Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

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--
The Security Consultant
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Bob La Londe - Owner
849 S Ave C
Yuma, Az 85364

(928)782-9765 ofc
(928)782-7873 fax

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

Dying sport??? Ya gotta be kidding... right?

Please post your opinions here instead of linking to your public forum, then
I'll do some research for Tennessee and show you that it's not declining
here!

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
s.com...

http://www.yumabassman.com/cgi-bin/y... 47;start=0#0

http://tinyurl.com/ywupp



--
The Security Consultant
http://www.diycomponents.com
Bob La Londe - Owner
849 S Ave C
Yuma, Az 85364

(928)782-9765 ofc
(928)782-7873 fax

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

"Charles Summers" wrote in message
...
Dying sport??? Ya gotta be kidding... right?

Its not my stats that say license sale sare down.


Please post your opinions here instead of linking to your public forum,
then
I'll do some research for Tennessee and show you that it's not declining
here!

I posted a link because it is a very long rant, but since you requested it
here it is... P.S. Why not post a link anyway? That way those who are
interested can read it and those that aren't don't even download it.

********
The number of fishing license sales has been declining for a decade.
Atleast according to some of the stuff I have read. Guys like Bass Pro
Shops seem to be doing ok because:

They are getting a larger share of the market.
The guys who are still fishing tend to spend more.

I remember fishing places as a kid where we could walk for miles and see few
if any anglers. Sure some very popular fishing areas would have anglers
lined up along a bank shoulder to shoulder, but you could always find a
place to get away. In the last few years I see more and more anglers in the
places I go fishing. I knows it is partly because I have started fishing
tournaments and tend to fish those areas during my recreational fishing as
well for the practice and knowldge it can bring, but still I see a lot of
pressure on the waters I fish. This may seem like it is not a problem, but
when I go to the small hard to get to places that I used to fish before
getting into competition I see nobody at all. Except for stocked ponds the
week after stocking I rarely see people stadning shoulder to shoulder
anymore either although the more popular places are still crowded.

Are the people who fish fishing more?

Seriously. I see the basic premise that there are fewer license sales as an
indication of a very bad problem. I am one of only a handfull of younger
(and by younger I mean under 40) anglers in the local fishing clubs. All of
them combined. Part of this will of course be blamed on baby boomers
getting older, but that can't be the whole picture. There should be a
smaller percentage of younger anglers, but not NONE. (Virtually None)

I have a few questions to think about. Some may help you to promote fishing
in your area if you have any desire to.

Are the anti movements making an impression that is affecting the sport?

Have health advisories dissuaded large numbers of people from fishing?

Has the almost religous zeal of catch and release anglers driven the casual
dinner angler from fishing at all?

Have the proliferation of tournaments made the sport seem like to much for a
casual angler?

Is the arrogance of some a problem for others?

Is society as a whole changing in some way that makes fishing too
inconvenient or unappealling?

Let me now offer some of my own insights. About 20 years ago or a little
more I had an unpleasant experience with a "pro" angler. I was about 16
years old, and the Gila River had been trickling and running often enough
that some decent fish had started to grow. I was fishing minnows, and some
artificials with what I thought was good success. There were miles of river
that were totally unaccessible except by walking and wading. Often you had
to swim or push through heavy brush. I loved it. I was going places nobody
else was going and catching lots of nice fish in spite of of people who said
there weren't any fish in that river.

One day I ran into a local woman who fished the tournaments in Yuma and
other areas, and I was doing a little bragging on how great a fisherman I
thought I was. I probably came off a little strong, but I was proud of my
achievements. She shut me down cold. She basically told me if I wasn't
fishing tournaments and winning I wasn't didly. I didn't know what to think
back then. Now I think, "Wow! What a despicable thing to say to a kid who
is trying hard and seeing some results from it." I really haven't thought
of it over the years. I have for some reason carried a disdain towards
fishing tournaments. Until recently I tried to stay as far away from
tournament anglers as was physically possible without leaving the country.
I probably fished less as well.

A week or so ago I happened to be chatting with one of the construction
supervisors for a general contractor I install a lot of alarm systems for,
and he made a comment that got me thinking. "The arrogance of a lot fo the
jerks fishing the local clubs turned me off from that. I still fish
sometimes, but I sure don't fish with that crowd." I wonder if he fishes as
much as he used to or puts forth the positive image of fishing he might have
if he hadn't been turned off by a "few" tournament anglers?

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not bashing tournaments or tournament anglers.
I am a tournament angler, and I can see exactly the same thing as has
happened in the past happening still. The same lady pro I mentioned earlier
is still around, and she has managed to alienate one of the young new
anglers in the clubs. I don't know if its her fault because I know the guy
and he can be brash and speak without thinking sometimes, but still. That
is one more angler with a sour taste related to fishing.

How about the overwhelming gaps in knowledge about fishing and the totaL
unwillingness to share anything. I took a guy fishing a few weeks ago. On
the way home I showed him a few of my old bank fishing spots. Guess what!
He has actually gone out fishing on his own and invested some money in his
own equipment since then. We didn't even catch any decent fish when I took
him out. We were friendly, and I listend to his over enthusiastic bravado.
I shared any information I had with him freely.

I have tried to point out some of the causes of what I see as a problem, but
I really haven't stated clearly why I thinks its a problem. After all if
the trend continues and all the 50-75 year old anglers start to die off I'll
have more space on the water for myself when I am that age. Sounds like a
pretty selfish view point doesn't it? I think that is another driving force
behind the problem. I am sure not consciously, but it is there none the
less in many anglers. The flip side of the same thing is that as the
angling population gets older and not enough new anglers join the sport
there will be less opportunity to fish. There will not be enough people to
stand up to industry exploitation of our natural resources. There will not
be enough people to stand up to the antis even if we try and join forces
with trappers and hunters. They are having the same attrition we are.
There will be nobody left to learn from. When my son is forty he will be
able to fish on the local toxic waste pond all by himself, but he'll have to
do it illegally. The antis will persecute him when they see his fishing
tackle and the police will hunt him down and cofiscate his equipment if they
see him using it. Yes it can get that bad. Don't tell me it can't. How
many of you thought there would never be any national gun control laws in
the USA or were told that by the older people you knew?

Even if we do not lose the places and privledges to go fishing very quickly,
there are some other significant and more immediate impacts on the sport.
The sale of some sporting goods carries an excise tax that is suppose to be
used for wildlife maangement. With fewer of us fishing and standing up for
ourselves what is to stop politicians from plundering our money for their
own pork barrel politics. Now something even more immediate. Fishing
license fees are used directly by most state DNR (Department of Natural
Resources) and G&Fs (Game & Fish Departments) to manage the reosurces we
have. These guys use the money to pay enforcement officers, research
biologists, and even the upper level management that interacts with the
politicians and try to protect our lifestyle. With fewer dollars spent on
licenses these departments become dependent on public money. Public money
is supposed to spent where the public most wants it spent. If they aren't
fishing do you think they will lobby their representatives and senators to
spend the money on fisheries management? I really doubt it. Unfortunately
its worse than that. That loss of revenue creates problems today. DNRs and
G&F departments can't field as many officers for enforcement. They can't do
as much research. They have to scale back developent of resources or even
stop managing some. Places to fish are closed to due to secondary pressure
because nobody is there to keep them open. How many places have you seen
closed or restricted after 9/11? One of my favorites is blocked off with K
rail across the road.

This is a real problem. Today! What can we do about it? Casting for Kids
helps some, but I think we need to go further and actually take those kids
fishing. I also think we need to take their parents fishing, because that
is the generation gap thats going to kill the sport. People my age. I
don't see many people my age fishing or joining the sport. We also need to
take each other fishing even though it may damage the usability of our
favorite spots in the short term. Atleast we can still go there.

We need to take a garbage bag with us when we go fishing so we can clean up
for the few jerks that mess things up for everybody else before law
enforcement and government management close off more places to access
because of them.

Learn how to get along with the jet skiers and the speed boaters and the
wakeboarders so that we can enjoin them to help keep our waterways open.
Find a happy middle ground with other public water users. Well, if not
ahppy atleast tolerable.

We have to support the local tackle shops before they all clsoe down. These
guys are often the first line of education for the new guy who wants to go
fishing. Without them how many people are going to take the time to order
equipment blind off the internet to get started on a new hobby much less
make the lifestyle change to make fishing a major part of their lives?

I remember when I was a kid and almost everybody sold fishing tackle.
Sears, JC Penny, Yellow Front, the hardware store down the street, and even
the corner grocery store. we are backing ourselves furhter and further into
a corner and the signs are obvious. What are you going to do about it? Are
you going to enjoy your fishing while you can and let the next generation
deal with your mess? Are you going to go out of your way to share the joys
of fishing with the next generation so that there will be a next generation
of fishermen?
************







"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
s.com...


http://www.yumabassman.com/cgi-bin/y... 47;start=0#0

http://tinyurl.com/ywupp



--
The Security Consultant
http://www.diycomponents.com
Bob La Londe - Owner
849 S Ave C
Yuma, Az 85364

(928)782-9765 ofc
(928)782-7873 fax

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

First, fishing is not a dying sport. License sales may be down, but overall
fishing-related revenues have never been higher.

Second, look at local clubs & local hotshots the same way you look at the
local bowling league, the local tavern pool league, the local dart league,
etc... Sure, there are always arrogant, cocky individuals that do well on
that level, and that's fine. That's what it's all about. But the local
softball team isn't about to give the Yankees (of NY) a run for their money.

I've had the good fortune of spending time in and among the pros of bass
fishing, and rest-assured that while most are extremely confident in their
abilities, 99% are oh-so-humble off the water. Daqmn friendly in fact.
Arrogance is non-existent for the most part.

So, we've got a bunch of arrogant, cocky, belittling anglers, bowlers, pool
players, dart throwers, etc. in town, hugh? Does that mean we sit at home &
take up crochet?

Hell no! We go on out there & kick those S.O.B.'s butts.

I joined my first bass club & started fishing tournaments at the ripe old
age of 13 (or so). I remember clearly the elements you speak of. It was
especially impactful on me, being a mere child. The toughest part was
having to deal with having the arrogant jerks kick my butt for a few years.

But it was all part of the learning process & I know for sure that I'm a
much better angler today because of it. You can fish competitively or you
can just fish. If you just fish that's great, and you'll never have to deal
with the egos/mind games associated with tourney fishing.

Not every successful tournament angler flaps his (or her, as the case may
be) mouth. The really good ones let the big, stinky pile of fish in their
weigh-in bags speak for them.

Warren
--
http://www.warrenwolk.com

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

Well said Warren... and yes, license sales ARE down! (More water for us? I
still doubt that.)

California sales in 95 were 1,433,634 compared to last year of 1,179,660.
Pennsylvania sales were 944,004 in 95 compared to 862,057 in 1998.

I've sent an e-mail to the Tennessee Wildlife Agency for Tennessee's figures
for the past ten years, and I'll post that when I get it.

Forget the cocky attitudes... that about ruined tournament fishing for me
after the first year. That's what I love about the ROFB events. Haven't
witnessed any of that at any of our meetings!


"go-bassn" wrote in message
...
First, fishing is not a dying sport. License sales may be down, but
overall
fishing-related revenues have never been higher.

Second, look at local clubs & local hotshots the same way you look at the
local bowling league, the local tavern pool league, the local dart league,
etc... Sure, there are always arrogant, cocky individuals that do well on
that level, and that's fine. That's what it's all about. But the local
softball team isn't about to give the Yankees (of NY) a run for their
money.

I've had the good fortune of spending time in and among the pros of bass
fishing, and rest-assured that while most are extremely confident in their
abilities, 99% are oh-so-humble off the water. Daqmn friendly in fact.
Arrogance is non-existent for the most part.

So, we've got a bunch of arrogant, cocky, belittling anglers, bowlers,
pool
players, dart throwers, etc. in town, hugh? Does that mean we sit at home
&
take up crochet?

Hell no! We go on out there & kick those S.O.B.'s butts.

I joined my first bass club & started fishing tournaments at the ripe old
age of 13 (or so). I remember clearly the elements you speak of. It was
especially impactful on me, being a mere child. The toughest part was
having to deal with having the arrogant jerks kick my butt for a few
years.

But it was all part of the learning process & I know for sure that I'm a
much better angler today because of it. You can fish competitively or you
can just fish. If you just fish that's great, and you'll never have to
deal
with the egos/mind games associated with tourney fishing.

Not every successful tournament angler flaps his (or her, as the case may
be) mouth. The really good ones let the big, stinky pile of fish in their
weigh-in bags speak for them.

Warren
--
http://www.warrenwolk.com

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

"Charles Summers" wrote in message
...
Well said Warren... and yes, license sales ARE down! (More water for us? I
still doubt that.)

Actually there have been a couple different publications claiming that
license sales nationwide are down. As to more water. No I don't think so.
More water is closed off, and some waters are drawing more of the anglers.
I like to fish ponds and canals from the bank to get away from people
myself. Not many people actually go out and fish in an irrigation ditch
even after I show them pictures of the fish.


California sales in 95 were 1,433,634 compared to last year of 1,179,660.
Pennsylvania sales were 944,004 in 95 compared to 862,057 in 1998.

I've sent an e-mail to the Tennessee Wildlife Agency for Tennessee's
figures
for the past ten years, and I'll post that when I get it.

Forget the cocky attitudes... that about ruined tournament fishing for me
after the first year. That's what I love about the ROFB events. Haven't
witnessed any of that at any of our meetings!


Its not just cocky attitudes. Thats not even why I joined the local clubs.
I joined to learn more stuff, but its not like that at all. Its just
another league game. Heck I played tournament pool for years on a local
level. I went one stretch were I went 1st or 2nd in 27 consecutive bar room
Calcuta tournaments. I don't ever remember being that cocky, and I used to
really enjoy trying to teach somebody who was interested in learning. The
only time I ever got cocky that I remember was when somebody ****ed me off.
Then I'ld just stop talking and play. People found soon that ****ing me off
didn't throw me off my game a bit. Some of the better players around
wouldn't play me except during a tournament because they didn't want me
sharpening my skills against them.

P.S. If one of you guys corners me on a table sometime don't expect a
lesson. I haven't played more than a casual game since 1988. You have to
play everyday if you want to stay good.



"go-bassn" wrote in message
...
First, fishing is not a dying sport. License sales may be down, but
overall
fishing-related revenues have never been higher.

Second, look at local clubs & local hotshots the same way you look at
the
local bowling league, the local tavern pool league, the local dart
league,
etc... Sure, there are always arrogant, cocky individuals that do well
on
that level, and that's fine. That's what it's all about. But the local
softball team isn't about to give the Yankees (of NY) a run for their
money.

I've had the good fortune of spending time in and among the pros of bass
fishing, and rest-assured that while most are extremely confident in
their
abilities, 99% are oh-so-humble off the water. Daqmn friendly in fact.
Arrogance is non-existent for the most part.

So, we've got a bunch of arrogant, cocky, belittling anglers, bowlers,
pool
players, dart throwers, etc. in town, hugh? Does that mean we sit at
home
&
take up crochet?

Hell no! We go on out there & kick those S.O.B.'s butts.

I joined my first bass club & started fishing tournaments at the ripe
old
age of 13 (or so). I remember clearly the elements you speak of. It
was
especially impactful on me, being a mere child. The toughest part was
having to deal with having the arrogant jerks kick my butt for a few
years.

But it was all part of the learning process & I know for sure that I'm a
much better angler today because of it. You can fish competitively or
you
can just fish. If you just fish that's great, and you'll never have to
deal
with the egos/mind games associated with tourney fishing.

Not every successful tournament angler flaps his (or her, as the case
may
be) mouth. The really good ones let the big, stinky pile of fish in
their
weigh-in bags speak for them.

Warren
--
http://www.warrenwolk.com

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
s.com...

http://www.yumabassman.com/cgi-bin/y... 47;start=0#0

http://tinyurl.com/ywupp

Unfortunately, fishing as it stands right now is a dying sport. Unless more
people take the bull by the horns and do something about it, that trend is
going to continue.

Part of the problem (as I see it) is that the majority of the people
participating in fishing are males in the 35 to 55 year old age bracket (my
generation). As a whole, we are dying off, or getting too involved in our
jobs, or wrapped up in something other than fishing. So, as a segment of
the fishing population, we are losing numbers every year.

The next largest age group is the one that is comprised of our parents, the
55 and older generation, the ones that loved to fish and taught us to do the
same. We're losing people from this generation on an increasingly faster
rate. Their health is failing, so they can't get out, their income is fixed
and if it becomes a choice of going on a fishing trip or buying the next
week's supply of medication, guess which gets dropped? And, this generation
is just plain dying, reducing our ranks.

The following generation, that of our children, have to be the ones to fill
the dwindling levels. And I don't see that happening without direct
intervention. The 16 to 35 year old age bracket, as a whole is part of what
I call the "ME Generation". These are the ones that want everything NOW,
without a learning curve. They want instant gratification and don't see
fishing as exciting as we do. This generation is more into partying,
computer games, video and spending money on glitz and glamour. They're
about the bottom line and what's in it for me? They want it all and they
don't want to work for it. Spend time in a boat??? Casting a lure
repeatedly??? Maybe catching a two pound fish once in a while??? I don't
think so! I can fire up Trophy Bass ver. XXIIC and catch 15 pound bass from
the comfort of my desk chair.

This is the generation that, more than ever, grew up as children of divorced
parents. Most of them didn't have a father figure that would take them out
fishing on the weekends. A good percentage of this generation doesn't know
how to fish, period!

These are the same people that I see in my boat, brought there by their
father or mother, and are slightly sullen about the whole thing. They don't
know the first thing about the sport, and it's quite fun for me to watch
their eyes open, and their attitude change as the day progresses. What they
originally did to "humor the old man", now becomes something real,
interesting and challenging, it becomes fun!

We need to get this group, and the ones coming up behind them out on the
water. We need to get them to know how much fun fishing really is. We need
to get them off their ever widening behinds and out in the fresh air and
open their minds, eyes and hearts to the outdoors. We can't do this by
hoarding our knowledge, our favorite fishing spots and being secretive.
Invite the neighbor kid along, a nephew, a niece, your wife, your kids.
Take them along and make the day fun, let them know that fishing can be an
enjoyable sport, let them see that there's more to it than sitting quietly
in a boat staring at a bobber.

Tournament fishing is great, it exposes a large group of people to fishing.
But, WE need to get more women and young people exposed to and involved in
the outdoor world. Unless WE take the responsibility to teach the next
generation that there is more to the world than a computer/tv screen,
numbers are going to continue to go down.

That's my take on it anyway.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

But, WE need to get more women and young people exposed to and involved in
the outdoor world. Unless WE take the responsibility to teach the next
generation that there is more to the world than a computer/tv screen,
numbers are going to continue to go down.

And here I sit in front of my computer screen conversing with gentlemen
around the country instead of out doing service calls and making money to
support my hobby. LOL.



That's my take on it anyway.
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

Just a personal thought on the subject. I don't tihnk the decline has
anything to do with tournaments, pros, attitutdues, or any of that.
Attitudes have been around since the cave man, and will probably be
around till our sun leaves the " main scene" :).
I believe it is a changing of the times as much as anything. Young peope
have so many more choices of leisure activities now days than years ago.
Plus the young adults find themselves in a 2 income family for the most
part, and when time off happens for the working wife and husband, they
often want to spend it together doing other leisure activities...not
that there are not some husband and wife fishing buddies, just not that
many. Fishing also use to be a bit easier to do...not as many
restrictions, and more accesable water in many places. Now in some parts
of the country, you have to have a license, a lake permit, and even pay
parking in a few! So it is becoming easier for the young people to opt
for other entertainment. It makes sense to me that fishing would always
be on a decline per capita...the days of the "hunter / gather" are fast
giving way to being "supplied" with lifes essential grin.
JK

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
s.com...
But, WE need to get more women and young people exposed to and involved
in
the outdoor world. Unless WE take the responsibility to teach the next
generation that there is more to the world than a computer/tv screen,
numbers are going to continue to go down.

And here I sit in front of my computer screen conversing with gentlemen
around the country instead of out doing service calls and making money to
support my hobby. LOL.

LOL, I agree, it is ironic, isn't it? And here I am, working feverishly on
getting a television show and website going, with the intention of getting
more women and young people involved. It's kind of a Catch-22, I want
people to watch the show, and participate on the website, but I want them to
get away from the television and computer and get outdoors.

Oh well, what's a person to do? Oh yeah, go fishing and take someone with
you!
--
Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers
http://www.outdoorfrontiers.com
G & S Guide Service and Custom Rods
http://www.herefishyfishy.com

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

"Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers" wrote in
message ...

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
s.com...
But, WE need to get more women and young people exposed to and
involved
in
the outdoor world. Unless WE take the responsibility to teach the
next
generation that there is more to the world than a computer/tv screen,
numbers are going to continue to go down.

And here I sit in front of my computer screen conversing with gentlemen
around the country instead of out doing service calls and making money
to
support my hobby. LOL.

LOL, I agree, it is ironic, isn't it? And here I am, working feverishly
on
getting a television show and website going, with the intention of getting
more women and young people involved. It's kind of a Catch-22, I want
people to watch the show, and participate on the website, but I want them
to
get away from the television and computer and get outdoors.

Oh well, what's a person to do? Oh yeah, go fishing and take someone with
you!

But you're reaching out to them using the very thing that draws their
attention these days. Targeted advertising... Not a bad idea, if you ask
me...
--
Andrew Kidd
http://www.amiasoft.com/ - Software for the rest of us!
http://www.rofb.net/ - ROFB Newsgroup Home

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

As is often he case, I agree 100% with Steve. And furthermore
(warning--slightly off topic) everything he said is relevant to hunting,
shooting, and camping (NOT RVing)

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

I posted this over in the forum at Bass Pro as well. So far I got two
replies. Neither had anything to do with tournament fishing and both are
from our close neighbors.

One person from Canada blamed plethora of ever changing regulations for
making it just to complicated for most folks to go fishing.

Another gentleman from Mexico blamed a total lack of regulation for
destroying many fisheries.

I suppose we can just hope for a happy medium here in between.







"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
s.com...

http://www.yumabassman.com/cgi-bin/y... 47;start=0#0

http://tinyurl.com/ywupp



--
The Security Consultant
http://www.diycomponents.com
Bob La Londe - Owner
849 S Ave C
Yuma, Az 85364

(928)782-9765 ofc
(928)782-7873 fax

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

The way i see it is fishing is not all that easy. There is a bit of a learning
curve in order to get true enjoyment out of the sport. Some just aren't willing
to put in the time.
Women are very vocal these days and some tend to put fishing down as trivial.
These are the same women that tend to rule the roost at home. As a result some
men don't partake or their homelife may suffer.

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

Moron!

--
"The Shadow"
Millennium Rods
"Lure builder" wrote in message
...
The way i see it is fishing is not all that easy. There is a bit of a
learning
curve in order to get true enjoyment out of the sport. Some just aren't
willing
to put in the time.
Women are very vocal these days and some tend to put fishing down as
trivial.
These are the same women that tend to rule the roost at home. As a result
some
men don't partake or their homelife may suffer.

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

Personally, I believe most tournament anglers are very confident people.
They believe in themselves and their abilities. That is not a bad thing,
but rather, a very good thing! Everyone should feel that good about
themselves and be that confident in their abilities, that they feel they can
accomplish anything they put their mind to.

So let's not confuse confidence with arrogance.

Tournament anglers are also, for the most part, very competitive people.
They want to compete. They want to win. They enter tournaments because
they believe in themselves, their abilities, and have a strong desire to
test themselves by competing against others who have honed their skills.
This translates into fun!!!. . . for the tournament angler.

If you are not a very confident person, or a very competitive person, than
tournament fishing IS NOT for you! There are fishing clubs that hold
noncompetitve outings. Because as we all know, fishing is fun, but it is
always better when you are sharing the experience with someone who loves it
as much as you do. These clubs are all about enjoying the fun of fishing.

--
Craig Baugher
Be Confident, Focused, but most of all Have FUN!

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport - oops-it got long
 

I think that part of it is the breakdown of the family. Kids aren't
being taught to fish by their parents. A single parent has a harder time
finding the time for a hobby like fishing. Lack of time steers people to
"spur of the moment" activities, like movies, or shopping, or restaurants.
Fishing isn't as easy to "fall into" as it used to be. A lot more
people used to live out in the country, or at least knew someone who
did, and all they needed was to grab some live bait and a pole. Now the
population is more urbanized, and the only water accessible to them is
public water, where you need a license, and unless you really look, bank
fishing spots are scarce. In Texas, fishing licenses expire on August
31, no matter if you buy it in July. Full one year price for a month of
fishing? That makes it easy to say: "Let's do something else today, and
go fishing next month.
So someone watches a tv show and gets the bug, buys a combo and some
bait, and spends one of his precious Saturdays trying to find a place he
can bank fish without getting mugged. He finds one spot and it's covered
with beer cans, another and a gang of teens with loud music scares him
off. Another Saturday gone and he never realized the Andy Griffith
fishing scene he was looking for.
Or someone has a buddy take him fishing, and he gets interested in the
sport. In the past, he'd start out fishing small private water with one
rod and $20 or less worth of tackle, and buy more a little at a time
until he finds he's "hooked". Now he knows of no private water, and
because he's not plugged in, he doesn't know any bank fishing spots. So
he's looking at a boat, registration, trailer, registration, boat
insurance, oops, the car won't pull that rig, need a truck and receiver
hitch, ........ Know what? I can buy a lot of Cowboy (Ranger, Mavericks,
Sidekicks, Stars, etc) good seat tickets for that money, and I don't
have to find someplace to store them cause they won't fit in the garage!
I hate to say it, but I think it's amazing that there are many
fishermen left.

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

Hi Bob,

Maybe it is because the fisheries people have no budget left for inforcement
that many don't buy licenses?

-
Bill Kiene

Kiene's Fly Shop
Sacramento, CA, USA

Web site: www.kiene.com


"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
s.com...

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--
The Security Consultant
http://www.diycomponents.com
Bob La Londe - Owner
849 S Ave C
Yuma, Az 85364

(928)782-9765 ofc
(928)782-7873 fax

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

Steve - You nailed it!

"...take someone with you!"

We need to introduce more people to this sport. I have caught 12lb
bass on my computer, but it does not even begin to compare to the
adrenaline rush of that first Bass of the year.

I made it a point to introduce my son (now 6) to fishing at an early
age. We had new neighbors move in next door with 3 kids. While
talking to the mom, I noticed the fishing poles in the garage. I
asked about it, and they said that they had not been fishing in "many
many years." When the weather finally cooperates, I guess I will be
taking 4 kids fishing instead of 1 - it may not be for bass, but it
will be for whatever happens to be is biting. To a 6yr old, a dozen
4" bluegills are more fun right now than the 3lb smallmouth that daddy
is trying to catch.

When asked at work if I have any plans for the weekend, I always
answer "Fishing, want to come along?" One of these times, the answer
will be "OK" - and then if I do my part, another angler will be added
to the ranks.

Kurt

On Mon, 5 Apr 2004 17:12:14 -0500, "Steve @ OutdoorFrontiers"
wrote:


"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
ws.com...
But, WE need to get more women and young people exposed to and involved
in
the outdoor world. Unless WE take the responsibility to teach the next
generation that there is more to the world than a computer/tv screen,
numbers are going to continue to go down.

And here I sit in front of my computer screen conversing with gentlemen
around the country instead of out doing service calls and making money to
support my hobby. LOL.

LOL, I agree, it is ironic, isn't it? And here I am, working feverishly on
getting a television show and website going, with the intention of getting
more women and young people involved. It's kind of a Catch-22, I want
people to watch the show, and participate on the website, but I want them to
get away from the television and computer and get outdoors.

Oh well, what's a person to do? Oh yeah, go fishing and take someone with
you!

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

Great read Bob.
Fishing license sales are declining which indicates a real decline in
fishing interest, i.e. less numbers of people are fishing. I suspect that
things are worse since our population is growing, the proportion of people
fishing is declining more rapidly than indicated by license sales decline.
Why is this so? A variety of possible reasons come to mind when combined,
could explain the decline..

1. Fishable water is being privatized - bought up, posted, acquired by
governmental agencies, restricted by land use rulings, dams being removed,
access fenced off, etc.
2. Competing demands for time - Soccer, GameBoy, offroading, skateboarding,
partying, RVing, home projects and a multitude of other in and outdoor
activities divert participation today from family and individual fishing.
3. Decline of the nuclear family - as divorce and separation disrupts
parent/child relationships, fishing is less of a priority on weekends or
other custody times.
4. Availability of more disposal income - Food needs drove fishing more in
the past than today.
5. Immigration - Illegal aliens cannot get fishing licenses and legal
immigrants probably have far less interest in fishing than other population
demographics..
6. Adversarial animal rightists - Are influencing the weak, timid and
non-iinterested into a non-fishing mentality.
7 Adversarial vegaterians - Translate their anti meat-pholosophy into a
non-fishing mentality.
8. Passing fad - The Yuppie infatuation with fly-fishng in the 1980's has
past us by.
9. No new rivers - God is not making any new rivers and environmentalists
and politicians are fighting adding dams and impoundments which limits new
water bodies with their rapid growth and abundance of fish in their early
years.
10.Waterbody management - Is NOT being managed to increase the number of
people fishng, but to reduce, constrict, limit and to conserve existing or
lower levels of people. Budget level maintenance is their primary goal.
Little funding exists for meaningful additional researh to stop decline in
fishing.
11. Fly in fishing is up - Since the demand for trophy and quality fishing
exceeds the supply of domestic US fishing, more people are not fishing
locally but flying out to exotic places around the world.
12. On water competition - Water skiers, kyakers, personal flotation
devicers, canoeists, hikers and many other types of on-the-water or
near-the-water people are degrading the solitiude many fishermen cherish and
running them off the water.

Bob, I'm sure there are other things which MAY contribute to the decline,
but these are suggestions for starters. You listed a number of things we
can do to slow the decline of fishing. They'll help. But I am convinced
fishing will continue to decline. I just hope there will be some quality
experiences left for my grandsons but I doubt it.

Good luck!
John



"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
s.com...

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--
The Security Consultant
http://www.diycomponents.com
Bob La Londe - Owner
849 S Ave C
Yuma, Az 85364

(928)782-9765 ofc
(928)782-7873 fax

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

...
"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
...
"Charles Summers" wrote in message
...
Dying sport??? Ya gotta be kidding... right?

Its not my stats that say license sale sare down.


Please post your opinions here instead of linking to your public forum,
then
I'll do some research for Tennessee and show you that it's not declining
here!

I posted a link because it is a very long rant, but since you requested it
here it is... P.S. Why not post a link anyway? That way those who are
interested can read it and those that aren't don't even download it.

********
The number of fishing license sales has been declining for a decade.
Atleast according to some of the stuff I have read. Guys like Bass Pro
Shops seem to be doing ok because:

They are getting a larger share of the market.
The guys who are still fishing tend to spend more.

I remember fishing places as a kid where we could walk for miles and see
few
if any anglers. Sure some very popular fishing areas would have anglers
lined up along a bank shoulder to shoulder, but you could always find a
place to get away. In the last few years I see more and more anglers in
the
places I go fishing. I knows it is partly because I have started fishing
tournaments and tend to fish those areas during my recreational fishing as
well for the practice and knowldge it can bring, but still I see a lot of
pressure on the waters I fish. This may seem like it is not a problem,
but
when I go to the small hard to get to places that I used to fish before
getting into competition I see nobody at all. Except for stocked ponds
the
week after stocking I rarely see people stadning shoulder to shoulder
anymore either although the more popular places are still crowded.

Are the people who fish fishing more?

Seriously. I see the basic premise that there are fewer license sales as
an
indication of a very bad problem. I am one of only a handfull of younger
(and by younger I mean under 40) anglers in the local fishing clubs. All
of
them combined. Part of this will of course be blamed on baby boomers
getting older, but that can't be the whole picture. There should be a
smaller percentage of younger anglers, but not NONE. (Virtually None)

I have a few questions to think about. Some may help you to promote
fishing
in your area if you have any desire to.

Are the anti movements making an impression that is affecting the sport?

Have health advisories dissuaded large numbers of people from fishing?

Has the almost religous zeal of catch and release anglers driven the
casual
dinner angler from fishing at all?

Have the proliferation of tournaments made the sport seem like to much for
a
casual angler?

Is the arrogance of some a problem for others?

Is society as a whole changing in some way that makes fishing too
inconvenient or unappealling?

Let me now offer some of my own insights. About 20 years ago or a little
more I had an unpleasant experience with a "pro" angler. I was about 16
years old, and the Gila River had been trickling and running often enough
that some decent fish had started to grow. I was fishing minnows, and
some
artificials with what I thought was good success. There were miles of
river
that were totally unaccessible except by walking and wading. Often you
had
to swim or push through heavy brush. I loved it. I was going places
nobody
else was going and catching lots of nice fish in spite of of people who
said
there weren't any fish in that river.

One day I ran into a local woman who fished the tournaments in Yuma and
other areas, and I was doing a little bragging on how great a fisherman I
thought I was. I probably came off a little strong, but I was proud of my
achievements. She shut me down cold. She basically told me if I wasn't
fishing tournaments and winning I wasn't didly. I didn't know what to
think
back then. Now I think, "Wow! What a despicable thing to say to a kid who
is trying hard and seeing some results from it." I really haven't thought
of it over the years. I have for some reason carried a disdain towards
fishing tournaments. Until recently I tried to stay as far away from
tournament anglers as was physically possible without leaving the country.
I probably fished less as well.

A week or so ago I happened to be chatting with one of the construction
supervisors for a general contractor I install a lot of alarm systems for,
and he made a comment that got me thinking. "The arrogance of a lot fo
the
jerks fishing the local clubs turned me off from that. I still fish
sometimes, but I sure don't fish with that crowd." I wonder if he fishes
as
much as he used to or puts forth the positive image of fishing he might
have
if he hadn't been turned off by a "few" tournament anglers?

Now, don't get me wrong. I'm not bashing tournaments or tournament
anglers.
I am a tournament angler, and I can see exactly the same thing as has
happened in the past happening still. The same lady pro I mentioned
earlier
is still around, and she has managed to alienate one of the young new
anglers in the clubs. I don't know if its her fault because I know the
guy
and he can be brash and speak without thinking sometimes, but still. That
is one more angler with a sour taste related to fishing.

How about the overwhelming gaps in knowledge about fishing and the totaL
unwillingness to share anything. I took a guy fishing a few weeks ago.
On
the way home I showed him a few of my old bank fishing spots. Guess what!
He has actually gone out fishing on his own and invested some money in his
own equipment since then. We didn't even catch any decent fish when I
took
him out. We were friendly, and I listend to his over enthusiastic
bravado.
I shared any information I had with him freely.

I have tried to point out some of the causes of what I see as a problem,
but
I really haven't stated clearly why I thinks its a problem. After all if
the trend continues and all the 50-75 year old anglers start to die off
I'll
have more space on the water for myself when I am that age. Sounds like a
pretty selfish view point doesn't it? I think that is another driving
force
behind the problem. I am sure not consciously, but it is there none the
less in many anglers. The flip side of the same thing is that as the
angling population gets older and not enough new anglers join the sport
there will be less opportunity to fish. There will not be enough people
to
stand up to industry exploitation of our natural resources. There will
not
be enough people to stand up to the antis even if we try and join forces
with trappers and hunters. They are having the same attrition we are.
There will be nobody left to learn from. When my son is forty he will be
able to fish on the local toxic waste pond all by himself, but he'll have
to
do it illegally. The antis will persecute him when they see his fishing
tackle and the police will hunt him down and cofiscate his equipment if
they
see him using it. Yes it can get that bad. Don't tell me it can't. How
many of you thought there would never be any national gun control laws in
the USA or were told that by the older people you knew?

Even if we do not lose the places and privledges to go fishing very
quickly,
there are some other significant and more immediate impacts on the sport.
The sale of some sporting goods carries an excise tax that is suppose to
be
used for wildlife maangement. With fewer of us fishing and standing up
for
ourselves what is to stop politicians from plundering our money for their
own pork barrel politics. Now something even more immediate. Fishing
license fees are used directly by most state DNR (Department of Natural
Resources) and G&Fs (Game & Fish Departments) to manage the reosurces we
have. These guys use the money to pay enforcement officers, research
biologists, and even the upper level management that interacts with the
politicians and try to protect our lifestyle. With fewer dollars spent on
licenses these departments become dependent on public money. Public money
is supposed to spent where the public most wants it spent. If they aren't
fishing do you think they will lobby their representatives and senators to
spend the money on fisheries management? I really doubt it.
Unfortunately
its worse than that. That loss of revenue creates problems today. DNRs
and
G&F departments can't field as many officers for enforcement. They can't
do
as much research. They have to scale back developent of resources or even
stop managing some. Places to fish are closed to due to secondary
pressure
because nobody is there to keep them open. How many places have you seen
closed or restricted after 9/11? One of my favorites is blocked off with
K
rail across the road.

This is a real problem. Today! What can we do about it? Casting for
Kids
helps some, but I think we need to go further and actually take those kids
fishing. I also think we need to take their parents fishing, because that
is the generation gap thats going to kill the sport. People my age. I
don't see many people my age fishing or joining the sport. We also need
to
take each other fishing even though it may damage the usability of our
favorite spots in the short term. Atleast we can still go there.

We need to take a garbage bag with us when we go fishing so we can clean
up
for the few jerks that mess things up for everybody else before law
enforcement and government management close off more places to access
because of them.

Learn how to get along with the jet skiers and the speed boaters and the
wakeboarders so that we can enjoin them to help keep our waterways open.
Find a happy middle ground with other public water users. Well, if not
ahppy atleast tolerable.

We have to support the local tackle shops before they all clsoe down.
These
guys are often the first line of education for the new guy who wants to go
fishing. Without them how many people are going to take the time to order
equipment blind off the internet to get started on a new hobby much less
make the lifestyle change to make fishing a major part of their lives?

I remember when I was a kid and almost everybody sold fishing tackle.
Sears, JC Penny, Yellow Front, the hardware store down the street, and
even
the corner grocery store. we are backing ourselves furhter and further
into
a corner and the signs are obvious. What are you going to do about it?
Are
you going to enjoy your fishing while you can and let the next generation
deal with your mess? Are you going to go out of your way to share the
joys
of fishing with the next generation so that there will be a next
generation
of fishermen?
************







"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
s.com...



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--
The Security Consultant
http://www.diycomponents.com
Bob La Londe - Owner
849 S Ave C
Yuma, Az 85364

(928)782-9765 ofc
(928)782-7873 fax

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

...

"go-bassn" wrote in message
...
First, fishing is not a dying sport. License sales may be down, but
overall
fishing-related revenues have never been higher.

Second, look at local clubs & local hotshots the same way you look at the
local bowling league, the local tavern pool league, the local dart league,
etc... Sure, there are always arrogant, cocky individuals that do well on
that level, and that's fine. That's what it's all about. But the local
softball team isn't about to give the Yankees (of NY) a run for their
money.

I've had the good fortune of spending time in and among the pros of bass
fishing, and rest-assured that while most are extremely confident in their
abilities, 99% are oh-so-humble off the water. Daqmn friendly in fact.
Arrogance is non-existent for the most part.

So, we've got a bunch of arrogant, cocky, belittling anglers, bowlers,
pool
players, dart throwers, etc. in town, hugh? Does that mean we sit at home
&
take up crochet?

Hell no! We go on out there & kick those S.O.B.'s butts.

I joined my first bass club & started fishing tournaments at the ripe old
age of 13 (or so). I remember clearly the elements you speak of. It was
especially impactful on me, being a mere child. The toughest part was
having to deal with having the arrogant jerks kick my butt for a few
years.

But it was all part of the learning process & I know for sure that I'm a
much better angler today because of it. You can fish competitively or you
can just fish. If you just fish that's great, and you'll never have to
deal
with the egos/mind games associated with tourney fishing.

Not every successful tournament angler flaps his (or her, as the case may
be) mouth. The really good ones let the big, stinky pile of fish in their
weigh-in bags speak for them.

Warren
--
http://www.warrenwolk.com

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

...
""The Shadow"" wrote in message
...
Moron!

--
"The Shadow"
Millennium Rods
"Lure builder" wrote in message
...
The way i see it is fishing is not all that easy. There is a bit of a
learning
curve in order to get true enjoyment out of the sport. Some just aren't
willing
to put in the time.
Women are very vocal these days and some tend to put fishing down as
trivial.
These are the same women that tend to rule the roost at home. As a
result
some
men don't partake or their homelife may suffer.

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

...
""The Shadow"" wrote in message
...
Moron!

--
"The Shadow"
Millennium Rods
"Lure builder" wrote in message
...
The way i see it is fishing is not all that easy. There is a bit of a
learning
curve in order to get true enjoyment out of the sport. Some just aren't
willing
to put in the time.
Women are very vocal these days and some tend to put fishing down as
trivial.
These are the same women that tend to rule the roost at home. As a
result
some
men don't partake or their homelife may suffer.

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

plonk!


Bubba Test wrote:
..

"go-bassn" wrote in message
...

First, fishing is not a dying sport. License sales may be down, but

overall

fishing-related revenues have never been higher.

Second, look at local clubs & local hotshots the same way you look at the
local bowling league, the local tavern pool league, the local dart league,
etc... Sure, there are always arrogant, cocky individuals that do well on
that level, and that's fine. That's what it's all about. But the local
softball team isn't about to give the Yankees (of NY) a run for their

money.

I've had the good fortune of spending time in and among the pros of bass
fishing, and rest-assured that while most are extremely confident in their
abilities, 99% are oh-so-humble off the water. Daqmn friendly in fact.
Arrogance is non-existent for the most part.

So, we've got a bunch of arrogant, cocky, belittling anglers, bowlers,

pool

players, dart throwers, etc. in town, hugh? Does that mean we sit at home

&

take up crochet?

Hell no! We go on out there & kick those S.O.B.'s butts.

I joined my first bass club & started fishing tournaments at the ripe old
age of 13 (or so). I remember clearly the elements you speak of. It was
especially impactful on me, being a mere child. The toughest part was
having to deal with having the arrogant jerks kick my butt for a few

years.

But it was all part of the learning process & I know for sure that I'm a
much better angler today because of it. You can fish competitively or you
can just fish. If you just fish that's great, and you'll never have to

deal

with the egos/mind games associated with tourney fishing.

Not every successful tournament angler flaps his (or her, as the case may
be) mouth. The really good ones let the big, stinky pile of fish in their
weigh-in bags speak for them.

Warren
--
http://www.warrenwolk.com

Why is Fishing a Dying Sport
 

plonk!


Bubba Test wrote:
..

"go-bassn" wrote in message
...

First, fishing is not a dying sport. License sales may be down, but

overall

fishing-related revenues have never been higher.

Second, look at local clubs & local hotshots the same way you look at the
local bowling league, the local tavern pool league, the local dart league,
etc... Sure, there are always arrogant, cocky individuals that do well on
that level, and that's fine. That's what it's all about. But the local
softball team isn't about to give the Yankees (of NY) a run for their

money.

I've had the good fortune of spending time in and among the pros of bass
fishing, and rest-assured that while most are extremely confident in their
abilities, 99% are oh-so-humble off the water. Daqmn friendly in fact.
Arrogance is non-existent for the most part.

So, we've got a bunch of arrogant, cocky, belittling anglers, bowlers,

pool

players, dart throwers, etc. in town, hugh? Does that mean we sit at home

&

take up crochet?

Hell no! We go on out there & kick those S.O.B.'s butts.

I joined my first bass club & started fishing tournaments at the ripe old
age of 13 (or so). I remember clearly the elements you speak of. It was
especially impactful on me, being a mere child. The toughest part was
having to deal with having the arrogant jerks kick my butt for a few

years.

But it was all part of the learning process & I know for sure that I'm a
much better angler today because of it. You can fish competitively or you
can just fish. If you just fish that's great, and you'll never have to

deal

with the egos/mind games associated with tourney fishing.

Not every successful tournament angler flaps his (or her, as the case may
be) mouth. The really good ones let the big, stinky pile of fish in their
weigh-in bags speak for them.

Warren
--
http://www.warrenwolk.com

Many fishermen fish out of boats that eat fuel like it's going out of style. Have you noticed way more boats for sale like I have.

People can't afford to pay their bills now days.

Fishing is a recreation and usually not a necessity. If a guy doesn't have any extra money he sure ain't going to spend money on a gas eating boat motor.

The fact that license sales are down could also mean fishermen don't have the money to buy a license. Instead maybe they are taking to the water without a license. many states can't afford to keep a huge bunch of conservation officers on the payroll. Fishermen know this. It's possible a higher percentage are fishing without a license then have been in the past.

Lack of funds make people think differently.