Freshwater Fishing Participation Patterns of Racial and Ethnic Groups in Texas

Abstract

The goal of this paper was to understand differences in the recreational fishing behavior of African-American, Mexican-American, and Anglo anglers in Texas. Hypotheses about different behaviors in recreational fishing were generated from documented differences in the cultural patterns of these groups as well as alternative theories of outdoor recreation behavior. Data from four Texas statewide angler surveys were used to test hypotheses. Twelve measures of participation were identified as subject to racial and ethnic differentiation. Except for the rate of licensed participation, only males were included in group comparisons because of the limited sample size of minority female anglers. Results indicated significant differences among racial and ethnic groups for 10 participation variables, all of which were generally consistent with what was expected from previous research. Anglo males were more likely than all other racial and gender groups (African-American males, African-American females, and the “Other” males and “Other” females groups) to participate in licensed recreational fishing. Additionally, Anglo males were more likely than African-American or Mexican-American males to have started fishing at an earlier age, to have more years of fishing experience, to live in a household with a powerboat, to fish more days from a boat, to belong to a fishing club or organization, to fish in tournaments, and to have less varied species preferences. Differences in terms of with whom minority anglers fished most often were significant in two studies. Whereas all groups fished most often in groups consisting of family and friends, African-American males fished alone to a greater extent than anticipated. For one of the years examined, there was a difference among groups in total annual days of fishing; the African-American males fished more days than expected that year. Wherever resources and programs are implemented, racial and ethnic adaptations will need to be considered by managers to every extent possible. More research that seeks to understand the extent of differences among various angler subpopulations in various regions of the United States is needed if managers expect to meet current and future angler needs.