Nothing like a research paper to wave angrily in front of county planners while they debate paving your favorite trout stream…
Southwick Associates has released another paper on the effect of mountain trout anglers on North Carolina’s rural pocketbook. Compiled from last year’s statistics, it’s the first research I’ve seen on who we are and what we do when we get there.
The typical resident mountain trout angler spends approximately $65 per day on trip expenditures when mountain trout fishing in North Carolina; nonresidents average $158 on trip expenditures. Annually, the typical resident mountain trout angler spends a little over $500 on mountain trout fishing equipment in North Carolina.
In 2008 North Carolina-bound anglers spent $500 annually; suggesting no new rod, last year’s waders, and the economy weighing on their consciousness. In fly fishing terms that’s 12 dozen flies, a few extra leaders or terminal tackle, and a sandwich or two.
The typical resident mountain trout angler fishes for mountain trout about 10 days in North Carolina in a year; the typical nonresident fishes for about 5 days for mountain trout in North Carolina. Anglers fished an estimated 625,147 days in Hatchery Supported Waters, 374,611 days in Delayed Harvest Waters, and 422,671 days in Wild Trout Waters. Most trips taken by mountain trout anglers last only 1 day.
“Delayed Harvest” is a stocked fishery with catch & release during the Spring, and kill during Summer.
Wild Trout Waters paints a compelling economic picture as it draws nearly 2/3rd’s what the hatchery fishery can boast. Great factoids to use when the county commission balks over the local tributary and a pending “wild trout” designation.
A one day trip suggests additional economic influence. Desperate to get bit they drive all morning, fish like demons, and drive back satiated – avoiding the additional expense of lodging and a possible outfitter.
… and 92% of those basking in the Wild Water are males. Statistically you’ll have to draw straws in the parking lot, with the small straws forced to drink the water, as that’s the only feminine in your collective future.
Tags: North Carolina mountain trout anglers, trout fishing, delayed harvest, Southwick Associates, angling statistics, Wild trout, economic effects of wild trout, fly fishing, hormone water
A huge fan of Middleton (he’s one of those other guys I’ve alluded to) I’d really like to do a trip and fish the places I’ve read about in N.C. Unfortunately, the gas I’d have to buy to drive there or the flight/rental car outlay would be $$$ prohibitive for me. Not to mention the time I don’t have.
Sheesh, my priorities are jacked up.