Chowan River a Favorite Among Largemouth Bass AnglersA recent study conducted
on the Chowan River during 2001 and 2002 found that anglers preferred
to catch largemouth bass more than any other fish species. The study,
which spanned a 12-month period, concluded that anglers spent more than
211,000 hours fishing on the Chowan River, with 82,000 of these hours
spent in pursuit of largemouth bass. On average, Chowan River anglers
caught one largemouth bass for every two hours they spent fishing. The total number of fish caught on the Chowan River between July 1, 2001 and June 30, 2002 was estimated at a whopping 354,650 fish. Of this number, 195,600 were kept (or harvested) by anglers. Sunfish (primarily bluegill, redear, and pumpkinseed) accounted for nearly 40% of the total catch and harvest. White perch weren’t far behind, accounting for 28% of the catch and 36% of the harvest. Largemouth bass catch ranked third, with total catch of largemouth bass over the 12-month study estimated at 47,000 bass. As was expected, catch and release practices were highest among largemouth bass anglers. However, almost 13,000 (or 28%) of the bass caught were kept by anglers. We also found that anglers spent a considerable amount of money chasing fish on the Chowan River. Based on interview questions asked of anglers, we determined that on average almost $36 was spent per fishing trip on things such as gas, bait, food and lodging. When this number was expanded over the 12-month study, we estimated that these expenses topped $885,000. This figure does not take into account the costs of durable goods such as boats, motors or vehicles. Largemouth bass anglers spent more money (60%) than any other angler group, and averaged almost $50 spent per trip. Anglers were also asked how much more money they would be willing to spend on another fishing trip of equal or greater satisfaction, and on average, their answer was $51. When this willingness-to-pay value was combined with the estimated expenses, the potential annual angling value on the Chowan River was approximately $2,271,000. Along with spending
a lot of money to fish on the Chowan River, anglers also come from lots
of different places. “Local” anglers
made up almost 60% of those interviewed and included residents of Bertie,
Chowan, Gates and Hertford counties. “Regional” anglers
accounted for 37% of the fishing parties, and were defined as those anglers
living in the remaining counties of North Carolina or in the southeastern
Virginia counties of Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Suffolk, Isle of Wight,
and Southampton.
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