The Social Image of Inland Angling in Poland Within the Concept of Sustainability: A Factual and Stereotypical Analysis

Social perception of fishing is dichotomous and is perceived through the prism of stereotypes or intuitive ideas. Popularity of angling and its importance for the environment and the economy force the necessity to examine this issue to improve public acceptance of anglers and optimalisation of sustainable recreational area management. The study is based on a survey of Polish anglers and other people who undertake recreational activities on inland waters. Research aimed to assess the prevalence of stereotypes regarding angling and to verify them based on the preferences and self-reported behaviors indicated by anglers. Most non-anglers (88.6%) do not have a negative opinion of anglers. People with neutral attitudes are more like those with positive opinions. Part of the public (21.7–39.7%), despite associating anglers with negative connotations, does not have a negative opinion of them. Negative opinions are mainly related to concerns about sustainability and other environmental impacts from overharvesting, plus welfare of the captured fish, which was expressed as “torture”. Many of the stereotypes examined were verified as untrue; however, stereotypes concerning the costs and time spent are accurate and show the positive impact of fishing on the economy.