Characteristics and Perceptions of Users and Nonusers of an Urban Fishery Program in Lubbock, Texas

Abstract

An urban fishery program was initiated in 1987 to enhance recreational fishing opportunities in 19 lakes in Lubbock, Texas. A telephone survey of 804 residences was conducted during June–December 1988 to measure people's awareness of the program and obtain information that could be used to further develop urban fishing opportunities. Less than half of the respondents were aware of the program, 53% did not fish, 26% fished in Lubbock's lakes one or more times in the past year (urban anglers), and 21% fished only outside Lubbock (rural anglers). Urban anglers fished more frequently than rural anglers. Urban and rural anglers preferred to catch larger fish rather than more fish, preferred cleaner water rather than a cleaner park, fished primarily for recreation rather than for food, and had similar preferences for types of fish to catch. Given a choice of better fish to catch or a better place to fish, more urban anglers preferred better fish to catch and more rural anglers preferred a better place to fish. Although rural anglers generally had similar preferences to those of urban anglers, their preference for a rural fishing environment indicates that rural anglers are not a large group of potential users of the urban fishery. Public relations and education programs to attract new users to the urban fishery resource should focus on nonanglers and emphasize the benefits of urban fishing opportunities. The relatively low awareness (<14%) of fishing regulations by urban and rural anglers indicated a need for more effective communication of regulations.