Fishing is by far one of the most popular outdoor activities in the United states. In fact, millions of Americans can be found fishing using a variety of methods and techniques all across the country. With it being so popular many often wonder if fishing is considered to be a sport or not.
Fishing is an outdoor sport that combines physical exertion, technique, skill and in some cases competition. Many anglers specialize in targeting a specific species or using a certain method like bass fishing or fly fishing. The skills, physical exertion and competition involved in fishing aligns perfectly with the definition of a sport. So simply put. Yes, fishing is a sport.
In this article, we will discuss and provide a full explanation on why fishing is a sport, what the different types of fishing are and the overall all benefits of fishing.
The Sport of Fishing
Let’s further examine whether fishing is considered to be a sport or not. The dictionary states that a sport is “an athletic activity requiring skill or physical prowess and often of a competitive nature, as racing, baseball, tennis, golf, bowling, wrestling, boxing, hunting, fishing, etc.”
As you can see above, fishing is specifically mentioned in the official definition of sport. This may be hard to believe when you see a group of people sitting on a dock in lawn chairs relaxing with their fishing poles in their laps. However, there is a competitive side of fishing that is much like other sports.
Fishing by definition is certainly a sport that involves physical exertion, mental toughness and a high level of skill and technique. Anglers compete against each other locally and at the national and world level.
Much like most any sport there are people that enjoy fishing recreationally and those that compete in professional competitions and tournaments. Let’s talk about what separates these two categories and discuss the different types of fishing that are the most popular.
Recreational vs. Sport Fishing
Although there are many different fishing methods anglers use to target a variety of species there are two main categories of fishing at least in my mind. There are those that that fish recreationally and those that compete in the sport of fishing.
Let’s talk about these two categories and call out the differences.
Recreational Fishing
I considered recreational angling to those out there fishing for a good time and enjoy fishing for pleasure with family and friends. Recreational fishing typically includes people fishing from a boat, from shore or on a dock that are out there to have a good time with good company. They are there for fun and to enjoy the experience.
Sport Fishing
On the other hand, there is another category in fishing that is called sport fishing or competitive fishing. These are anglers that compete against other anglers in team and individual tournaments in hopes of winning. This could be anglers that compete in bass fishing tournaments, fly fishing competition’s or any other competitive fishing format.
Within these two main categories there are several different kinds or methods of fishing. Let’s talk about some of the most common.
Types of Fishing
Bass Fishing – Bass fishing is the category of angling that involves using artificial lures and soft plastic baits to attract and catch largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and spotted bass. This is perhaps one of the most popular and common competitive fishing categories in the United States.
Bait Fishing – Bait fishing, also called bottom fishing is perhaps the oldest and most universal method of fishing. Bait fishing is essentially using a substance (bait) to attract and catch fish on the end of a fishing hook or inside a trap. Most traditional baits used for this method are nightcrawlers, insects, worms and smaller baitfish.
Trolling – Trolling is a fishing technique that involves dragging a lure or bait through the water from a moving boat at varying speeds and depths. Down riggers and special equipment are typically involved.
Fly Fishing – Fly fishing is an angling method that uses light weight lures called flies to catch fish. The lightweight flies are cast by using a fly rod & reel that has a specializes weighted line that allows the angler to cast small flies. Fly fishing can be done in both freshwater and saltwater and is used to target many different species.
Spinning – Spin fishing is an angling technique where a spinning rod and reel is used to entice or trick fishing into biting. Spin fishing typically involves using lures like spinners, spoons, power bait and other artificial lures.
Saltwater Angling – Saltwater fishing includes a variety of fishing methods to target species in the ocean. This can be done off the beach, rocks, from a boat or kayak.
As you can see there are many different subcategories in the sport of fishing. Although each is different and unique there are similarities and benefits to all types of fishing.
Let’s take a closer look at what the benefits anglers enjoy when they head out to the water on a fishing adventure.
Benefits of Fishing
Exercise – Now, it might be hard to believe that fishing can be a good workout, but it can be a great way to get some good exercise. Most styles of fishing are a low-impact cardio that can be as active or as easy-going as you want. You would be surprised how many calories you’ll burn by casting, walking, kayaking, navigating your boat and just fishing.
Mental Benefits – There a lot of great things that come together while fishing. Being in nature and enjoying the outdoors can have big effect on your overall mental wellbeing. There is something about the fresh air, working towards catching a fish and just getting away from everything can help you stay grounded and re-charge.
Stress Relief – Fishing is a great way to combat stress and anxiety. Recent studies of shown that fishing can provide both short-term and long-term healing benefits from those that suffer from PTSD, depression and anxiety. Its also just a great way to get away and meditate.
Social Bonds – One of the best benefits of the sport of fishing is the bonds and relationships that are built while fishing. Simply spending time, talking about and going on fishing adventures with others can create special memories and bonds that will last a lifetime.
Health Benefits – If you are an angler that keeps and eats your catch there are some great health benefits that you can enjoy. Fish are packed with essential nutrients including omega 3, which is great for everything from your eyesight to your heart health.
Related Fishing Questions
Is Fishing an Olympic Sport? Fishing or angling is not currently considered to be an Olympic Sport. However, there are many large tournaments and competitions. Several organizations and communities have argued that the sport of fishing should be included in the Olympic games. Arguing fishing requires skill, technique, experience to master the sport. However, the Olympic Community has not approved it to become apart of the Olympic games. With that said, there have been rumors that fishing might be included in future Olympic events.
Is Bass Fishing a Sport? Yes, bass fishing is considered to be an official sport. It involves physical exertion and skill where anglers compete against another in derby’s and big tournaments. Professional bass fishing anglers have a high level of skill, ability, intuition and must endure long days on the water expending a lot of energy casting and catching fish.
Is Fishing a Popular Sport? Fishing in general is one of the most popular outdoor reactional activities in the United States. In fact in 2019 over 50 million Americans participated in some type of fishing activity according to statista.com. Competitive fishing is also increased in popularity and many large and local fishing tournaments are held all over the country.
Final Thoughts
The art or sport of fishing requires mental toughness, skill, ability and a little bit of luck mixed in. Some may question whether fishing should be considered a sport or not and in my opinion it there is no doubt that it’s a sport.
Those that haven been involved and around the sport of fishing know how much effort, time and skill it takes to be able to fish at a high level and compete against other anglers at the local, national and world level.
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