The Social Hierarchy of Fishing: Myth or Reality?

Abstract

This study compared the activity involvement of hand fishers (lower status) with trout anglers (higher status) in Missouri. Hand fishing is deeply ingrained in the culture of many mid-western and southern states. The object is to catch fish without modern equipment. A small number of rural citizens practice hand fishing despite the stigma often associated with it. Other than anecdotal evidence, little is known about this sport or its participants. Surveys were administered to hand fishers (n = 103) and trout anglers (n = 523) in Missouri to measure their respective levels of activity involvement. No significant differences were found between the groups using a 12-item activity involvement index. Centrality to lifestyle (one dimension of activity involvement), however, was more important for hand fishers than trout anglers. Implications for resource policy are discussed.

Keywords:

• hand fishing
• noodling
• catfish
• folklore
• recreation specialization
• resource policy

Notes

Winkelman, D. (2003). Evaluation of the flathead catfish population and fishery on Lake Carl Blackwell, OK, with emphasis on the effects of noodling. Aid in Sportfish Restoration. Final Report F-41-R-23. 39 pp