Ordinal logistic regression was used to assess anglers’ fishing quality statements at the Marben Public Fishing Area (Georgia, USA) in response to situational variables, angling metrics, and subjective evaluations of the fishery. Results showed that anglers who caught increasing numbers of their target species and anglers fishing from a boat or bank had significantly higher odds of reporting a higher quality of fishing than unsuccessful anglers and bank anglers, respectively (P < 0.05). Based on log-odds ratios, Caucasian anglers reported lower fishing quality ratings than non-white anglers, anglers that were dissatisfied with catch rates reported lower fishing quality ratings than anglers satisfied with catch, and anglers who believed the impoundments should be managed for more and/or larger fish reported lower fishing quality ratings than anglers satisfied with current fisheries management. Thus, fishing quality perceptions are influenced by the catch-related aspects of the fishery and may serve as suitable criteria for guiding management decisions among similar fisheries.