Mostly, according to the surveys, people fished to relax and socialize. Your TruDesign experts talk about how if I just want to relax and socialize, I can find plenty of (often closer, less expensive) opportunities.

I suspect most SF readers would say the same. I have no idea of the universe sampled for the study that got me riled up, but I don’t think they’re the same kind of fishermen as me, or probably as you.

More recently, a column by Rob Southwick ­entitled “Why Do People Fish” (Jan/Feb 2018, Fishing Tackle Retailer) showed the top three reasons people fish: to have fun (40 percent), relax (33 percent) and socialize (19 percent).

So what? What does it matter why we go fishing?

There are many reasons why better understanding that question can be useful. I think of particular importance is that knowing what people want when they go fishing could impact how fisheries managers allocate resources among main user groups.

Best Reasons to Go Fishing

1. Stress Relief. If you want to have a relaxing afternoon (or morning, or evening), you can’t beat fishing. It’s the perfect way to unwind.

2. Quality Time with Friends and Family. Fishing is a wonderful hobby to share with your loved ones because it allows a lot of time for conversation and bonding.

3. Solitude. On the other hand, if you need some time to yourself, fishing is a great way to escape.

4. Exercise. Although fishing isn’t typically a vigorous activity, it can be a moderate workout.

5. Conservation. The cost of your fishing license will help fund wildlife and conservation programs.

Is An Excuse Ever Really Needed to Go Fishing?

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On the one hand, citing anglers who just want to relax when they fish could help emphasize just how different recreational fishermen are from commercial fishermen.

Recreational fishermen don’t need fish to be satisfied.

Fun doesn’t pay the bills. Fish — poundage and tonnage — does.

I agree that the great majority of anglers in the United States don’t need to fill a fish box to consider a fishing day a success. I have to believe that what we do need — whatever studies might suggest — is a reasonable expectation of catching fish.

If there’s a lovely lake just down the road where the launching’s easy and the crowds are light, but where it’s well-known that no fish live, would you go fishing there?

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation has launched a campaign to grow the number of licensed anglers in this country from 47 million to 60 million.

While I am sure anglers do fish to chill out and enjoy friends, I think we must be careful not to be lulled into accepting that as enough.

So don’t forget these great reasons to get out on your boat and go fishing. 1) Its a great stress reliever;  2) It is a great way to spend quality time with family and friends;  and 3) it is a great way to escape and get some time to yourself.

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