COVID‐recruited anglers: Who are they and how can we retain them?

This article focuses on a survey-based study examining the characteristics, motivations, behaviors, and retention challenges of new recreational anglers in Texas who began fishing during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to retained anglers who fished prior to the pandemic. The study found that new anglers were more likely to be female, younger, and identify as Black or African American or Asian/Pacific Islander, and they preferred freshwater fishing and family-oriented social experiences. New anglers were less likely than retained anglers to keep their catch, fish from boats, travel long distances to fish, or renew their fishing licenses, with retention rates notably lower among new anglers in 2021 and 2022. The findings suggest that tailored educational programs, improved access to beginner-friendly fishing sites, and initiatives such as auto-renewal of licenses may help retain new anglers and foster long-term participation in recreational fishing.