Fishing success in Lake Erie: an analysis of catch‐related factors and perceived success among Ohio Walleye, Yellow Perch, and black bass anglers

摘要: Lake Erie is a critical resource for Ohio and surrounding Great Lakes states. Lake Erie generates substantial economic activity through recreation opportunities (eg, fishing, boating) in which residents and non-residents alike participate. Two key goals for agencies tasked with managing the lake’s resources are to ensure the long-term health and viability of fish stocks within Lake Erie, while optimizing their utility for residents. A better understanding of angler preferences and behavior (the “human dimensions” of fishing) can assist agencies in developing management approaches, rules, and regulations that foster these goals. This study was aimed at providing the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Wildlife data related to the preferences and behaviors of people who fished the Ohio waters of Lake Erie. Specifically, we sought to describe Lake Erie anglers’ preferences for catch outcomes, and determine which outcomes were deemed successful. These data are crucial in the assessment of preference-based fisheries performance, as described below.