Tournament angling in Wisconsin : the economic impact of bass, salmon, and walleye fishing tournaments on host communities

Abstract

This study investigated the economic impacts of tournament angling, specifically bass, salmon, and walleye fishing tournaments on host communities in the state of Wisconsin. Fifteen salmon, bass, and walleye tournaments were surveyed throughout the summer of 2014 to determine dollar values associated with each tournament. Tournament anglers were asked to share information on their spending habits throughout their stay in the community hosting the event. Anglers were asked to report their expenditures in nine main sectors: housing, grocery stores, restaurants, automobile transportation, boat operation, fishing equipment, boat launch fees, entrance or parking fees, and entertainment. Total median spending amounts for the bass, salmon, and walleye tournaments surveyed were $555.00, $371.00, and $1,562.00 respectively. Housing accounted for bass anglers' largest expenditure with a median value at $150.00 and a maximum value at $1,800.00. Salmon anglers' largest expenditure was boat operation with a median value at $100.00 and a maximum value at $1,700.00. Walleye anglers spent the most money overall with their largest expenditure also being housing with a median value of $400.00 and a maximum value of $1,500.00.