Sociodemographics, Motivations, and Behavior: The Case of Texas Anglers 1989–2004

Abstract

This study analyzed data from the Statewide Surveys of Texas Anglers for 1989, 1990, 1994, 1997, 2001, and 2004. The objective was to explore trends in sociodemographics, motivations, and behavior of recreational anglers. Results showed that the composition of the respondents changed significantly over time on several variables including age, race/ethnicity, income, and satisfaction. Fishing participation and days fishing were fairly stable. Factor analysis of the motivational items yielded four factors: natural environment/social, challenge/adventure, skill/equipment, and escape/relax. Further analysis using MANCOVA/ANOVA and the four factors showed several significant differences by gender, social group, income, and age. The findings of this research identified important areas of stability and change for Texas anglers. Overall recommendations are given for identifying theoretical frameworks that may help understand anglers' behavior and preferences over time, implementing management strategies to meet the needs of anglers, and increasing the use of secondary data in human dimensions research.

Keywords:

• secondary data
• angler sociodemographics and behavior
• survey research

The authors would like to thank the Center for Socioeconomic Research & Education at Texas A & M University for technical assistance.

Notes

1. When n = 6, r values of 0.84 and above are considered significant at the 95% level (McDonald, 2009).