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The business of fishing: Luring more recreational dollars

By Kris Baxter
Not only will Tempe improve the chances for Kyrene Corridor and other Valley anglers to catch a fish when city staff release trout into Tempe Town Lake—the city also will reel in more revenue.

Officials plan to stock the lake Nov. 26, two weeks later than had been anticipated due to higher-than-expected water temperatures.

More than providing a recreational outlet for fishermen, say officials, stocking the lake has positive financial implications.

In Arizona, outdoor wildlife activities are big business. More than $1.6 billion is spent each year by wildlife watchers, hunters and those who fish.
Anglers spend more than $358 million each year on equipment, licenses, food and lodging to enjoy their sport.

Of the most desirable fish, trout is the most elite, the one most anglers strive to catch.

It makes up half the fishing in Arizona and offers the best economic demographics of all kinds of fishing, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its 1996 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation.

Ron Sampley has been in the Arizona fishing business for 27 years as a professional guide and as manager of the Waterdog Willy's off McClintock and Baseline Road.

He is optimistic about the effect that stocking Tempe Town Lake will have on his business.

"Every time they stock the catfish in the parks more people come around the store," he said.

"Once the lake is stocked with trout, more people might stay in the Valley to fish instead of going up to the mountains. They might try fishing for the first time because it's more convenient."

Although many do not think of Tempe Town Lake on the Rio Salado as a traditional fishing hole, it offers amenities that many other lakes do not.

Located just off the Hohokam Freeway, Loop 202 and Loop 101, the lake is within minutes of most centrally located Valley homes, making it a convenient stop.

Anglers can pack a rod and reel in their cars in the morning, spend evening rush hour on the lake instead of stuck in  traffic and still make it home in time for prime time television.

Restaurants, movie theaters, shops and lounges are within walking distance of the shore.

Those who fish for trout aren't just backwoods folks.  A national study shows that those who fish for trout are more highly educated and earn a better annual income than the average Valley resident.

The average trout angler makes more than the national average $35,000, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and its 1996 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. About 40 percent of trout anglers earn at least $50,000.

In terms of education, about 89 percent of trout anglers have high school diplomas and 31 percent have a bachelor's degrees or better. More than three-quarters of trout anglers are men, mostly aged 35-44.

In Tempe, 89 percent of residents also have high school diplomas and 36 percent have a bachelor's degree or better. The typical Tempe resident is about 28 years old and earns about  $31,000 annually.

Kris Baxter is marketing director for Rio Salado.

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