Results from statewide angler surveys conducted during 1987 through 1990 were combined to examine demographic and social characteristics and management preferences of Texas freshwater catfish anglers. Catfish anglers were grouped by their first-choice responses when asked to "Name the fish you most prefer to catch in fresh water in Texas." Anglers for blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus), channel catfish (/. punctatus), and flathead catfish (Pylodictus olivaris), and those who provided a generic response "catfish" differed significantly (P < 0.05) in age, gender, self-rated skill, years of fishing experience, and frequency of fishing in the previous 12 months. Relative (rank) order of support for 6 regulations was similar among catfish angler groups; however, anglers for channel catfish and "catfish" indicated the greatest support for each regulation, whereas anglers for flathead catfish and blue catfish generally indicated the least support.
