A Sport Or Not? 2024
JT Bagwell reply :
By definition, tournament Bass fishing is a sport and competitors are athletes.
However if you ask most people, fishing is not a sport and fishermen are not athletes.
Recently, a person in a senior position at a sports nutrition company gave me the impression
that he didn't think fishermen were real athletes.
What do you guys think?
Is fishing a sport and are anglers athletes?
MCS reply :
The word "athlete" is a romanization of the Greek: άθλητὴς, athlētēs, one who participates in a contest; from ἂθλος, áthlos, or ἂθλον, áthlon, a contest or feat.
I say yes, while it might not be the most physically demanding sport, however it tests mental strength and ability, hand eye coordination. You could also put it into a class of sports/events like the equestrian, archery etc.
Wayne P. reply :
ESPN thinks Poker is a sport. Doesn't take much athletic ability to "play" that sport.
Catt reply :
Tell that dude to hit the tournament trail for 1 year & then talk you!
tomustang reply :
If you're competing with another I would classify that as sporting.You even compete with the fish on who's smarter 
but I don't consider that another person. So Yes if it's against any person and No if you're not against anyone.
roadwarrior reply :
Sometimes...
For the guys I usally fish with fishing is strictly recreational which I would not
classify as a "sport".
For guys on tour, fishing everywhere under almost any conditions is a whole different story.
How 'bout 5' waves on Lake Erie? On several of the BassResource.com Roadtrips the main
lake on both Kentucky Lake and Guntersville were unfishable for "recreational fishermen".
Montanaro reply :
In the context of physical/athletic nutrition fishing is not a sport worth exploring
Sam reply :
Yes, fishing is a sport.
NASCAR is a sport.
Sky diving is a sport.
You don't have to have an event featuring a ball to be considered to be a sport.
Todd2 reply :
I love fishing as much as the next guy, but I don't consider it a sport.
TrapperJ reply :
If poker is a sport, fishing is easily a sport.
an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.
AK-Jax86 reply :
I would consider it a sport, trying to out smart your opponent is a component in ALL SPORTS and fishing by a land slide is that
ww2farmer reply :
<------------------------- Does this guy look like an athlete?
alberto-1 reply :
Head out on Tour with those guys during a typical week of practice and tournament. Its a brutal 7 days. It will change your perception of fishing as a sport in a hurry.
Felix77 reply :
Technically if you are competing its classified as a sport. Its irrelevant how much (or little) one sweats in the process.
joeyfishes reply :
Yes, fishing is a sport. Most people think that it's just casting out a worm under a bobber and letting it sit. We have to practice to be able to get better. Just yesterday, I spent 3 hours practicing skipping out on my pool (and learning how to get backlashes out). We have to spend hours on the water just to learn a section of a lake.
Fishing Rhino reply :
Being out in rough conditions does not make one an athlete. When I was lobstering, I fished in far worse conditions than any pro bass angler has, for longer periods of time. In addition, it required lifting and moving fifty pound lobster traps on a pitching and rolling deck, awash with water. I will say it was nothing compared to the slop that the crabbers you see on deadliest catch experience. That did not make me an athlete.
Fishing in sloppy weather is more a matter of determination that it is athletic prowess.
Competition? Spelling bees and debates are competitions. Are the contestants athletes? Not in my book.
Poker is but one game played with cards. Blackjack, rummy, bridge, cribbage are a few others. They are all competitive.
Call it a sport or not. Call fishermen athletes or not. Whether competition is involved or not.
Definitions will not cause me to enjoy fishing any more, or any less.
J Francho reply :
Competitive bass fishing is sporting, so I guess it's a sport. You don't need to be an athlete to fish, but being in shape helps. And by "in shape" that doesn't necessarily mean the stereotypical gym rat. There's thin people that are woefully out of shape and bubbas that can outpace many. There definitely are "fishing mucles." Every spring, the first few long days on the water tell me that, because I'm sore, lol.
Nice_Bass reply :
On 11/13/2013 at 1:39 AM, Felix77 said:Technically if you are competing its classified as a sport. Its irrelevant how much (or little) one sweats in the process.
I would disagree although the semantics point to you being 100% correct.
However, "games" are not "sports". i.e. billards, darts, golf, fusbol, chess, etc. Fishing, while not a game, is also not a sport imo.
It is just plain and good "fishing". and for tourneys, "competitive fishing" The term should stand on its on for its own unique greatness.
Andrea Ortolani reply :
However,the fishing is a sport!!!!!
Bankbeater reply :
Having to hike around a lake while carrying a tackle bag. Climbing over fallen trees, and across gulleys. I'd call it a sport.
McAlpine reply :
JT, I think what the man was saying is that professional fisherman are not marketable to his demographic. He just had a different way of phrasing his point.
If anyone has fished tournaments religiously through an entire season they will know how physically and mentally demanding it can be. I can't even imagine what the pro's go through with their schedules and driving, stress and dedication.
Absolutely a sport.
NEjitterbugger reply :
On 11/13/2013 at 1:33 AM, ww2farmer said:<------------------------- Does this guy look like an athlete?
LOL
NEjitterbugger reply :
Yes, it is a sport... It is now officially a sport in my state, which is awesome! Here's an article about my team this year and how I got a team started in my school (we did horrible in the championship, I did get a real nice smallie though)... http://www.nashuatelegraph.com/sports/highschoolsports/1018862-457/milford-junior-helps-launch-nhiaa-bass-fishing.html
I believe bowling and golf for example are also sports because the SCORE IS DEFINITE, apposed to cheer leading and gymnastics where the score is decided by judges. Don't get me wrong cheer leading and gymnastics are very physically demanding but aren't a sport in my book... It's the "DEFINITE Vs. INDEFINITE SCORE" that dictates whether something is a sport or not... Obviously chess is not a sport though...
Ima Bass Ninja reply :
Yes it is a sport. Merriam Webster dictionary defines it as such ( also specifically references fishing. ). But I do not believe you have to be an athlete to compete in this sport. Some people are some are not.
flyfisher reply :
Not a sport and anglers are not athletes.
birdoflight reply :
I think some people may be over-complicating it a bit.
Football jig.
Matter settled. 
Creekcrappie reply :
On 11/13/2013 at 2:46 AM, J Francho said:Competitive bass fishing is sporting, so I guess it's a sport. You don't need to be an athlete to fish, but being in shape helps. And by "in shape" that doesn't necessarily mean the stereotypical gym rat. There's thin people that are woefully out of shape and bubbas that can outpace many. There definitely are "fishing mucles." Every spring, the first few long days on the water tell me that, because I'm sore, lol.
You don't fish in the winter?
Brian Needham reply :
On 11/13/2013 at 12:12 AM, Wayne P. said:ESPN thinks Poker is a sport. Doesn't take much athletic ability to "play" that sport.
most say that until you sit at a table for 12+ hours....... it really is hard work. not digging a ditch hard, but it is mentally taxing and somewhat hard on the body.
Brian Needham reply :
On 11/13/2013 at 12:37 AM, Catt said:Tell that dude to hit the tournament trail for 1 year & then talk you!
yeap 14+ hours on the front deck can't be easy.
in rough water and a long day of fishing my body knows.
Ryan Nichols reply :
Not sure why anyone in this thread is saying it's not a sport - none of them gave any reason. By the dictionary definition, it is. Not really much of a debate on that point - especially if you limit the topic to tournament bass fishing.
Anyways I always use the term sport to describe it to non-fisherman. For instance "I fish for bass as a sport, it's very active". This helps people to understand it involves intense study, physical practice, mastery of brain-body coordination, reflexes, strategy, and a type of ruleset. It creates an easy to understand picture that differentiates what I do from passive "bobber" fishing, trolling around, sitting on the shore, and so forth.
WRB reply :
Bass fishing is a type sportfishing. Are bass anglers athetes, some are, some are not. The top tournament anglers keep in good physical condition and would be considered athletes.
Tom
SirSnookalot reply :
I don't believe bass fishing is a sport and no more difficult than many other occupations. A prime example is Rhino's lobstering, I'm sure a hundred more jobs could easily be listed that people do 5 and 6 days a week. I duly understand the passion involved but can't bring my self to think of it as a sport. For me bass fishing is fun, enjoyable and I like it, but it's far from the most difficult kind of fishing I do. IMO a tournament fisherman, whether it's bass, redfish, kingfish is involved in a competitive event not a sport.
Francho is right about being in shape, even an out of shape person is going labor some walking a couple of miles at brisk pace, I'm not talking power walking. I boat fished 40 years in Lake St. Clair, been fishing the last 10 years about 340 days a year both boat and shore at ocean freshwater as well, I don't get these sore muscles that I read about all the time and I'm 68. Am I an athlete................haha, not even close.
J Francho reply :
On 11/13/2013 at 9:57 AM, Creekcrappie said:You don't fish in the winter?
Not for bass. Lures bounce off the water for a couple months every year for some reason.... 
BassWhole! reply :
By definition it is a sport, as in activity or pass time, not athletic competition requiring exertion. None the less, bass fisherman are in excellent shape, of course that shape happens to be round...
RoachDad reply :
Here is my rule: if you can drink beer and smoke WHILE participating, it is not a sport.
ha
I would add that if you can be morbidly obese and be at the top of your "game", it is not a sport.
Just because something is on ESPN does not make it a sport.
PABASS reply :
Competitive Bass fishing is a sport, I won’t say all Anglers are athletes but I know a few like Aaron Martens who keeps to an Athletes regiment with working out and eating correctly. I am a big guy not an athlete but this year I am loosing the weight and exercising daily my stamina has gone up, I never sit when I fish tournaments, I don't want a seat in the back of the boat takes up to much of my space, this last tournament I was nowhere near as tired and my fishing improved. Mind & Body you keep these healthy you can be a better angler; however like any sport raw talent is a key player. The typical competitive angler that fishes from a boat for 6-7 hours burns more calories than a football player during a game.
WRB reply :
Do you consider golf a sport? Golf is similar to fishing, top level tournament touring golfers and bass fisherman perform the sport under all conditions, storms may halt some events, and must practice constantly. A pro golfer must walk the course, about 6 miles each round and most are in good physical condition to remain at the top of the game. Bass pros, and I am using that term to top level bass tournament anglers, are not in as good of physical condition as most of the top level golf pros. However some bass pros are in good condition and work out to keep in good physical condition. Both could drink a beer during their competition if the rules allowed.
On the other hand you can bass fish relaxed sitting on a swivel chair if you choose, fish tournamnets and be in poor physical condition and call yourself a bass pro. You can't call those anglers athletes and that is the general population perception of a red neck bass angler. My hobby is bass fishing, not tournament fishing and I hate the difination of red neck bass angler, can't change what people think or how they perceive bass fishing.
Tom
Jrob78 reply :
Fishing and hunting are the original sports. That's where the term "sport" came from.
Felix77 reply :
On 11/13/2013 at 11:30 AM, Brian Needham said:most say that until you sit at a table for 12+ hours....... it really is hard work. not digging a ditch hard, but it is mentally taxing and somewhat hard on the body.
Very true ... Keeping mentally alert for that amount of time is grueling!
bigbill reply :
In fishing the fisherman and the fish are athletes. After all the fish are fighting for there lives. Since fighting is a sport than the fish are athletes too.
If you don't think fishing is a sport in the spring I say get up everyday at 3:30am to go fishing in the dark for three months everyday rain, snow or shine no other sport has decaded people like fishing. I think the pro tournament fisherman are way under paid when we compare them to other sports and there athletes. Maybe that's why some of them won't call it a sport it would cost them more. Let's face it, it's not a job so it has to be a sport. It surely is a big money making industry.
flyfisher reply :
On 11/14/2013 at 12:32 AM, bigbill said:In fishing the fisherman and the fish are athletes. After all the fish are fighting for there lives. Since fighting is a sport than the fish are athletes too.
If you don't think fishing is a sport in the spring I say get up everyday at 3:30am to go fishing in the dark for three months everyday rain, snow or shine no other sport has decaded people like fishing. I think the pro tournament fisherman are way under paid when we compare them to other sports and there athletes. Maybe that's why some of them won't call it a sport it would cost them more. Let's face it, it's not a job so it has to be a sport. It surely is a big money making industry.
How many people do you know that go out fishing every day for 3 months in a row? I was pretty dedicated and never went out three months in row. I woudl imagien the only people that even come close to that are guides.
And pro athletes are paid what they are worth....Fishing does not bring in big money so they don't get paid the big money like the other real sports.
And if you want to know dedication get to know some triathletes....that puts everything in to perspective.
Catt reply :
ESPN: 2002 fisrt ever Outdoorman of the year ESPY Award winner Kevin VanDam
ESPN: 2008 Top 10 Plays of the Day, #3 Kevin VanDam winning AOY, singularly the most dominan in non-team sports.
ESPN: Top Salaries in Sports 2012, #20 Kevin VanDam
ESPN thinks so 
roadwarrior reply :
Here ya go: http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Olympic+Ribbon+Twirling&qpvt=Olympic+Ribbon+Twirling&FORM=IGRE
flyfisher reply :
On 11/14/2013 at 2:10 AM, Catt said:ESPN: 2002 fisrt ever Outdoorman of the year ESPY Award winner Kevin VanDam
ESPN: 2008 Top 10 Plays of the Day, #3 Kevin VanDam winning AOY, singularly the most dominan in non-team sports.
ESPN: Top Salaries in Sports 2012, #20 Kevin VanDam
ESPN thinks so
KVD is no way in the top 20 in all of sports for salaries. I found an article http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7858863/racing-boxing-highest-paying-sports-espn-magazine
it is from last year but his salary is 700k. Here are some numbers for average salaries for the major sports:
NBA: $5.15 million (2010-11)
MLB: $3.34 million (2010)
NHL: $2.4 million (2010-11)
NFL: $1.9 million (2010)
So if you can assume that 2/3rds are probably below the average and 1/3 are higher with the highest amounts schewing the average more towards the bottom it is safe to say that KVD is probably not even in the top 200 in all of sports. Just the phillies alone have 10 people making more money.
Also notice they don't call him sportsman of the year but outdoorsman of the year. Not to mention ESPN has a vested interest in growing the "sport" as they show the tournaments and can make more money with additional viewers.
coryn h. fishowl reply :
It is a sport with no athletes. ha. However, if you're fighting marlin or huge sturgeon, I'm sure you'd consider it exercise. 
PABASS reply :
On 11/14/2013 at 2:26 AM, flyfisher said:KVD is no way in the top 20 in all of sports for salaries. I found an article http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7858863/racing-boxing-highest-paying-sports-espn-magazine
it is from last year but his salary is 700k. Here are some numbers for average salaries for the major sports:
NBA: $5.15 million (2010-11)
MLB: $3.34 million (2010)
NHL: $2.4 million (2010-11)
NFL: $1.9 million (2010)
So if you can assume that 2/3rds are probably below the average and 1/3 are higher with the highest amounts schewing the average more towards the bottom it is safe to say that KVD is probably not even in the top 200 in all of sports. Just the phillies alone have 10 people making more money.
Also notice they don't call him sportsman of the year but outdoorsman of the year. Not to mention ESPN has a vested interest in growing the "sport" as they show the tournaments and can make more money with additional viewers.
Keep in mind that only lists prize money, not endorsements were the real money is at..
"excludes endorsements, appearance fees, sponsorships and other income sources unless otherwise noted."
David P reply :
Fishing for a full day burns well over 1000 calories... Casting and retrieving constantly uses muscles in your body and making thousands of casts can be physically demanding. Most sporting events last from 1-3 hours, we go for 8+ hours... Most sporting events are for one day, and there are typically rest days following, pro trails require 2-4 day events. Standing, especially in the wind puts stress on your body. I consider myself very physically fit with under 5% total body fat and being quite well built, certainly the majority of that is from the gym, but I also fish 3 days a week and have been sore and exhausted from fishing all day, just as I get from the gym. If it's a competition AND i'm physically exhausted afterwards, I consider it a sport - regardless of definitions.
There's a ton of ways that this sport is physically and mentally demanding. I may not consider it a "sport" for weekend fisherman sitting around drinking beer (which is what MOST "fishing ignorant" people think of when they think of fishing), but certainly tournament fishing IS a sport and not sure how anyone can claim it is not.
Nice_Bass reply :
I respect all opinions, and fishing is one of my passions so keep that in mind however it is still not a sport in todays terms.
Nascar, not a sport either, although with some of the ideals perceived here nascar should also be a sport. (cant stand nascar though...)
flyfisher reply :
On 11/14/2013 at 3:37 AM, PABASS said:Keep in mind that only lists prize money, not endorsements were the real money is at..
"excludes endorsements, appearance fees, sponsorships and other income sources unless otherwise noted."
I totally agree. If you added in endorsements i would bet he drops even further down the list. The most recent info i could find was from back in 2006 and KVS was getting 500k a year so even if you tripled that he is still in the 2m a year range which is still below the mean for all sports without including endorsements except the NFL.
SirSnookalot reply :
On 11/14/2013 at 2:37 AM, coryn h. fishowl said:It is a sport with no athletes. ha. However, if you're fighting marlin or huge sturgeon, I'm sure you'd consider it exercise.
I've caught marlin, amberjack, sailfish and other bigger fish as senior citizen and I top the scale at a hefty 135#, my best physical days are in the past. Strength and endurance come in handy but technique and knowhow is what gets the job done. I'm not even close to being any kind of an athlete. Landing most fish isn't all that difficult.
Quote
How many people do you know that go out fishing every day for 3 months in a row?
One I know for sure, that's me. Not always (do that as well) in a boat but I fish on average 4 hours of saltwater and a couple of fresh water better than 340 days a year and I'm no athlete, no weenie either..............lol.
PABASS reply :
On 11/14/2013 at 3:49 AM, flyfisher said:I totally agree. If you added in endorsements i would bet he drops even further down the list. The most recent info i could find was from back in 2006 and KVS was getting 500k a year so even if you tripled that he is still in the 2m a year range which is still below the mean for all sports without including endorsements except the NFL.
I know fishing is a Multi Billion dollar industry, how much of that is strictly from Bass fishing I can’t say, Bass fishing is the most popular freshwater fish, with that being said look at all the products that has KVD on it and its hard for me to think he isn't making little more than 2 million a year to bring it up with the lower spectrum of sporting events.
Beyond this I don't classify a sport based on yearly salary, I did track specifically shot and you can’t argue this a sport and in my opinion its easier then 8+hours of fishing.. What made me an athlete for shot was my size and strength something you don’t need in fishing but you do need something else, mental attitude, drive, and raw talent which means many things but not everyone has this and that is why not everyone can be a professional angler in the sport of fishing. I want to add something else from what I see of professional anglers the ones that finish in the top they are smart & logical, you need to be intelligent in this game and again not everyone has this..
WRB reply :
There should be no debate that fishing is a recreational sport and tops the list at 42.1 million people enjoy fishing. How many of those 42.1 million anglers are athletes is unknown. Lets say 10% are or were athletic; 4.2 million anglers in the USA are athletes.
Tom
zewski@live.com reply :
I can tell you this, I am a pro athlete, this summer I was fishing a tournament and the next morning I had to train, my shoulders were tottaly destroyed from casting a spinnerbait all day long, Hey I am not an out of shape dude, I am a pro athlete and it affected me that much! So yes it is a sport.
Brian Needham reply :
On 11/14/2013 at 4:56 AM, PABASS said:, Bass fishing is the most popular freshwater fish,
actually it is probably Crappie.
flyfisher reply :
On 11/14/2013 at 9:20 AM, zewski@live.com said:I can tell you this, I am a pro athlete, this summer I was fishing a tournament and the next morning I had to train, my shoulders were tottaly destroyed from casting a spinnerbait all day long, Hey I am not an out of shape dude, I am a pro athlete and it affected me that much! So yes it is a sport.
Pro athlete for what?
And being sore doesn't mean it is a sport. if you take a football player and have them play soccer or try and pitch a simulated baseball game i can bet they would be sore too. Just like if i try to run it kills me but put me on a bike and i am good.
shimmy reply :
On 11/13/2013 at 3:08 PM, WRB said:Bass fishing is a type sportfishing. Are bass anglers athetes, some are, some are not. The top tournament anglers keep in good physical condition and would be considered athletes.
Tom
I have played and trained with athletes in "good physical condition". The "physically conditioned" fisherman are not athletes. Yes it is a sport. But athletes...come on. While sure there are some on the tour that have played sports in the past, this does not make them an athlete at the moment. I am not doubting that you have to be physically capable to endure mental exhaustion and physical fatigue of sorts in extreme weather conditions, but come on, an athlete? There is a difference. When i think of athletes, i think of training centered around pushing your physical body to it's extreme, not of Rick Clunn (although, i wouldn't mind being in his shape at his age).
WRB reply :
There are different types of athletes and all skill levels. Training should be aimed at perfecting a particular skill set. A top bass pro trains, some have a physical routine including exercise like running, cycling, etc to improve leg strength and stamina to endure standing on one leg while balancing and controlling to the boat in high winds, big waves for several hours for several days, back to back, to back. Both Aaron Martins and KVD train daily, similar to Tiger a woods routine.
Being an athlete in a different sport doesn't change the fact that an athlete can become a bass angler and remain an athlete. Athletic skills can be an advantage to a touring bass pro or weekend angler, increases dedication and physical endurance. Don't forget that not all athletes are champions in their sport, only a few reach the top in every sport, including the sport of fishing.
Tom
shimmy reply :
I think what may better define what you are talking about WRB is someone in shape, not an athlete. My grandpa ran the treadmill, did balancing drills with weights, he could handle waves on the water; he was not an athlete, he was in shape. Athletes push their physical body to the extreme. Fisherman who run and gun can be in better shape than others and can train to be able to push themselves harder than others, but they train to be in shape; not to be an athlete. An athlete's athleticism in general greatly influences their skill level and success. Now, every sport has an athlete who is less gifted physically than the competitors but still outperforms the competition, but their is always some level of physical ability that is lightyears ahead of your regular Joe Shmoe (with the exception of a knuckleball pitcher in baseball or something). This same statement cannot be applied to a fisherman. Wisdom will beat the "athletic" fisherman any day. Your physical abilities are not what make you win the tournament.
Catt reply :
On 11/14/2013 at 2:26 AM, flyfisher said:KVD is no way in the top 20 in all of sports for salaries. I found an article http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7858863/racing-boxing-highest-paying-sports-espn-magazine
it is from last year but his salary is 700k. Here are some numbers for average salaries for the major sports:
NBA: $5.15 million (2010-11)
MLB: $3.34 million (2010)
NHL: $2.4 million (2010-11)
NFL: $1.9 million (2010)
So if you can assume that 2/3rds are probably below the average and 1/3 are higher with the highest amounts schewing the average more towards the bottom it is safe to say that KVD is probably not even in the top 200 in all of sports. Just the phillies alone have 10 people making more money.
Also notice they don't call him sportsman of the year but outdoorsman of the year. Not to mention ESPN has a vested interest in growing the "sport" as they show the tournaments and can make more money with additional viewers.
ESPY Award: short of Excellience In SPORTS Performance Award!
ESPN Top Salaries in Sports for 2011; Fishing #20 Kevin VanDam $915,500
J Francho reply :
On 11/14/2013 at 12:06 PM, flyfisher said:Pro athlete for what?
And being sore doesn't mean it is a sport. if you take a football player and have them play soccer or try and pitch a simulated baseball game i can bet they would be sore too. Just like if i try to run it kills me but put me on a bike and i am good.
Boxing.
Catt reply :
On 11/14/2013 at 2:26 AM, flyfisher said:KVD is no way in the top 20 in all of sports for salaries. I found an article http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/7858863/racing-boxing-highest-paying-sports-espn-magazine
it is from last year but his salary is 700k. Here are some numbers for average salaries for the major sports:
NBA: $5.15 million (2010-11)
MLB: $3.34 million (2010)
NHL: $2.4 million (2010-11)
NFL: $1.9 million (2010)
So if you can assume that 2/3rds are probably below the average and 1/3 are higher with the highest amounts schewing the average more towards the bottom it is safe to say that KVD is probably not even in the top 200 in all of sports. Just the phillies alone have 10 people making more money.
Also notice they don't call him sportsman of the year but outdoorsman of the year. Not to mention ESPN has a vested interest in growing the "sport" as they show the tournaments and can make more money with additional viewers.
ESPY Award: short of Excellience In SPORTS Performance Award!
ESPN Top Salaries in Sports for 2011; Fishing #20 Kevin VanDam $915,500
flyfisher reply :
On 11/15/2013 at 12:15 AM, Catt said:ESPY Award: short of Excellience In SPORTS Performance Award!
ESPN Top Salaries in Sports for 2011; Fishing #20 Kevin VanDam $915,500
The article you are referencing isn't a list of the top earners in all of sports it is a comparison of the top earners in each category where he does rank 20th. But like i said before he wouldn't even make the top 10 on many baseball teams.
http://espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=6391391
Catt reply :
On 11/15/2013 at 12:19 AM, flyfisher said:The article you are referencing isn't a list of the top earners in all of sports it is a comparison of the top earners in each category where he does rank 20th. But like i said before he wouldn't even make the top 10 on many baseball teams.
http://espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=6391391
Never said he did, just provided facts that ESPN considers fishing a sport!
Montanaro reply :
in my opinion an "athlete" is anyone capable of handling the physical requirements of multiple sports and activities.
J Francho reply :
On 11/15/2013 at 12:19 AM, flyfisher said:The article you are referencing isn't a list of the top earners in all of sports it is a comparison of the top earners in each category where he does rank 20th. But like i said before he wouldn't even make the top 10 on many baseball teams.
http://espn.go.com/espn/news/story?id=6391391
A million bucks to play darts, lol.
Felix77 reply :
On 11/14/2013 at 11:42 PM, Catt said:ESPY Award: short of Excellience In SPORTS Performance Award!
ESPN Top Salaries in Sports for 2011; Fishing #20 Kevin VanDam $915,500
http://www.topendsports.com/world/lists/earnings/espn-sports-2011.htm
and #11 goes to the Poker Player! 
bostonsox2904 reply :
While I may agree that competitive fishing is a sport, just because something is physically demanding doesn't make it a sport, and just because there is competition doesn't make something a sport. Is monopoly a sport? Is hiking a sport?
JT Bagwell reply :
Wow I am gone for a few days and this thread goes crazy. lol
Very interesting opinions (as I assumed there would be).
Keep it going.
The Commodore reply :
It is a sport by media and entertainment standards when done in competition. Everything else is just opinion. We can get very technical about all the sports of the world.
WRB reply :
A good comparison is golf and fishing, both enjoyed by weekend participants, both have amateur and professional levels of competition and both are considered sports, recreational sports, by nearly everyone.On 11/15/2013 at 5:03 AM, bostonsox2904 said:While I may agree that competitive fishing is a sport, just because something is physically demanding doesn't make it a sport, and just because there is competition doesn't make something a sport. Is monopoly a sport? Is hiking a sport?
The debate about the participants being athletes depends on the individual.
If an Ironman athlete is playing a round of golf, he is still an athlete, same is true if he is fishing. This doesn't mean all golfers or fishermen are athletes. My point is some pro bass anglers are athletes that bass fish, they may or may not be world class athletes.
For example I consider myself to be an athlete as a all around gymnast competing at the NCAA level 50 years ago. At some point in time my athletic skills diminished, however I still bass fish. Just because I bass fish doesn't erase the fact I was an athlete and if younger and competing in tournaments, I would still be considered an athlete.
Tom
flyfisher reply :
Maybe the better conclusion to make is that being a pro fisherman or whatever does not require one to be athletic at all, just like golf or pool or any other games out there.
Mytoyzfishing reply :
For me it is as after every tournament my back and sholders a sore. But then again I'm out of shape any ways 
BASS959 reply :
Hmmm, I wonder why what we do is called SPORT FISHING?
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 11/15/2013 at 12:07 PM, BASS959 said:Hmmm, I wonder why what we do is called SPORT FISHING?
It's called sport fishing as opposed to commercial fishing. I think we run afoul of the definition of what constitutes a sport by linking athlete with it. It's in the post which started this thread. Is fishing a sport? Are fishermen athletes?
For me, I think activity more accurately describes fishing. Yet, some forms of fishing don't involve much activity.
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 11/14/2013 at 11:42 PM, Catt said:ESPY Award: short of Excellience In SPORTS Performance Award!
ESPN Top Salaries in Sports for 2011; Fishing #20 Kevin VanDam $915,500
I don't understand how ESPN placed KVD in 20th place.
Luke Guthrie (never heard of him) came in number 83 in PGA golfers earnings from purse money won (2013). No endorsements. Not including appearance fees.he earned 991,901.90
83 Luke Guthrie 27 $991,901.90
For 2011, KVD didn't show up in the top fifty on this list from ESPN. Chris Bosh at number 50, with 14,500,000 in salary/winnings.
The 50 highest-earning American athletes
- $14,500,000 salary/winnings
- $1,000,000 endorsements
- $15,500,000 total
Read More: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/specials/fortunate50-2011/index.html#ixzz2khpeueRD
Catt reply :
Ok guys go to Google, type in: ESPN Top Salaries in Sports 2011.
If you don't type the exact words you will not get the exact list.
Now we are reading the same list, why so many list I don't know but feel free to argue with ESPN.
K_Mac reply :
Sure fishing is a sport. The question is, are fishermen athletes? As has been said, there are some who have the physical gifts and conditioning to qualify-most of us do not, even at the highest levels IMO. Athleticism is certainly not required to succeed at this sport. Shimmy's grandfather is a great example of someone who wants to fish badly enough to condition himself to be able to. There are physical skills involved in fishing that some of us will never master, but that does not make those who do athletes.
BassWhole! reply :
On 11/15/2013 at 12:32 AM, Catt said:Never said he did, just provided facts that ESPN considers fishing a sport!
Yeah but since they sold BASS, they don't even cover fishing on "The Ocho"...
Fishing Rhino reply :
On 11/15/2013 at 7:03 PM, Catt said:Ok guys go to Google, type in: ESPN Top Salaries in Sports 2011.
If you don't type the exact words you will not get the exact list.
Now we are reading the same list, why so many list I don't know but feel free to argue with ESPN.
Okay, I did as you requested. What came up was the highest paid athletes in thirty sports.
Best-paid athletes in 30 sports
SirSnookalot reply :
Espn's use of the term salaries is inaccurate, winnings from prize funds are not salaries. Salaries are a guaranteed wage, in sports today they all have contracts. I would doubt many people would dispute tennis being a sport, there are many players both male and female that surpass 900k a year in prize fund winnings. Factor in a few other sports and competitive events like golf or race car driving and it's hard to believe that KVD is in the 20 th position.
birdoflight reply :
On 11/16/2013 at 3:31 PM, SirSnookalot said:Factor in a few other sports and competitive events like golf or race car driving and it's hard to believe that KVD is in the 20 th position.
It sounds like the SPORT is at position number twenty, and the top earning individual for the named sport is listed.
flyfisher reply :
On 11/16/2013 at 3:31 PM, SirSnookalot said:Espn's use of the term salaries is inaccurate, winnings from prize funds are not salaries. Salaries are a guaranteed wage, in sports today they all have contracts. I would doubt many people would dispute tennis being a sport, there are many players both male and female that surpass 900k a year in prize fund winnings. Factor in a few other sports and competitive events like golf or race car driving and it's hard to believe that KVD is in the 20 th position.
They actually make the distinction that it is salary and or prize money and endorsements are not part of the deal. the article is also labeled is highest paid athletes in 31 sports.
SirSnookalot reply :
On 11/17/2013 at 4:02 AM, flyfisher said:They actually make the distinction that it is salary and or prize money and endorsements are not part of the deal. the article is also labeled is highest paid athletes in 31 sports.
Regardless of how much money is earned from whatever sources the issue is whether fishing is a sport, I still say no. I've read the arguments pro and con and I'm not convinced, but if someone believes that fishing is a sport they are entitled to their belief. What I believe doesn't diminish my passion at all, I fish 7 days a week year round rain or shine.
George Welcome reply :
sportnoun
: a contest or game in which people do certain physical activities according to a specific set of rules and compete against each other
: sports in general
: a physical activity (such as hunting, fishing, running, swimming, etc.) that is done for enjoyment
c (1) : physical activity engaged in for pleasure (2) : a particular activity (as an athletic game) so engaged in
According to Mr. Webster the above definitions are what counts. I doubt that any of our input will ever change the meaning of the word sport.
Sam reply :
On 11/17/2013 at 6:44 PM, George Welcome said:
sportnoun
: a contest or game in which people do certain physical activities according to a specific set of rules and compete against each other
: sports in general
: a physical activity (such as hunting, fishing, running, swimming, etc.) that is done for enjoyment
Full Definition of SPORT1a : a source of diversion : recreationb : sexual playc (1) : physical activity engaged in for pleasure (2) : a particular activity (as an athletic game) so engaged in
According to Mr. Webster the above definitions are what counts. I doubt that any of our input will ever change the meaning of the word sport.
George, great seeing you post. Where have you been? Long time - no see.
Great discussion about fishing being a sport. Some people believe there must be a ball involved. Others will disagree.
Frankly, there are so many things you can do without a ball that can be considered as a "sport" that it really does not matter what anyone says. If you enjoy it and it takes physical exertion then I think it is a sport. This would include running, competitive walking, biking, fishing, weight lifting, wrestling, gymnastics, chess, chasing girls, catching girls, swimming, aerobics, Pilates, etc.
Hey, if golf can be a sport then fishing can be a sport.
Come on George, let's have some more great posts. You can't be that busy chasing girls!!!!
George Welcome reply :
Can't chase girls any more. Have to lure them now without getting a bite.
SirSnookalot reply :
Quote
chasing girls
There is a term for that...sport********
A-Jay reply :
On 11/13/2013 at 11:37 PM, RoachDad said:Here is my rule: if you can drink beer and smoke WHILE participating, it is not a sport.
ha
I would add that if you can be morbidly obese and be at the top of your "game", it is not a sport.
Just because something is on ESPN does not make it a sport.
Here a short list of a few overweight & fairly successful "Athletes" who you might know.
For the record I'd say fishing is a sport but not all it's participants are Athletes.
CC Sabathia ~ 290
Cecil & Price Fielder 240 / 270
Sebastian Janikowski 250
David Wells Just Fat
George Foreman 267
John Daly 290
Charles Barkley 252
Babe Ruth - No one really remembers . . .
A-Jay
Virtuoso reply :
Tis is a sport. Compete right? Make er a sport
RoachDad reply :
On 11/18/2013 at 2:21 AM, A-Jay said:Here a short list of a few overweight & fairly successful "Athletes" who you might know.
For the record I'd say fishing is a sport but not all it's participants are Athletes.
CC Sabathia ~ 290
Cecil & Price Fielder 240 / 270
Sebastian Janikowski 250
David Wells Just Fat
George Foreman 267
John Daly 290
Charles Barkley 252
Babe Ruth - No one really remembers . . .
A-Jay
yeah, most baseball players do not consider pitchers athletes. I am pretty sure I could beat David Wells at anything called a sport.
John Daly - Golf is not a sport
Barkley 252 is not really fat
Anyway, that was just my rule.
Brian Needham reply :
in that case, does it take an "athlete" to play left field LOL?
ChrisAW reply :
I can't believe this is a debate.
Definition of Athlete:
Quote
A person who is trained or skilled in exercises, sports, or games requiring physical strength, agility, or stamina
Fishing at a competitive level requires SKILL, and physical agility AND stamina.
It may not be running or sprinting, but by definition again,
QuoteAgility or nimbleness: is the ability to change the body's position efficiently, and requires the integration of isolated movement skills using a combination of balance, coordination, speed, reflexes, strength, and endurance.
So yes, by definition it is a sport and anglers are athletes. I don't care if you're even a weekend angler, fishing still requires skill to know where to go and how to get them to bite, and agility as defined above. Every time you make a cast is an example of agility.
Insanity reply :
Like when you hit one of those perfect few days where you catch one on almost every cast. Until your arms feel like there going to fall off. And you actually change baits just to slow down the bite. Lol!
Yep it's a sport!
SirSnookalot reply :
On 11/18/2013 at 2:03 PM, Insanity said:Like when you hit one of those perfect few days where you catch one on almost every cast. Until your arms feel like there going to fall off. And you actually change baits just to slow down the bite. Lol!
Yep it's a sport!
If you had said pulling in 10# jack cravelles on every cast, which I've done, yeh your going get tired. But if ya get tired pulling 5# bass that takes no more 60 seconds to land, one is in not very good shape. These professional bass fishermen having been catching fish since before they could walk. I doubt very seriously if they get tired and sore, they may not be athletes but their fishing muscles are in perfect shape. Landing a bass is not a major undertaking, especially with heavier rods and heavy braided lines, thick vegetation is the hardest part of it.
RoLo reply :
It's really just semantics.
I think of baseball and football as games, but think of hunting and fishing as sports.
Football and baseball are played outdoors, but "Sports Afield" magazine is devoted to hunting and fishing.
Sports are commonly divided into two categories:
>> Participant Sports (like hunting & fishing)
>> Spectator Sports: (like football & baseball)
A Participant sport tends to burn calories <> A Spectator sport tends to collect calories (hotdogs, potato chips & beer)
A Participant sport involves personal achievement <> A Spectator sport is watching the achievements of others
Roger
BenB54 reply :
On 11/15/2013 at 8:12 AM, flyfisher said:Maybe the better conclusion to make is that being a pro fisherman or whatever does not require one to be athletic at all, just like golf or pool or any other games out there.
If you want to get down to brass tacks, baseball is considered a "game" also. So, you can add that to the list with golf and pool.
BenB54 reply :
On 11/18/2013 at 12:30 AM, SirSnookalot said:There is a term for that...sport********
I got a really good laugh out of this.
JT Bagwell reply :
Amazing how many people have viewed this thread.
I love this site.
CDMeyer reply :
I hate it when people try and say it is not a sport. I am surrounded by these people everyday at school. They think all we do is go out in a boat and "sit" and "watch a bobber"..... Maybe that is not a sport but these type of people have no clue to as what we do out in a boat BASS FISHING.
Bass fishing is like no other, it takes years to learn the ins and outs and even then big name pro like Edwin Evers say the reason they like the sport is because you can never master it. He also states that he is still learning today.
So let them talk, let them claim they know what Bass Fishing is..... they could not tell you what a Texas-Rig or a Carolina-Rig, a crank bait a bug bait or whatever. They have no clue what these things are. This is a sport and we are athletes, and do not let anyone tell you different, use it as motivation for you fishing career.
CDMeyer reply :
There are also reports of BASS Pro anglers burning 4800-5800 in one tournament day..... a pitcher in base ball who weighs 183 burns 900 calories in 2 hours, I am not a base ball guy but I belive that is about what the pros pitch in an outing
Yakin4bass reply :
I say there's different classes of sports. Athletic sports such as football hockey baseball etc. then outdoor sports such as hunting and fishing. Then there's competitive sports such as nascar golf chess.
JT Bagwell reply :
More good input.
flyfisher reply :
On 1/8/2014 at 1:12 AM, CDMeyer said:There are also reports of BASS Pro anglers burning 4800-5800 in one tournament day..... a pitcher in base ball who weighs 183 burns 900 calories in 2 hours, I am not a base ball guy but I belive that is about what the pros pitch in an outing
Comparing apples and oranges here. Pitchers and all baseball players for that matter play 162 games from april to october 1st or so. It is not uncommon to play 20 games in a row without a rest day and that includes travel to and from. There is no way a fisherman is as good an athlete as any baseball player and that is assuming you think tourney fisherman are athletes, which i don't.
Your comparison would be like saying well hockey players only play 1-3 minute shifts and only 23 minutes a game ( for the top guys) so it can't be as hard as a day of tournament fishing. They are different but i would venture a guess that any baseball player could go out and fish all day long with no issues for a week where i couldn't say the same about an angler going out and playing baseball.
Champfishnva reply :
i look at it as, If you are competing then you are in a sport. So As bassfishing YES!!!! WE ARE ATHLETE'S
flyfisher reply :
So are chess players athletes?
It is all semantics but my perspective is an athlete can be a bass fisherman but a bass fisherman does not have to be an athlete.
Grantman83 reply :
I honestly believe it is a skill, not a sport. Yes it can be competitive, but just like poker, it is not a sport to me.
bmac31 reply :
Golfers are, why not fisherman. I consider myself a athlete, I played aau and high school baseball as well as basketball. These days I golf and fish and fishing out there all day takes alot outta you. I consider it a sport.
Nitrofreak reply :
What does an athlete have to endure before this guy thinks it is a sport ? risk of life ? endurance ? knowledge ? courage to face a stronger opponent ? performing under extreme conditions and still be successful ? to be in good shape both mentally and physically ?
What does this sport not have other than physical contact ?
SudburyBasser reply :
Golfers, race car drivers, and now bass fishermen apparently, have always struck me as a little insecure in this whole "Is it a sport/Are we athletes" debate.
Why is it so important that bass fishing -- at least at the pro level -- be considered a sport? It doesn't make what KvD, Monroe, Iaconelli, Evers and the like do any less impressive whether it's defined as a sport or not, or they're considered as athletes. Is it easy? No, but neither is professional poker or beer pong and I'm not calling them athletes.
(='_'=) reply :
by definition from Wikipedia:
Quote
Sport (or sports) is all forms of usually competitive physical activity which,[1] through casual or organised participation, aim to use, maintain or improve physical ability and skills while providing entertainment to participants, and in some cases, spectators.[2] Hundreds of sports exist, from those requiring only two participants, through to those with hundreds of simultaneous participants, either in teams or competing as individuals............
.......
Sports are usually governed by a set of rules or customs, which serve to ensure fair competition, and allow consistent adjudication of the winner. Winning can be determined by physical events such as scoring goals or crossing a line first, or by the determination of judges who are scoring elements of the sporting performance, including objective or subjective measures such as technical performance or artistic impression.
therefore, tournament bass fishing is a sport, as there are rules to be followed, and at the end there will be a winner.... fun fishing is not a sport, no matter how physically demanding it may be.... for example, im also a rock climber, and while its a great exercise, requires a lot of physicall and mental strenght, its not a sport, as there are no rules, and no winner nor looser, we just climb for the sake of it, competing only againts ourselves, trying to climb harder that yesterday...
Helluva_Engineer reply :
I have a hard time classifying anyone as an athlete when the most physically taxing aspect of their sport is holding their bladder as long as they can to milk another hour out of the day.
So, while the argument can certainly be made that it's a sport, why bother?
flyfisher reply :
I think this thread should be renamed to "the thread that won't ever die"
J Francho reply :
On 1/16/2014 at 11:36 AM, flyfisher said:I think this thread should be renamed to "the thread that won't ever die"
This is nothing....6 years old, almost 40K posts:
http://photocamel.com/forum/fun-stuff/33844-ban-person-above-me.html
flyfisher reply :
I am surprised any boards are still around for that long...meaning most of the message boards i frequent seem to archive and update every 3-4 years.
A-Jay reply :
On 1/16/2014 at 10:19 PM, J Francho said:This is nothing....6 years old, almost 40K posts:
http://photocamel.com/forum/fun-stuff/33844-ban-person-above-me.html
3,959 pages and counting ~ Impressive & Curious.
A-Jay
J Francho reply :
On 1/16/2014 at 10:23 PM, flyfisher said:I am surprised any boards are still around for that long...meaning most of the message boards i frequent seem to archive and update every 3-4 years.
Current threads are never disposed of or archived in any forum software I've used. Only abandoned threads that haven't been updated within a certain threshold.
Big Jon reply :
On 12/17/2013 at 9:10 AM, RoLo said:It's really just semantics.
I think of baseball and football as games, but think of hunting and fishing as sports.
Football and baseball are played outdoors, but "Sports Afield" magazine is devoted to hunting and fishing.
Sports are commonly divided into two categories:
>> Participant Sports (like hunting & fishing)
>> Spectator Sports: (like football & baseball)
A Participant sport tends to burn calories <> A Spectator sport tends to collect calories (hotdogs, potato chips & beer)
A Participant sport involves personal achievement <> A Spectator sport is watching the achievements of others
Roger
I rather like this definition.
JT Bagwell reply :
On 1/18/2014 at 3:54 AM, Semper Piscandi said:I rather like this definition.
I like this one as well.
bass1980 reply :
Once upon a time sports was defined as what it is in the dictionary. In today's modern world of sports it should be redefined and split up. It would be hard to believe that Chris Lane and Cliff Pace works out more than the average YMCA member. Being physically able to handle the hours and weather is no easy feat but it's not the same as being physically gifted where you are superior in either speed, size, strength, and coordination.
IMO with competition fishing, knowledge and decision making is 80-90% of your success. With modern major sports there is no question you have to be physically gifted. Whether it's size, speed, strength or coordination, success is determined more on superior body movements. Now I'm sure people will say casting, flipping, pitching, hook sets are body motions but you don't need to be superior in those department but need to be superior in where you think the fishes are and the decisions to choose this lure vs that.
I might ruffle some feathers but if I was to redefined sports then NO it's not a sport. Ping pong is more of a sport.
coryn h. fishowl reply :
If people can call chess a sport, then standards are pretty low
blongfishing reply :
I think it's a sport. The time I spend in it is about the same amount as an athlete. All the tackle arrangements, store visits, and throwing practice.
mram10us reply :
Depends on your definition of "sport". If you mean athletic, than a resounding NO If you are basing it off of skill, than sure.
I would classify it as a drug
A-Jay reply :
Here We Go . . . . .
A-Jay
Dwight Hottle reply :
On 2/5/2014 at 12:36 AM, A-Jay said:Here We Go . . . . .
A-Jay
Oh Yea.jpg
I'm hoping that is not a transfer from a sweatshirt.
A-Jay reply :
On 2/5/2014 at 2:01 AM, Dwight Hottle said:I'm hoping that is not a transfer from a sweatshirt.
It is -
and it's the best Selfy I've ever done . . . .
RoLo reply :
On 2/5/2014 at 12:01 AM, mram10us said:Depends on your definition of "sport". If you mean athletic, than a resounding NO
I would classify it as a drug
I agree.
All fishermen aren't athletes, and all athletes aren't fishermen, but the two are often coexistent.
I remember when Ted Williams hoisted a tarpon over 100 lbs with one arm, where most of us would use both arms.
You don't have to be athletic to go hunting either, but it sure helps.
When dad & I hunted pheasants, we slogged through mucky bottomlands for hours.
Many of our steps sank half-foot deep, occasionally loosing a boot which had to be yanked out of the mire.
With a sustained heart rate over 140 bpm for 2 or 3 hours you're not aerobic, you're anaerobic.
I've dragged 200 lb field-dressed deer for several hundred yards, which I would class as fair to middling exercise 
Roger
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