An on-site interview and mail survey questionnaire of
anglers on the James River, Virginia, was conducted to compare
the characteristics of anglers, estimate angler compliance and
illegal harvest, and determine the factors related to angler
compliance with a black bass slot length limit regulation of
280 to 356-mm (11 - 14 in) and a daily creel limit of five
bass. Boat and bank anglers differed significantly in yearly
tackle expenditures, travel distances, knowledge of existing
regulations, and species preference. Angler compliance with
the slot limit averaged nearly 85% for the entire river, while
angler compliance with the creel limit was over 99%. The
total illegal harvest of black bass averaged approximately
10% of the total bass harvested. Comparisons between known
complying anglers and known non-complying anglers showed
differences in daily bait expenditures and yearly tackle
expenditures. Non-complying anglers had a yearly tackle
expense that was one-half that of complying anglers, and a daily bait expense that was more than twice that of complying
anglers. All other characteristics were similar. Comparisons
between anglers who knew the regulations and those who did not
showed differences in species preference and yearly tackle
expenditures. For fishery managers, understanding the factors
related to an angler's probability of complying will be an
important criteria when establishing or changing fishing
regulations. By understanding those factors that cannot be
manipulated by managers and serve only as predictors of
compliance (i. e., angling methods), and those factors that can
be modified (i. e., regulation knowledge), managers should
better comprehend angler behavior.
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