An Exploratory Factor Analysis of Lake Ontario Resident Bass Angler Motivations, Constraints, and Facilitators

Abstract

In 2009, SUNY ESF completed a survey of 7,000 property owners in the seven New York counties bordering Lake Ontario in order to examine the motivations, constraints, and facilitators related to resident bass fishing participation. The questionnaire included five-point scale questions on motivations and constraints/facilitators to fishing. Resident anglers returned 681 completed surveys. A short follow-up survey was distributed to all non-respondents and 264 additional responses were received from anglers. After data entry, bass anglers were identified based on respondents' preferences for either largemouth or smallmouth bass fishing. Two exploratory factor analyses were conducted: one for variables related to motivations and one for constraints/facilitators. The factor analyses yielded 10 motivation-related factors and 11 constraints/facilitators. Motivations for fishing were affiliation and nature appreciation/enjoyment. Factors identified by respondents as constraining fishing participation were lack of time and bad weather; factors found to facilitate fishing participation were good weather, current/past experience, and access.