Alaska Fishing Tours – A Dollars And Sense Business
There is probably no question in anyone’s mind about how important Alaska fishing tours are to the economic wellbeing of the entire state. In 2007 the Alaska Department of Fish and Game undertook a major study looking at the sport fishing industry. They found almost half a million people (residents and non-residents) purchased a fishing license in that year. These anglers went on to spend almost $1. 4 billion on hobby related expenditure. This related expenditure included travel, equipment, guides and accommodation.
The Alaskan town of Bethel was so interested in the opportunities fishing brought them they undertook their own study in 2008. Their community had a relatively high dependence on the economic contribution of the fishing industry. This was important to them as their population was only just over six thousand people.
Their study found that there was a large untapped potential benefit from sports fishing. They had the desirable fish, but the services available to fishermen in the area were lacking. They recognized visitors spent significantly more than locals hiring guides and obtaining services and supplies. The upshot of this study was to suggest the community tap into the fishing industry by updating and expanding services. One key was to ensure repeat business was maximized by improving the quality of the visitors experience while in the area. The final conclusion they came to was to improve the quality of the lodging options. Their study found the non-resident fisherman usually came from a higher income bracket.
The Alaskan Department of fish and Game has long been an advocate of the licensed professional guide. Their rationale is that with regulations comes a higher standard. With higher standards comes sustainability and professionalism. They were well aware a viable fishing industry was important to Alaska, and a profitable one even better.
One of the positive outcomes of licensing is an increase in the level of hard numerical data about fish stocks and activities. These are provided by log books maintained by the registered guides. This data will be useful for trends and for basing sensible decisions on.
One area that is emerging as an add-on benefit for fishing operators to pursue is the area of wildlife viewing. Although anecdotally this is a growing area there is little hard data to support these growth opportunity claims.
In the end Alaska fishing tours and the general sport fishing industry are major parts of the economy of Alaska. The benefits they bring and need to ensure their continued viability is one of upmost importance.
To find out how to plan the best Alaska fishing tours be sure to visit: http://www.lureofalaska.com
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