A new trend in Central European recreational fishing: More fishing visits but lower yield and catch

Abstract

Recreational fishing is a major leisure activity in many European countries but social aspects of angling are still understudied. This study aimed to examine long-term social trends in recreational fishing. Data was obtained from annual angling reports collected by the Czech Fishing Union. Data from annual angling reports is based on data from individual angling logbooks collected from 238 fishing grounds over the course of 11 years in Prague and Central Bohemia, Czech Republic. It was discovered that the numbers of individual anglers and angling visits on fishing grounds have been increasing. An average angler visits higher diversity of fishing grounds but anglers keep on returning to individual fishing grounds less frequently. Frequency of angling guard controls on fishing grounds has been increasing as well. On the other hand, angling yield and catch have been decreasing. The number of anglers who take home at least one fish has been increasing but percentage of anglers who take home at least one fish has been decreasing. In conclusion, recreational fishing is on the rise but fish catch and yield are decreasing.