Reeling in joy: Untangling the link between satisfaction and motivation in recreational fishing

Recreational fishing holds substantial socio-economic importance as a popular leisure activity. Heightened attention has recently been drawn towards angler satisfaction and the significance of motivational factors. This study investigates aspects of satisfaction and motivation associated with recreational fishing in Port Phillip Bay, Australia. Among the largest and most diverse bays in Australia, it attracts numerous anglers and boating enthusiasts. We examined long-term satisfaction data collected through creel surveys at 20 boat ramps during 2013−2022. Our analysis considered avidity, demography, key species, policy changes and regulatory intervention. The importance of motivational factors in shaping angler satisfaction was also assessed. The findings underscored spatiotemporal trends in satisfaction levels, with lower ratings observed during the initial survey years likely due to conflict over commercial net fishing, subsequently phased out as policy shifted in favor of the recreational sector. Higher satisfaction was evident among younger and avid anglers, and those targeting calamari, whereas anglers targeting King George whiting reported the lowest satisfaction ratings, which some representative groups from the recreational sector attributed to commercial netting. The study highlighted the importance of intrinsic motivators such as relaxation and outdoor enjoyment which were significantly correlated with satisfaction, whereas extrinsic factors like competitive elements of fishing played a minimal role, although catching fresh fish for food was highly important. This study provides insights for policymakers and resource managers about why anglers go fishing and which factors affect the quality of their experience thereby helping to formulate policies that promote responsible angling practices in this important marine embayment.