Modeling target species selection behavior among diverse freshwater anglers in Florida, USA

Effectively managing freshwater recreational fisheries and sustaining participation requires understanding the demographic characteristics of anglers and the relationships between angler motivations and stated behaviors. We surveyed freshwater anglers in Florida, USA to assess demographic characteristics, stated fishing behaviors, choice of target species, motivations, and communication modes. Generalized ordinal logistic regression analyses of these factors revealed several significant differences among demographic groups, such as targeted species, travel distance and mode of fishing. There were also broad similarities. Anglers of differing races/ethnicities were characterized by a similar suite of motivations for fishing, and most demographic groups used similar communication channels. This challenges ideas that non-white anglers are well-characterized by singular motivations for fishing (like food or socialization), or that agencies lack tools to communicate with these anglers. Results suggest that management agencies may best serve and diverse anglers by ensuring varied angling opportunities are accessible and that information is communicated directly between agents and anglers.