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The Status and Usefulness of Angler Recognition Programs in the United States
Author(s) -
Quinn Stephen P.
Publication year - 1987
Publication title -
fisheries
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.725
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1548-8446
pISSN - 0363-2415
DOI - 10.1577/1548-8446(1987)012<0010:tsauoa>2.0.co;2
Subject(s) - trophy , publicity , fishery , micropterus , fishing , bass (fish) , enthusiasm , fish <actinopterygii> , geography , business , marketing , biology , psychology , social psychology , archaeology
An angler recognition program is here defined as a program that gives awards to anglers who submit official affidavits for the catch of large fish. Thirty‐one state agencies now administer such programs, but few utilize the results outside of publicity releases. Interesting seasonal and locational trends in the catch of large fish of several species were revealed by analysis of affidavits from the Massachusetts Freshwater Sportfishing Award Program from 1971 through 1982. Data derived from affidavits for largemouth bass ( Micropterus salmoides ) are described in detail. Analysis of the Massachusetts data indicated that a popular angler recognition program with meaningful standards can provide several types of information to fisheries researchers and managers. Unusual numbers of large fish from a body of water may encourage biological investigation into causative factors. Productive waters for large fish may be candidates for special regulations to preserve them as trophy fisheries. Returns to a trophy fish program can contribute to the assessment of the effects of management strategies on fish population structures. Demographic analysis of successful anglers suggests the need to increase fishing enthusiasm and success beyond the young to middle‐aged male category. Successful programs can increase angling participation and inject enthusiasm into the sport, and provide a positive element of public relations.