Sport fishing, a hobby that has spanned over generations. What makes the over $40 billion sport fishing industry so popular, and could it possibly be losing some of its popularity?
Sport fishing (or recreational fishing) is a great pastime, a means to living, an enjoyable hobby, and an excellent competitive sport. Many of us can at least say we have been fishing once. It seems that all of us who started this institution as a child are keeping it a tradition today.
From the fishing on the Great Lakes to the fishing on the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, all the way to the great fishing in the Mediterranean, there is a type of fishing for one and all. With each different type of fishing there are a whole new set of rules.
If you choose to fish the Great Lakes you will notice that the boat, equipment, and tackle will notably vary from other types of sport fishing. Not mention that the fish will greatly differ. Great Lakes fishing is usually done on an inboard boat such as a Viking Yacht or even and inboard Mako, while center console outboard boats such as Boston Whaler, Intrepid, and the infamous Hatteras Yacht tend to be much more popular for saltwater fishing. Some of the most common fish caught in the Great Lakes are trout, bass, herring, salmon, pike, and perch. Fishing the East coast is a whole new animal compared to Great Lakes fishing, just to compare two. Being that the conditions on the ocean can dramatically vary from day to day, or even hour to hour, the necessities of the sport fluctuate. Many people prefer to fish aboard their favorite center console or walk-around for a great day trip. While others prefer the sport fishing boats because of their larger size, accommodations that can cater to a trip lasting a couple of days, and deep-vee hull which makes for a much smoother ride in rough seas.
When fishing the oceans the types of fish become endless. Many people set out with their mind on one prize fish, while others are just happy to hook a fish. More than ever fishing tournaments are focusing on a particular catch. Whether it is Billfish, Tarpon, or Tuna the prizes that are offered are enough to make us all think about entering. The IGT (International Gamefish Tournaments) says it has prized out more than $32 million in its 23 year history of over 90 tournaments, with a schedule to hand out another $6.5 million in 2008. Prizes in these tournaments are often determined by the number of teams participating in the tournament. The winners will usually receive a percentage of profits from the tournament as their winnings. Prizes have been known to be in the millions!
The type of boat best used to fish your stomping grounds will differ from someone else's. Although, the angler themselves determine the amount of success in their fishing, the type of boat and proper fishing equipment can greatly help. When starting your search for the perfect fishing boat talk with other local anglers to see what does and doesn't work for them. There are around twenty-five different options for types of fishing boats, and it is understandable the average angler may be mystified.
There are center consoles which have a t-top and are built to stand up to the rough waters offshore. They usually have a bait well and are outfitted with plenty of rod holders. Cuddy's are usually built just like a center console with the added feature of a small cabin for light cooking and short term sleeping. Walkaround's integrate all the great features of the center console and the cuddy, while allowing for more seating for friends and family, and a step up to the forward deck allowing for easier fishing. Flats boats are made for fisherman with their eye on shallow coastal waters. While flats boats tend to be no larger than 25 feet don't look here if you want the cozy amenities of a cuddy. These are just a few of the options available, and they clearly all have different features to offer. Consider talking with a local reputable dealer who sells more than one type of fishing boat so that you can get a real feel for what exactly it is that fits you best.
Having said all that, how could this exciting leisurely pursuit be losing its enthusiasts? With all the fishing options available today it's startling that our younger generations aren't quite finding sport fishing as appealing as their other high energy hobby options. According to a recent study, the number of people who do fish, or who have fished is declining. What could the possible decline of this sport be traced back to? Many are saying that it's a lack of outdoor activities that our youth are participating in. It seems that these days our children are more concerned with the latest and greatest video or online computer games.
While there is no question that our younger generations are choosing other hobbies, most of the seasoned anglers are sticking to it. They are the ones responsible for the spending on equipment, licenses, and trips that make up the $40 billion industry. The equipment is getting better and more expensive every year, and most aren't even blinking an eye at the high price tags associated with a top of the line rod.
Unfortunately, states are reporting large declines in new fishing licenses and renewals. It appears that it is the lake fishermen that are dropping out more so than the ocean fishermen. Unfortunately, much of the funding for the conservation of our lakes and oceans comes from the revenue brought in by state license sales. Not to worry too much though. States are recognizing the problem and are starting youth programs, such as free fishing lessons and camps in order to grab their attention.
It's hard to imagine that the pastime referred to by Herbert Hoover as "the great occasion when we may return to the fine simplicity of our forefathers", could be losing its devotees. With sport fishing tournaments offering more money than ever in cash prizes one would think more people would jump into the mix. Sorry to say though that deep sea sport fishing is a pricey hobby. With boats costing anywhere from a couple hundred thousand to a few million dollars, it is obviously not a sport that everyone can take up.
So what should the rest of us do? Look to your local marinas. Many places can direct you towards group fishing trips in which you might even be able to learn the tricks of the trade. There is always the charter option as well, and most marinas would be able to get you in touch with a good captain to ensure that you really learn how to fish. Bottom line here is that we need to not forget about this great social sport. Nothing beats the rush of actually having a fish on the line and getting it in!
Source:
http://www.marinews.com/
