A discriminant analysis of social and psychological factors influencing fishing participation

Lake Ontario, one of North America's Great Lakes, provides coastal residents of New York State with a sportfishery integral to both local traditions and the economy. Recent and projected declines in the number of state residents fishing Lake Ontario have generated concerns among fishery managers and business owners. In order to identify management and marketing strategies that can be used to increase fishing participation, an understanding of the influence of social and psychological factors on participation during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood is needed. Examination of both existing angler market groups (e.g., males) and market groups with growth potential (e.g., females) could provide further insight into increasing participation. This study identifies the social and psychological factors that influenced fishing participation for a sample of 1,050 Lake Ontario anglers (i.e., 525 males and 525 females). A mail survey, based on the elements included in a wildlife recreation involvement model by Decker et al. (1987), was conducted in 2001. Discriminant analysis was used to quantify the influence of these elements on fishing participation for males and females during childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Elements identified as strongly influencing fishing participation for both males and females were opportunity, perceived ability, and fishing-related customs during childhood; affiliation, opportunity, and commitment during adolescence; and affiliation and commitment during adulthood. Based on study results, management and marketing strategies for increasing fishing participation were developed.