Recent Survey Confirms that North Carolina Trout Fishing is Doing Well
A recent survey by the North Carolina Wild Life Resources Commission has confirmed what many have known for years. The trout fishing in the Old North State is terrific. The survey included those who primarily prefer to fish in hatchery-supported trout waters, followed by wild trout waters and delayed-harvest waters.
The telephone based survey known as the "North Carolina Trout Angler Opinion Survey" was conducted during the months of April and May by Responsive Management which is a research firm which specializes in outdoor recreation and natural resource issues. The survey was conducted among 1,504 legally licensed anglers who trout fished during the 2006 season. The survey indicated that over 80% of trout fishermen were either "very or some what very satisfied."
Also encouraging to North Carolina Wildlife Resources officials was the overwhelming percentage of trout anglers who were satisfied with the associated fees of trout fishing. 83% expressed satisfaction with fees and 64% of those individuals even supported an increase in fees to supplement costs including access, production, and stocking activities. Anglers also expressed satisfaction with the trout which are stocked. 82% were pleased with the size and quality of trout stocked in hatchery supported waters and a corresponding 86% for delayed harvest waters.
When questioned about their fishing preferences, most who were surveyed indicated they practiced catch and release. 50% reported that they "mostly" released with 79% indicating they released "half the time". Catch and release involves the release of fish back into their habitat with as little trauma as possible to the fish itself. As for bait preference there was no clear cut winner with most fishermen preferring a combination of flies, spinners, and other bait.
The telephone based survey known as the "North Carolina Trout Angler Opinion Survey" was conducted during the months of April and May by Responsive Management which is a research firm which specializes in outdoor recreation and natural resource issues. The survey was conducted among 1,504 legally licensed anglers who trout fished during the 2006 season. The survey indicated that over 80% of trout fishermen were either "very or some what very satisfied."
Also encouraging to North Carolina Wildlife Resources officials was the overwhelming percentage of trout anglers who were satisfied with the associated fees of trout fishing. 83% expressed satisfaction with fees and 64% of those individuals even supported an increase in fees to supplement costs including access, production, and stocking activities. Anglers also expressed satisfaction with the trout which are stocked. 82% were pleased with the size and quality of trout stocked in hatchery supported waters and a corresponding 86% for delayed harvest waters.
When questioned about their fishing preferences, most who were surveyed indicated they practiced catch and release. 50% reported that they "mostly" released with 79% indicating they released "half the time". Catch and release involves the release of fish back into their habitat with as little trauma as possible to the fish itself. As for bait preference there was no clear cut winner with most fishermen preferring a combination of flies, spinners, and other bait.
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