Digital Data Help Explain Drivers of Angler Satisfaction: An Example from Southern Norway

We analyzed trip-level self-reports collected by a cell phone app to understand angler satisfaction of fishing for sea trout Salmo trutta (anadromous Brown Trout) in southern Norway. We found no clear support for a positive relationship between trip outcome (catch or no catch) and angler satisfaction level. In the cases where sea trout was caught, however, there was a positive relationship between fish size and angler satisfaction level. A total of 52% of the captured sea trout were voluntarily released, and releases were unrelated to fish size. In conclusion, digital data collected via a cell phone app are useful to reveal patterns of angler behavior and satisfaction.

Automated summary

We found a positive relationship between fish size and angler satisfaction level when sea trout was caught, but no clear support for a positive relationship between catch outcome and angler satisfaction. Additionally, 52% of the captured sea trout were voluntarily released, unrelated to fish size.