Vincent H. Travnichek

In 2002, the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) conducted a statewide survey of licensed anglers in Missouri who fished for catfish during 2001 to gain information on angler demographics, species preferences, angling behavior, and angler opinions on catfish management. Catfish anglers were grouped by the species of catfish (flathead catfish Pylodictis olivaris, channel catfish Ictalurus punctatus, blue catfish I. furcatus, or bullhead catfish Ameiurus spp.) they preferred to fish for, and differences among preference groups related to demographics, angling behavior, and opinions on...

A mail survey was conducted in 2004 to solicit the opinions and attitudes of active resident anglers on the subject of handfishing for catfish in Missouri. Almost 90% of survey respondents had heard of handfishing prior to receiving our survey. However, only about 10% had ever participated in the activity. Anglers were essentially split in their opinions with roughly 33% of anglers in support of, 33% in opposition to, and 34% not having an opinion about allowing handfishing in Missouri. Less than 15% of those surveyed indicated that they would participate in handfishing if legalized in...

Catfishes are among the most frequently sought freshwater fishes in the United States. Yet despite the popularity of catfish angling, few angler surveys have been conducted to describe the demographics, social characteristics, and opinions of catfish anglers to assist in improving fisheries management in Missouri. Thus, the Missouri Department of Conservation conducted a statewide survey of licensed anglers in Missouri in 2002. The survey asked questions specifically related to angler demographics, species preferences, angling behavior, and angler opinions on catfish management. Our...