Title: Application of Hurdle Negative Binomial Count Data Model to Demand for Black Bass Fishing in the Southeastern United States

This paper identifies factors that influence the demand for a black bass fishing trip taken in the Southeastern U.S. using a double hurdle negative binomial count data model. The probability of fishing for a black bass is estimated in the first stage and the trip frequency for fishing a black bass is estimated in the second stage given that the individual has a positive probability towards undertaking a black bass fishing trip in the Southeast. The applied approach allows the decomposition of the effects of factors responsible for the decision of taking a fishing trip and the number of trips. Introduction In 1996, more than 13 million American anglers fished for a black bass on 191 million days in freshwater sources excluding the Great Lakes. More importantly, the Southeast was leading all other classified regions in the trip participation rate (38 percent) for all water-body type fishing (1996 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife Associated Recreation). The observed sample shows that the individuals took an average of 13 black bass fishing trips spending $24 per trip in the state where they resided. The main objective of this study is to identify the factors affecting black bass fishing trip demand in the southeastern U.S. using a hurdle negative binomial count data model. In addition, we also estimate black bass fishing trip demand elasticities based on count data model techniques. The focus on a single category of fish in this study reflects strong preference among anglers for it because of the reputation that each catch generates. The black bass category includes several species of ferocious predatory fish known to grow to a large size. Black bass fishing refers to only smallmouth and largemouth black bass and excludes white bass, spotted bass, striped bass, striped bass hybrids, and rock bass. The Southeast is classified as the primary bass fishing area.