Fishing Activity Reduced
by Access Problems

Over one quarter of U.S. anglers report their fishing activities have been reduced by problems accessing their preferred fishing holes. In a 2008 poll of over 1,800 anglers by AnglerSurvey.com, anglers were asked if in the past year they had canceled a trip or stop fishing specific locations due to access problems.  Of the anglers reporting such problems, 80 percent reported their access issues were in freshwater areas while 15% experienced access issues in saltwater locations.  Of all anglers, 10 percent either reduced their fishing activity or stopped fishing altogether. 

Detailed results include: 

In the past year, have you ever had to cancel a trip or stop fishing specific fishing locations because you could no longer access it?

·         Yes              28%

·         No                72%

 

Was your access problem related to:

·         Saltwater fishing                 15%

·         Freshwater fishing              80%

·         Brackfish water fishing         3%

·         Do not know                           2%

 

As a result of your access problem, did you:

·         Continue to fish at the same rate and frequency as before                                           62%

·         Not go fishing at all                 4%

·         Fish less frequently               33%

·         Stop fishing altogether           1%

 

Source: AnglerSurvey.com is a monthly national online survey of sportsmen and women providing industry and policymakers with information on fishing trends and activity.  For more information, contact Rob Southwick at Rob@southwickassociates.com.