Exploring Fishing Socialization Among Male and Female Anglers in New York's Eastern Lake Ontario Area

Abstract

Fishing is an important component of the traditions and economy of New York's Lake Ontario region. A decline in the number of New York State resident anglers fishing in Lake Ontario since 1988 and a projected decline for anglers between the ages of 18 and 44 by 2005 raised questions about the concepts that influence angler initiation and continued fishing participation, especially for groups with few participants (e.g., female anglers). Interviews were conducted with 41 anglers (21 males and 20 females) in 2001 and 2002, and qualitatively analyzed. Fishing socialization processes for male and female anglers were proposed that include three stages of fishing socialization: initial involvement, attachment, and commitment. Female fishing socialization was found to focus primarily on the social aspects of fishing, while male socialization focused on both the social and sport-related aspects. The concepts influencing each socialization stage were identified. Marketing implications are discussed. The authors acknowledge New York Sea Grant and the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry for funding this research. In addition, we thank the many anglers interviewed as part of this study for their assistance.