Decline In Fishing? 2024
CFS reply :
I have talked to a Dnr guy the other day and he remarked that Maryland was seeing record lows in fishing interest the past few years. I got a few ideas, but since you have been the hobby longer than I have, what do you think is the cause for the low interest in angling, bassing in particular?
RoLo reply :
I blame it all on IKE 
Jon G reply :
If I had to guess? Probably cost. For someone just getting into bass fishing it can be pretty overwhelming.
bigbill reply :
The baby boomers are getting old.
I didn't get heavy into bass fishing till 45yo I'm 64yo now.
The larger sporting goods places have good buys u can find under $20 rods online. Cheap reels to start out with. EBay??
paleus reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 11:09 AM, Jon G said:If I had to guess? Probably cost. For someone just getting into bass fishing it can be pretty overwhelming.
You could easily buy enough stuff to be catching fish successfully for less than $100.
bigbill reply :
I could buy rod, reel, line some lures under $75/$100 max.
My PB #10 was caught on a quantum Wal-Mart reel, Shakespeare rod.
Angry John reply :
The latest generation my son included wants fast pace instant gratification. He along with many others also do what is cool and for some reason fishing is not cool. Expense is an excuse because every kid i know has a cell phone that would buy a very nice setup and plenty of gear to have fun for a long time. Am i upset there are less people fishing hell no. I go out to enjoy peace and quiet. Marketing is not a concern of mine and if people want to do something else then power to them.
Jon G reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 11:12 AM, paleus said:You could easily buy enough stuff to be catching fish successfully for less than $100.
You are absolutely correct. But you would be surprised of how many people think that is way to much, even just getting started. Take someone you know who has no knowledge in fishing to a tackle shop and look at their reactions to the prices on things that to us isn't that expensive. I've been in stores before when someone was wanting to get started and just could not get over a bag of plastic lures cost $4. Let alone something like a SK crank costs $5-$6
greentrout reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 10:18 AM, CFS said:I have talked to a Dnr guy the other day and he remarked that Maryland was seeing record lows in fishing interest the past few years. I got a few ideas, but since you have been the hobby longer than I have, what do you think is the cause for the low interest in angling, bassing in particular?
Changing Demographics...
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/hunting-fishing/2014/08/04/Shifting-demographics-suggest-a-future-with-fewer-anglers-who-are-most-multi-cultural/stories/201408030210
The Old School Basser...
NotnatsSamoht reply :
Lol my wife was like that when I got back into fishing, she thought a $50 combo from Cabelas was to much, now I got her fishing and when we go to the store she encourages me to go over budget for stuff.
cgolf reply :
Too many screens and other things for kids to do instead of going fishing. Every once in a while I do see and talk to some young kids that fish our local river and am encouraged that they are into it enough to be on the river at 4 am or earlier. Sadly though there isn't enough kids like that. Fishing is as expensive as you make it, one can shore fish a river below a dam and catch a mess of smallies on a skinny budget.
Turkey sandwich reply :
I think that in general, a lot of people have moved away from the outdoors, really beginning with my generation. I'm in my early 30s and have plenty of friends who have never gone hunting, gone on a legit camping trip, or have ever really been fishing beyond their parents giving them a Wal-Mart Rod and some worms for the first day of trout or maybe a charter party boat.
I think instant gratification and excitement may play into some of it (no doubt there are more people skiing/snowboarding in Park City than fly fishing the Provo River) but I think other recreational sports, like golf for example, have better marketed themselves to younger people. And maybe some of it has to do with being social. Most popular sports/hobbies involve interacting with other people, even if over the Internet, and being on the water is something we often do alone or with just a few friends.
tnt2671 reply :
I would say in my area freshwater fishing has grown quite a bit in the last few years , I see lots more younger kids early teens through 20"s out there and many more of them are into there equipment , great to see !!
NotnatsSamoht reply :
I agree with the social part, none of the schools around here have a fishing program and the only bass club I found requires a boat for tournaments, I'v been looking for bank fishing clubs and tournaments for years and when I finally found some information online I had missed it by 3 months.
BucketMouth15 reply :
Honestly I think a lot of people new to fishing expect to catch a ton of fish every time with little effort . some days the fish can be biting like that, other days there won't even be a bite. I just like to get outdoors, catching fish is just a bonus to me!
Jar11591 reply :
Maybe its the fact that every single body of water these days is LOADED with a million other fishermen, not to mention kayakers, jet-skiers, paddle boarders and pleasure boaters. 
Makes it really tough to fish.
GodfatherOfSeoul reply :
I think this generation is different. With infinite knowledge at their fingertips from the time you are walking as a toddler to TV and new thinking. Its thought of as old school to fish.
I watched a youtube fishing video under my suggestions last month and it wasnt anyone with a lot of subscribers but more of a newbie. But one of his views wrote in the comments, "who even fishes anymore!"
I know there arent huge major lakes near me nor a bunch of fishermen, but when, I come across one, they are never disrespectful but rather genuinely nice people. I think its up to us to keep this tradition. I know we dont want our waters over pressured but I feel that we should introduce something outdoors to one of our loved ones. Ive introduced my niece, my wife, my best friends and heck I always let my 17 month old play with her barbie combo when I yard fish 3 or 4 days a week. I know fishing isnt for everyone but its good fellowship time away from electronics (except your depth finders!)
Price could be an issue but its def interest. I have a buddy that I try to fish with but he buys gear the day of and even buys the daily fish license 4 or 5 times a year. Too many shows on the dvr and making it a red box night. Trust me, I love the internet and some movies but fishing is a different category of life for me.
Lund Explorer reply :
#1 reason why fishing is in decline?
http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/161332-bassresourcecom-your-lake/
There is absolutely no reason to confront the real world when the virtual one is right at your fingertips.
We used to go on camping/fishing trips quite often when the kids were growing up. If I ask them or the grandkids to go today, the first question is whether there is a cell phone tower nearby! The few times I can get any of them in the boat for a day, the cry of the loon is drowned out by the myriad of ringtones constantly squelching from their phones.
The problem, and it is a real one, will arrive at the tipping point when license sales decline to the point when state fisheries can't fund their operations. Stocking programs will be cut or eliminated, followed by enforcement of fishing laws. At some point, the few remaining fishermen will be a very small minority of those on the water. The water fleas will then ask why these people are allowed to annoy them!
blckshirt98 reply :
Kids nowadays all need to be "on-grid" to interact with friends. Social media, video games, texting...I don't know too many kids nowadays that would regularly go off-grid for a few hours every week to fish. I'm guessing a lot of you that take your kids fishing, if they get reception they'll want to spend fishing time texting with friends and whatnot unless you make them leave their phones at home.
Angry John reply :
I don't let mine bring electronics. A barbie for my baby girl is OK though. All I really want from them is to disconnect. Fish or not.
Turkey sandwich reply :
I don't think it's worthwhile to complain about technology for it's problems if we aren't willing to take advantage of its benefits. This year I started posting pictures to facebook and Instagram kind of as a means for me to track patterns, but also to see what kind of response I'd get. To my surprise, I started getting hit up by friends asking questions, or wanting to get on the water. My point is, I've been on the water about 15-20 times this summer (fly, trolling for strikers, and fishing for largemouth/smallmouth) and have been pretty successful getting friends or family in the boat with me - some who haven't touched a rod in years.
I don't think people have an aversion to the outdoors so much as they've only found it accessible via guided hikes, and what's visible from the highway. Post some fishing pictures. Post some scenery. Make it welcoming. I've been surprised by some of the feedback I've received.
Lund Explorer reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 2:33 PM, Turkey sandwich said:I don't think it's worthwhile to complain about technology for it's problems if we aren't willing to take advantage of its benefits. This year I started posting pictures to facebook and Instagram kind of as a means for me to track patterns, but also to see what kind of response I'd get. To my surprise, I started getting hit up by friends asking questions, or wanting to get on the water. My point is, I've been on the water about 15-20 times this summer (fly, trolling for strikers, and fishing for largemouth/smallmouth) and have been pretty successful getting friends or family in the boat with me - some who haven't touched a rod in years.
I don't think people have an aversion to the outdoors so much as they've only found it accessible via guided hikes, and what's visible from the highway. Post some fishing pictures. Post some scenery. Make it welcoming. I've been surprised by some of the feedback I've received.
Congratulations! In over six years, this is the first time I've ever heard someone say that they have to use their smart phone as a public service. Do you take time out from your fishing to check in to see if anyone has replied to these announcements?
The standard excuse has always been to insure that they were available in case of an emergency. My Son-in-Law used that excuse. The last time he and I went fishing together, my daughter sent him a total of 28 what must have been emergency text messages because he took the time to reply to everyone of them! The days total catch had me with 30+ bass and him with 2! As we were loading up the boat at the end of the day he asked me how long it took to learn to catch fish so much better than he could. I tried to explain that it only took a minute or two to figure out how to mute the ringer on my phone!
CFS reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 8:35 PM, Lund Explorer said:Congratulations! In over six years, this is the first time I've ever heard someone say that they have to use their smart phone as a public service. Do you take time out from your fishing to check in to see if anyone has replied to these announcements?
The standard excuse has always been to insure that they were available in case of an emergency. My Son-in-Law used that excuse. The last time he and I went fishing together, my daughter sent him a total of 28 what must have been emergency text messages because he took the time to reply to everyone of them! The days total catch had me with 30+ bass and him with 2! As we were loading up the boat at the end of the day he asked me how long it took to learn to catch fish so much better than he could. I tried to explain that it only took a minute or two to figure out how to mute the ringer on my phone!
Ha ha! I used to have a kid like that go on environmentalist field trips even though he was more of a jock that texts in class than a guy interested in digging up turnips. When I showed the classes the list of seminar field trips I have, he signed up for a lot of them. Turns out he just sits inside the air conditional building texting.
Neil McCauley reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 10:18 AM, CFS said:I have talked to a Dnr guy the other day and he remarked that Maryland was seeing record lows in fishing interest the past few years. I got a few ideas, but since you have been the hobby longer than I have, what do you think is the cause for the low interest in angling, bassing in particular?
The bass industry seems to be doing just fine:
But on another note... even if the hobby were in decline, I would be perfectly fine with that. The fewer people on the water the better, sorry. A deserted lake is a beautiful thing.
zachb34 reply :
I think it starts with childhood. Fishing is a lot cheaper than some of the other habits I see kids get into. I think it comes down to the fact that my generation has grown up with a cellphone, video game, television, and Internet all at the tips of our fingers. A lot of kids never really went outside growing up. Technology has created such a fast pace world and fishing doesn't really fit in with that.
Logan S reply :
MD DNR probably thinks that bass fishing is in decline because people aren't flocking to the tidal Potomac like they used to...Because it flat out sucks compared to what it was just a few years ago. People in MD aren't staying home, they are going elsewhere. More tournaments (and more fisherman) are going to the Upper Bay, Lake Anna, the James, or other places in the region instead of the Potomac, many of those places are out of state.
I fish all over, not just in MD...The amount of fisherman out on the water is the same as it's always been, if not more.
As for technology - I'm not one to surf the web or 'stay connected' while fishing, but having a smartphone is pretty convenient sometimes. I will check the radar or weather while idling or if it looks like a storm might be coming in. Not to mention that it could function as a backup GPS in a pinch, that's important to anyone fishing big water or making long runs. It's also nice that all that plus a camera is now in one device that fits in my pocket. Heck, I'll sometimes even enter in some notes while I'm prefishing for tournaments so I don't forget.
Catt reply :
lmbfisherman reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 11:51 AM, greentrout said:Changing Demographics...
http://www.post-gazette.com/sports/hunting-fishing/2014/08/04/Shifting-demographics-suggest-a-future-with-fewer-anglers-who-are-most-multi-cultural/stories/201408030210
The Old School Basser...
I was going to say something along those lines....and I wanted to say something politically just look at Maryland as whole "demographic wise".
Turkey sandwich reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 8:35 PM, Lund Explorer said:Congratulations! In over six years, this is the first time I've ever heard someone say that they have to use their smart phone as a public service. Do you take time out from your fishing to check in to see if anyone has replied to these announcements?
The standard excuse has always been to insure that they were available in case of an emergency. My Son-in-Law used that excuse. The last time he and I went fishing together, my daughter sent him a total of 28 what must have been emergency text messages because he took the time to reply to everyone of them! The days total catch had me with 30+ bass and him with 2! As we were loading up the boat at the end of the day he asked me how long it took to learn to catch fish so much better than he could. I tried to explain that it only took a minute or two to figure out how to mute the ringer on my phone!
It pretty much stays in my bag if I'm not taking pictures, checking time, weather, etc.
bigbill reply :
I would pile all the neighborhood kids in my car and take them fishing.
There adults now and never forgot that.
My point is take a kid fishing teach him good sportsmanship. Pass it on.
CFS reply :
I think new anglers, like my students, don't care about what they catch, only they catch something. It is disappointing to only catch a 10 pounder once a year, and no other fish at all, than to fill up the cooler with crappie.
kudagra reply :
I agree with most posters that there just isn't a lot of youth coming into the sport. I am only 26 and I only know 2 people my age that get out there regularly. Its kind of sad, but at the same time, i can look forward to less pressured fish.
Now if only we can find a way to get Jet skiing, wakeboarding, and any other type of boating with a loud radio to decline as well.
Preytorien reply :
If anything it seems to me like there are more fishermen now where I fish than ever before. Many times when I take my nieces/nephews out fishing, I see many other kids as well. It seems it's caught on with some of the kids at least.
At work I'm around a lot of people close to my age, maybe a bit older, and when I tell them I fish as avidly as I do, they seem to think it's not true because I don't wear a big foam trucker hat or dress in flannel all the time. I think they associate a certain stereotype to fishing based on what they knew when they were younger. To them, fishing isn't "cool" therefore they don't take the time to realize it's excitement.
Additionally, I agree with the comments of technology being too accessible. Kids these days are addicted to it. My niece comes over to our house with her parents, and I never see her face unless it's basked in the warm cool glow of a tablet. I agree smartphones are handy for photos, emergencies, and most often for weather. But if I don't want a million texts or emails I turn the ringer off. Kids need to learn what we've all learned and experience the great outdoors in whatever capacity excites them - whether that's fishing, hunting, hiking, etc. and all that starts with their parents. I know all too many parents that use an iPad as a babysitter far too often, my wife included. It's fine occasionally, but don't let impressionable kids learn that the only way to have fun starts within an electronic device. Take them for walks, let them help you "organize" your tackle, take them in the boat, go on scavenger hunts in the woods and along the banks. It's amazing how fun you'll both have.
Point is.....get them away from the electronics and get them outdoors - they'll soon find a REAL strike is a lot more fun than Bass Pro Shops "The Strike" fishing game.
Rant over.... 
bigbill reply :
I hear so many young adult Freinds of my son's say they never catch anything. Then we take them fishing. There into fishing after that first bass.
If there's kids when I'm catching bass. I stop fishing to teach them. I feel the need to give something back.
Catch and Grease reply :
I don't use my phone while I'm fishing besides answering a phone call if my family calls me or taking a picture of a fish or some scenery. Most of my friends and family that are my age that I take fishing are the same way, I really think a lot of adults blow it out of proportion, sure there are some people that could use some time away from their electronics but its really not that bad.
And I don't see the problem with the dude getting on his laptop in the boat, if the guy wants to take a break and hop on his laptop then more power to him, I know after fishing for hours I like to sit down and rest for a second too and sometimes I'll browse bassresource on my phone.
WRB reply :
Catt made his point without saying a single word and agree.
California fishing licenses 25 years ago over 2,300,000 licenses sold, 2014 it was 990,000 down over 60%.
Definitely a steady decline across the country with both hunting and fishing while the population is growing in numbers of people.
Tom
the reel ess reply :
I don't know about that in SC. But when I stopped chasing small fish around a huge reservoir it seemed to me to be at record high levels. That's why I stopped. I couldn't even be alone on a Monday anymore.
CFS reply :
It seems that there are always people crowded along town lakes, while nobody goes to the remote reservoir. Even if fishing rates doubled, I think that those remote lakes rarely, if ever, see an angler.
WRB reply :
South Caolina hunting & fishing license sales are down $500,000 this year from 2014 year to date, that is a decline.On 8/6/2015 at 1:03 AM, the reel ess said:I don't know about that in SC. But when I stopped chasing small fish around a huge reservoir it seemed to me to be at record high levels. That's why I stopped. I couldn't even be alone on a Monday anymore.
Tom
hoosierbass07 reply :
There are two languages kids, young adults, adults and even older adults speaks - one is English, the other is the video game language. Video games appear to be the king with a lot of males.
the reel ess reply :
On 8/6/2015 at 1:39 AM, WRB said:South Caolina hunting & fishing license sales are down $500,000 this year from 2014 year to date, that is a decline.
Tom
But probably not a decline from when I stopped fishing public waters. I probably wouldn't notice a difference. And I imagine boating and jet ski traffic is up since development is.
MN_Bassin reply :
I'm in high school, and frequently get asked why I like fishing. Everyone seems to say "Fishing is boring, unless you're catching a fish.", "It's soooo slooowww.", or "On a lake I'd rather be tubing/jet skiing/etc." I think it comes down to instant gratification and patience. Like so many of you have said, there's all this information at a touch of button. If people have to *gasp* actually work or wait for something, they think it's boring, and don't realize all the little things in life.
bigbill reply :
Simple most people here don't catch bass. They use a saltwater setup or panfishing with night crawlers. The bass are begging for the right bait. I'm going to estimate there's one bass fisherman out of fifty people fishing.
The combo license is $60 I think.
NathanW reply :
Boom Beach, Candy Crush, Tinder, Subway Surfers, Minecraft, Youtube, Twitter.... the list goes on and on.
Fishes in trees reply :
At this point in my life, I find it hard to care if the youth of today are into fishing or not. In Missouri, for a long time, we've paid a 1/8 of a cent sales tax directly to the MO conservation department. So it is self funded - separate from the rest of the state government budget wise. For the most part, I think that they have done a decent job maintaining and even increasing fishing opportunities, as well a deer hunting, turkey hunting, campgrounds and so forth. The blue print is there if other states want to do something similar.
lo n slo reply :
I started taking my kids fishing before they were old enough for school. My son took to it and was worm fishing like a champ by the time he was 7.
Now he is 28 and we still love to hang 'em. I guess you gotta get them into it at an early age. But there are no guarantee's.
Jar11591 reply :
Feel free to pass some of that "decline" to NYS. The waters I fish are so loaded with fishermen they're unfishable during the day.
greentrout reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 11:35 PM, lmbfisherman said:I was going to say something along those lines....and I wanted to say something politically just look at Maryland as whole "demographic wise".
Yep, it's the elephant in the room and it's occurring throughout the country and the South is not impervious to it, too. It is what it is.
The Old School Basser...
Dye99 reply :
I think its a few things.
Kids now dont fish, they play video games and text one another. Instant gratification is the key..18 year old who works for me asked my why I fish all the time, so I took him out with me.
We did awesome, but he said it was the most boring thing he has ever done.
Another is cost. Especially in Kayak fishing. When I got into yak angling in 2005, it was rare among bass fisherman, and the cost for things were cheap.
I added up what my normal load out, with 6 rod and reels, tackle, kayak, safety gear, fish finder, and little odds and ends and it was over $5k.
Thats only ONE kayak, and a small amount of my tackle compared to what sits in my shop.
Very expensive hobby, so not as many people are doing, so not as many people are pushing it to others...
I live up in the sierras so for me its awesome. I dont really trout fish, so Im a rare bird for fishing for largemouth....
the reel ess reply :
On 8/6/2015 at 6:29 AM, Dye99 said:I think its a few things.
Kids now dont fish, they play video games and text one another. Instant gratification is the key..18 year old who works for me asked my why I fish all the time, so I took him out with me.
We did awesome, but he said it was the most boring thing he has ever done.
Another is cost. Especially in Kayak fishing. When I got into yak angling in 2005, it was rare among bass fisherman, and the cost for things were cheap.
I added up what my normal load out, with 6 rod and reels, tackle, kayak, safety gear, fish finder, and little odds and ends and it was over $5k.
Thats only ONE kayak, and a small amount of my tackle compared to what sits in my shop.
Very expensive hobby, so not as many people are doing, so not as many people are pushing it to others...
I live up in the sierras so for me its awesome. I dont really trout fish, so Im a rare bird for fishing for largemouth....
I hear you on the cost. But you could get pretty deep into bass fishing with 2 spinning combos. Then add on as you improve and learn new techniques. When I was a 13-18 year old, all I wanted was fishing tackle and equipment. My mom had to drag me clothes shopping and could never get me to tell her anything I wanted outside of fishing.
Dye99 reply :
On 8/6/2015 at 7:05 AM, the reel ess said:I hear you on the cost. But you could get pretty deep into bass fishing with 2 spinning combos. Then add on as you improve and learn new techniques. When I was a 13-18 year old, all I wanted was fishing tackle and equipment. My mom had to drag me clothes shopping and could never get me to tell her anything I wanted outside of fishing.
Same here. Different world. Dont get me wrong there are some great young anglers out there, but nowadays they seem fewer.
There are some killer deals on stuff for sure...Unless of course they dont know what they are buying. I see guys show up to bass fish with all kinds of spoons for trolling trout, or crappie rigs...
Ive just learned to loan out a few older spinning rods with braid and start with good ole fashioned wacky senco's!
If that doesnt get ya bass fishing, nothing will!!
everythingthatswims reply :
I'm 17, fortunately my iPhone doesn't keep me away from the bass. I rarely go a day without at least an hour of fishing. There are a few fish bums my age, but definitely a rare breed.
lo n slo reply :
Who got you started?
flyfisher reply :
Parents or other family members aren't taking kids out fishing. Fishing is also an expendable income sport and with the economy still recovering, many don't have the funds to spend on fishing stuff.
Turkey sandwich reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 8:35 PM, Lund Explorer said:Congratulations! In over six years, this is the first time I've ever heard someone say that they have to use their smart phone as a public service. Do you take time out from your fishing to check in to see if anyone has replied to these announcements?
The standard excuse has always been to insure that they were available in case of an emergency. My Son-in-Law used that excuse. The last time he and I went fishing together, my daughter sent him a total of 28 what must have been emergency text messages because he took the time to reply to everyone of them! The days total catch had me with 30+ bass and him with 2! As we were loading up the boat at the end of the day he asked me how long it took to learn to catch fish so much better than he could. I tried to explain that it only took a minute or two to figure out how to mute the ringer on my phone!
I don't know if this was intended to be sarcastic or not, but my phone stays in the bag unless I'm taking pictures or checking weather. I don't post from the water and tend to ignore all calls/texts unless it has to do with work or which boat launch I'm drifting to for a pick up. My time on the water is my break from a stressful job and the only hobby I have that 5 herniated discs and an upcoming surgery haven't sidelined.
fish devil reply :
Don't see a decline here in South Jersey. There are 32 active bass clubs in the South Jersey Bass Club Association. A few of the clubs fish the buddy format including mine, so that is even more people fishing. I always see a good mix of fishermen on the water, including plenty of young guys and a variety of ethnic groups. Most waters are very pressured but that does not seem to deter the "bass" only guys. I guess it helps to have two bass pro's from the area (Adrian Avena-FLW Pro) and you know that other guy Mike Iaconelli.
everythingthatswims reply :
On 8/6/2015 at 8:13 AM, lo n slo said:Who got you started?
My dad got me started at a very young age. I think I started going on smallmouth canoe trips on the James River with him and my uncle when I was 6, very good memories. The ol' texas rigged hula grub is as good for smallies now as it was then!
He may fish freshwater once a month nowadays, the only stuff he gets excited about are when we go to the beach with our boat and wreck fish or troll offshore. I have the bug way too badly to be selective about what I fish for.
I have a friend in Maryland who completely got into the sport by himself. I met him when he was a freshman in high school after he had only fished for two years, and he is one of the best anglers at my age that I know.
Turkey sandwich reply :
My dad used to take my brother and I out to fish farm ponds, and even spent a vacation fishing the St. Lawrence. I remember in high school, rushing home to get on the river. Man, I really wonder how many hours we spent wading the river with a backpack full of gear as a teenagers. That's awesome to hear that you guys are just as passionate. The outdoors are awesomely addictive.
fishblitzer reply :
To some of the previous posters, you must care about young ones fishing or the state departments will not be able to operate because they won't have enough money to do so. Without people buying fishing licenses they do not get the $ they need.
I think that the biggest problem is that fishing is getting so expensive. I have fished for most of my life and after college I will most likely lost my interest because there is nowhere to fish without a boat, and I can't afford a boat. Fishing is too expensive. With the popularity gained by BASS, prices have gone up. That is just my view on it. I've only been really into fishing for 6-7 years so you old timers can maybe prove me wrong.
I fished a tournament a couple months ago where in order to be competitive you had to run 50+ miles to another lake. This knocked out 80% of the tournament field which had older engines and didn't get the MPG needed to make the round trip. My point being, if you want to be competitive you do have to have the expensive boats and technology once you get to a certain level. The top 10 finishers made the run to the other lake and the other 130 did not.
Another reason is the degradation of society and the instant gratification that young people must have in order to have an interest in something. You can go through and watch a movie from every year for the past 20 years and watch the difference. Movies today are much more fast paced, have to be action packed, and quick in order to make lots of $ at the big screen. This applies to fishing and outdoors as well. Hunting and fishing both take time, patience, and learned skills in order to be good at. Time and patience is something nobody these days care about.
I think for the most part the same applies to hunting as fishing. Most people have the mentality "If I can buy it in a store why waste my time hunting or fishing for it." and that goes back to society. Nobody wants to put in the time to go out and actually harvest their food, which brings a certain gratification with it in my opinion.
Also, most parents use TV's, video games, or other forms of entertainment as a type of baby sitting tactic now-a-days. When I grew up my dad took us fishing, hunting, or four-wheeler riding to entertain us. Parents are less and less involved with their children, I blame this as a direct cause for the degradation of society. Without good parenting, you will not have good kids.
herbu reply :
On 8/6/2015 at 12:09 AM, kudagra said:I agree with most posters that there just isn't a lot of youth coming into the sport. I am only 26 and I only know 2 people my age that get out there regularly. Its kind of sad, but at the same time, i can look forward to less pressured fish.
Now if only we can find a way to get Jet skiing, wakeboarding, and any other type of boating with a loud radio to decline as well.
We call 'em "Nature Lovers". Still not sure if they don't know, or don't care how far sound carries over the water.
SirSnookalot reply :
Nothing to compare it to but I see plenty of fishermen down here in Florida. Drive down many neighborhood streets and there always a bunch of center console boats parked. The marinas are jam packed as well. There is quite a bit of easy access to freshwater, I see kids quite often. Most communities have their own private water, no way to know how many people fish them. License isn't required for senior residents(lot of them here) kids under 16 and private water under 20 acres.
Fishing seems pretty popular down here.
Freak78 reply :
There's definitely a difference around here. When I first moved here the banks and waters were packed. Now you can pretty much go anywhere you want. Even free fishing weekend, which usually kept me away from the water (especially in nothern va and the potomac) is no big deal anymore. The only people I see fishing are the young ones with barbie and spiderman fishing poles and those my age or older.
the reel ess reply :
I wouldn't mind less competition for a finite number of bites.
Jd_Phillips_Fishin reply :
I don't think cost is the problem... there are A LOT of kids my age that have rooms full of 200$ basketball shoes that have NBA stars name's on them. People don't want to wait or work for bites, they just want to cast, reel in, and have a fish.
Freak78 reply :
I really think it's because of all the conveniences of technology and everything that comes with that as others have said. Growing up you couldn't keep me in the house or off the water. Now kids would rather play Call of duty than do anything else.
CFS reply :
On 8/7/2015 at 1:42 AM, Freak78 said:I really think it's because of all the conveniences of technology and everything that comes with that as others have said. Growing up you couldn't keep me in the house or off the water. Now kids would rather play Call of duty than do anything else.
Life did seem to be more "Tom Sawyer" back then.
ww2farmer reply :
I come from a small rural town on the bank of a lake. My high school class graduated 75 people, few stayed here after school, and of the few that stayed, I am the ONLY one who fishes...and I don't see anyone else from "my generation" that I grew up with out here either. The overwhelming majority of guys who come to my tournaments are older than me, and I am 39. But, there is hope, a lot of the guys are also under 25. I think it has more to do with wives/kids/jobs etc...and not having time to fish for the 25-40 year old crowd.
the reel ess reply :
On 8/7/2015 at 1:42 AM, Freak78 said:I really think it's because of all the conveniences of technology and everything that comes with that as others have said. Growing up you couldn't keep me in the house or off the water. Now kids would rather play Call of duty than do anything else.
I never really liked video games and always considered them a waste of time and money. When you're done with it, you have no more to show for your efforts than when you began.
TwoCan reply :
I think it is all how you start them. I didn't get into fishing until I was 16. My dad was a big tournament angler but when he took me out as a kid we would go bluegill fishing. I remember being so bored. I was 5, with a lot of energy. Watching a bobber for 4 hours was not my idea of fun. I wanted to run, jump, scream. I just needed to move.
I kept all of this in mind when I took my girlfriend out for her first time fishing, 2 1/2 years into our relationship. We went swimming and stuff when we first got there because she enjoys tanning and all that girly stuff. When we finally went fishing I set her up with a spinning rod and a wacky-rigged senko. She out fished me. The week after that we went again. This time I set her up with a spinning combo and a t-rigged brush hog. I explained to her that she was going to have to work a little bit harder for the fish this time and it was going to take more patience. She did just that, she didn't out fish me but she sure kept up with me.
Three weeks later she had her all-year fishing license and completed her hunter ed course. Again, don't underestimate the importance of how you introduce the sport.
TC
poisonokie reply :
if y'all need help with fishing, I'm your man! Just let me at all those big blue cats invading the Potomac!
Jd_Phillips_Fishin reply :
On 8/7/2015 at 3:26 AM, TwoCan said:I think it is all how you start them. I didn't get into fishing until I was 16. My dad was a big tournament angler but when he took me out as a kid we would go bluegill fishing. I remember being so bored. I was 5, with a lot of energy. Watching a bobber for 4 hours was not my idea of fun. I wanted to run, jump, scream. I just needed to move.
I kept all of this in mind when I took my girlfriend out for her first time fishing, 2 1/2 years into our relationship. We went swimming and stuff when we first got there because she enjoys tanning and all that girly stuff. When we finally went fishing I set her up with a spinning rod and a wacky-rigged senko. She out fished me. The week after that we went again. This time I set her up with a spinning combo and a t-rigged brush hog. I explained to her that she was going to have to work a little bit harder for the fish this time and it was going to take more patience. She did just that, she didn't out fish me but she sure kept up with me.
Three weeks later she had her all-year fishing license and completed her hunter ed course. Again, don't underestimate the importance of how you introduce the sport.
TC
I agree. It mostly depends on how people are introduced to this sport and how they see the sport. As an example my sister every Sat. she finds me, my dad, and the boat gone. Since we do it so much and it's always on TV or we're talking about, it it's pretty much a normal thing for her. She can go through my tackle boxes and name every single lure. Then we have the kid down the street that went out once when he was 5, and when he hears the word fishing he thinks sitting there for a while watching bobber, having the most boring time of his life. It all depends on how you see it in the beginning, some may disagree but that's the way I see it.
bigbill reply :
Maybe less kids are interested in fishing because of playing video games? I see lazy kids sit and play video games all day.
The kids in my new rural area are country kids they go fishing, compete at local tractor pulls.
I grew up watching gadd about gaddis the flying fisherman and his float plane. On Sunday night's. Soon after it was Jerry McKinnis which had my interest. But my older brother was my mentor he took me fishing in 1956 I was 6yo. We fished every year since then till he passed away two decades ago. I keep it going by fishing with my adult son's. I took them fishing when they were my age.
Being Sportsman is in our genes, it's in our bloodline. My uncle's and dad fished and hunted together.
We have a panfishing tournament between the three of us. My belly hurt from laughing. Try it with your family or buddies.
jjnosal@msn.com reply :
A good outfit can be had for the price of dinner and a show!
RoLo reply :
WRB reply :
The topic is decline in fishing, not outdoor activity.
The decline in fishing licenses is a good barometer or yard stick. There will always be people fishing without a license, the worse the economy gets the more folks gamble and fish without a license and the closer they tend to stay near where they live.
Finding a pristine body of water is a treasure, unfortunately it gets discovered or developed in time.
Crowded lakes is a problem during the summer when school is out, after Sept things tend to quite down on our lakes. Night is a good time to have quality time on the water during the summer months, few folks are out on the water.
Tom
RoLo reply :
Unlicensed fishermen is a real concern of mine.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve been approached only 3 times by the FWC (Eloise, Walk-In-Water & West Toho).
The wardens checked my life vests, fire extinguisher and boat decals, but never once
was I asked to produce a fishing license. As a matter of fact, I don't ever remember being asked
to show my fishing license in Jersey, Ontario, Quebec, MI, MA, NY, PA, TN, SC, GA or Florida.
In the interest of their own revenue, the state agencies need to be a lot more aggressive.
Roger
Freak78 reply :
One could argue tho that the decline in fishing and outdoor activity are one in the same. Everything is a trickle down effect. As others have stated is been noticed everywhere. I live in the sticks where camo appearal is an everyday thing, where confereradte flags still fly, and country music is the music of choice and its not even close. Hunting and fishing used to be huge here. Now it's not.
I also live 5 minutes away from to big colleges and even with the influx of all those students you might see one or 2 of them on the water. Even at the lake on campus. I'm not complaining as I now have more choice and peace and quiet when I want to get on the water. That just wasn't the case just a few years ago.
Like I stated before, I used to avoid weekends, holidays, free fishing weekend, kids fishing days, early trout season, first stocking of the regular season..you name it. Now it literally makes no difference as to what's going on. Theres no one really out there.
bigbill reply :
I seen that game warden here let a family of about 8 people go Scott free no one had a license. Then he checks mine. I pay they go free. Then I see the warden on the tv local news receive an award for doing an outstanding job.
Funny.
The wife has no clue. I was talking about night vision. She got me a head band with a LED bright lite called night vision. God bless her little heart she tried. But I told her that good night vision can run into many thousands of dollars. Don't even get into tackle with her.
I'm having encounters with something in the dark.
Anantha Patel reply :
Cost is not really a problem. A lot of kids my age are willing to shell out hundreds at Gamestop, even though there is a nice pond next to their house.
offsidewing reply :
This Gen-Xer always gets a kick out of the boomers blaming electronics for kids not doing stuff. My grandparents blamed my parents "decline" on rock music. My parents blamed MTV and Madonna for destroying America in the 80s.
My father introduced me to lots of things as a kid, fishing is one that stuck with me. Without the evil electronics so many people blame for America's failing youth, I'd still be slinging a Zebco 33 and throwing Crankbaits at pre-spawn locations in August. I'd be wondering why a jitterbug didn't catch fish in the middle of Lake Erie. I'd never be able to research lakes and ponds for my next fishing trip. I'd have to rely on the almost non-existent old-timers who are willing to tell me their Hotspot, techniques, and other secrets to catch fish. I'd probably be saying "I don't need none of the fancy foreign bait casters!" Getting kids to go outside and do stuff is not the electronics responsibility nor is it their fault.
The sustained growth of any hobby rests on introducing it to "new" people at any age. Take the politically - opposed coworker fishing and show him how fishing just isn't rubes in cut-off denim shorts and Metallica shirts hot boxing Marlboros while bank beating. Take the DINK Yuppie neighbor and show him how much tech and learned knowledge go into the sport. Make one fishing trip a month all about your kids - don't even take gear for you (or your cell phone). Do those things and our favorite hobby/sport/passion will never decline. And much thanks to anyone sharing fishing with those who haven't tried.
MIbassyaker reply :
On 8/10/2015 at 7:59 AM, offsidewing said:This Gen-Xer always gets a kick out of the boomers blaming electronics for kids not doing stuff. My grandparents blamed my parents "decline" on rock music. My parents blamed MTV and Madonna for destroying America in the 80s.
My father introduced me to lots of things as a kid, fishing is one that stuck with me. Without the evil electronics so many people blame for America's failing youth, I'd still be slinging a Zebco 33 and throwing Crankbaits at pre-spawn locations in August. I'd be wondering why a jitterbug didn't catch fish in the middle of Lake Erie. I'd never be able to research lakes and ponds for my next fishing trip. I'd have to rely on the almost non-existent old-timers who are willing to tell me their Hotspot, techniques, and other secrets to catch fish. I'd probably be saying "I don't need none of the fancy foreign bait casters!" Getting kids to go outside and do stuff is not the electronics responsibility nor is it their fault.
The sustained growth of any hobby rests on introducing it to "new" people at any age. Take the politically - opposed coworker fishing and show him how fishing just isn't rubes in cut-off denim shorts and Metallica shirts hot boxing Marlboros while bank beating. Take the DINK Yuppie neighbor and show him how much tech and learned knowledge go into the sport. Make one fishing trip a month all about your kids - don't even take gear for you (or your cell phone). Do those things and our favorite hobby/sport/passion will never decline. And much thanks to anyone sharing fishing with those who haven't tried.
This GenX-er narrowly avoided the urge to post something on this thread with nearly identical substance but less wit. And now I don't have to. Cheers.
joeblowwwww reply :
Where I live it's bigger than ever. it surprises me how many kids are fishing and kind of have an idea what's going on in bass fishing. maybe it's where you live? I live in Ca.
BigmouthForever23 reply :
I wouldn't be surpised if there is a lack of interest in fishing with the younger generation. Now a day's you have little kids glued to their cell phones, IPads, video games, etc. So much is out there that wasn't available back in the day.
bigbill reply :
I think they go fishing once catch nothing and give up. I was a trout fisherman all my life. Bass fishing trips were limited. When my son broke his leg on the dirt bike everyone took him fishing lounge chair and all. We got hooked on bass fishing. The rest is history. At $50++ for live bait per week I started trying lures more using two rod setups. Soon the lure rod out fished the live bait rod. The bass wanted something that looks alive and moving. My live bait money went towards buying lures. I bought anything and everything just to see if it worked.
I believe most try fishing but when they catch nothing they give up.
Just get a dozen night crawlers a bobber a #8 hook a affordable rod setup at a tag or garage sale and try fishing. Even panfishing will get u hooked.
SlappinTheBass reply :
I might even go out on a limb and say we will see a steady increase in fishing in the next few years. I'm 24, and I just started fishing this summer. I went out about 5 times with my Daiwa Samurai ($15) and caught nothing, but I was still hooked.
Why did I start? I just started working a full-time job, and I needed a break from the office. I needed a break from electronics. I originally thought fishing was something you cast, sit down and crack a beer/book, but after my first fish, I realized how exciting it is. Generation Y and Z, there's a phenomenon called the hipster generation. This may sound like slang, but it's actually a deeply rooted post-modern influence we obtained by living off the affluence of our hardworking Gen X parents. We want to value things that have meaning or history. Living vicariously through something created by blue-collared workers. We're starting to value cafe racers, double edged shavers, and restored book shelves. We're suddenly all Emersonian and value the grit freedom of nature. All this to say, I think fishing will soon catch on with this generation as a hobby.
What helped me? A local pastor volunteered to teach me how to fish a senko. First cast, first fish. He gave me a bag of senkos and gammy hooks. It might be the most life altering gift I've ever received. I don't fish senkos too often, I've been learning how to fish a jig, obviously stealing ever tip I can from this forum. A member here even met up with me and taught me how to cast a BC without bird nesting.
To all the experienced anglers, reach out to that kid untangling his spool. We will most-likely cling onto every piece of advice you give.
bigbill reply :
Most people I see shore fishing are looking for a meal. They could get food stamps???
How do they eat a 2" long sunfish?
Anantha Patel reply :
On 8/10/2015 at 11:43 PM, bigbill said:Most people I see shore fishing are looking for a meal. They could get food stamps???
How do they eat a 2" long sunfish?
Fry it until you can eat the bones. They crunch. I sometimes take home a plate sized crappie or two, but I can't see how catching a 2" bluegill and cleaning it is worth the time and effort.
stkbassn reply :
On 8/5/2015 at 11:37 AM, Angry John said:The latest generation my son included wants fast pace instant gratification. He along with many others also do what is cool and for some reason fishing is not cool. Expense is an excuse because every kid i know has a cell phone that would buy a very nice setup and plenty of gear to have fun for a long time. Am i upset there are less people fishing hell no. I go out to enjoy peace and quiet. Marketing is not a concern of mine and if people want to do something else then power to them.
I won't disagree with the new generation thing entirely but fishing has become a lot "cooler" among the youth with High School and College Fishing exploding. I think it's awesome that schools are acknowledging bass fishing as a sport and encouraging those young guys and gals to get involved. I wish we had it when I was in high school. It's cooler than it used to be I'd say!
LuckyGia reply :
I wonder if broken marriages has anything to do with it ?
Over the 27 years my wife and I have been married, well over half of our friends have divorced.
The family dynamics have changed quite a bit.
Jd_Phillips_Fishin reply :
High School bass clubs are growing more and more.
SirSnookalot reply :
I've been married a long time myself. My wife was never a golfer or fisher person, despite all the time I spent in those activities my marriage was never affected. Either you have a good marriage or you don't. My wife takes classes, goes to lectures, being an avid reader she goes to book review clubs, she's happy I don't go with her, and I'm happy she doesn't fish with me.
bigbill reply :
I been married for 41 years. We have different interests. But we do spend time together. When the bass call to me she knows I'm answering that call. Lol. When my two sons come over to visit they take me fishing. It's a bond that started when they were 6yo I took them fishing. It's in our DNA. Panfishing is one thing. But that first topwater action with old bucket mouth will get you hooked in fishing. My son's are pushing 40yo and we still fish together often.
Try a panfishing tournament with your buddies or family. It's a blast. Who catches the most fish wins. We are near each other. When one misses a bite the other one casts in the same spot and catches the fish. Bobbers are flying everywhere. I never laughed so hard in my life. Try it.
Take a kid fishing.
offsidewing reply :
It's also worth noting that in the 80s, everyone in my school district got a Zebco 22 rod/reel combo in the 4th Grade.
cgolf reply :
Have seen some positive signs locally. I hit my favorite river spot last week and met some kids that had biked 7 miles to fish. Unfortunately I don't think this is happening everywhere though.
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