| Increase in the demand for quality sport fishing rivers has created the potential for in-group conflict between anglers. Six factors (skill level, angling style, place of origin, guided status, crowding, and etiquette) that contributed to conflict between anglers were identified and measured through a mixed-method study incorporating interview and survey data analyses. Both a quantitative model, based on AIC model selection, and a qualitative model are presented to depict angling conflict. The findings suggest that interpersonal conflict and social values conflict are equally prevalent in sport fishing conflict. Crowding and etiquette exhibited the strongest relationship with conflict. Crowding at fishing holes appeared to create the setting where other factors interacted to influence interpersonal conflict. Etiquette was an important alleviating factor in both types of conflict, while a perceived lack of etiquette often exacerbated the potential for conflict. Collaboratively developing an angling code of conduct is suggested to help minimize interpersonal and social values sport fishing conflict in recreation areas. |
