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.