The Growing popularity of fishing

[Detour66]

It seems to me that in the last 5 years freshwater and saltwater fishing is gaining popularity again. I think social media might have something to do with this but also a resurgence of people wanting to do things outdoors again. What's Your take on this?

[Duffman]

From my experience, in the last 10 years or so, Id say no, popularity hasnt increased.

[Gerry Zagorski]

I would be interested in seeing the stats in terms of fishing licenses and salt water registry.. I do however think there's been a renewed interest recently... My wife as an example, I go fishing with the guys and she usually says have fun and now she asks if she can join us...

[Setthehook]

Originally Posted by Detour66

It seems to me that in the last 5 years freshwater and saltwater fishing is gaining popularity again. I think social media might have something to do with this but also a resurgence of people wanting to do things outdoors again. What's Your take on this?

I just hope that not too many more people figure out this wonderful thing called fishing. My fear is that more people fishing (who never fished before) blowing up honey holes, not releasing fish, not cleaning up after themselves can cause a whole new set of problems that can escalade quick. This Virus have people just wanting to get out and about and with the social limits, Fishing is Ideal. Scary times and all I want is Tight Lines.

[a-baum]

Originally Posted by Setthehook

I just hope that not too many more people figure out this wonderful thing called fishing. My fear is that more people fishing (who never fished before) blowing up honey holes, not releasing fish, not cleaning up after themselves can cause a whole new set of problems that can escalade quick. This Virus have people just wanting to get out and about and with the social limits, Fishing is Ideal. Scary times and all I want is Tight Lines.

I don't mean to come across as being offensive, but this is a very selfish mentality. It sounds similar to the old guys in Pennsylvania celebrating that there are few young/new hunters out there and they think that's a good thing.

Remember, the ONLY reason we have hunting and fishing is because the people who enjoy these activities fight for the ability to do so. They fight for the land and access to do these activities. Their licenses contribute a significant amount to conservation and helping our resources. The more people doing these activities and buying licenses the more voice we have in how things are managed. The people wanting to pull up the ladder behind them don't realize how short sighted that mentality is. If there were only 100 salt fisherman in NJ buying licenses, who the hell would listen to you about size mins and bag limits and seasons? Who would care about public boat ramps?

Careful what you wish for is all I'm saying.

[Gumada]

Quick story, back in the early 80’s my future wife wanted to go fishing with me. It was early spring and there was a good mackerel run back in the day. So, I took her on the old Miss Belmar. There was a huge swell that day, as we came out of the inlet the captain ordered everyone in the cabin and suggested that anything you wanted to keep bring it in with you or lash it down. The outgoing tide with the large swell stood up some sizable waves at the mouth of the inlet. We went over the first and through the second, washing everything off the deck. My wife never asked to go fishing again in 38 years...until last weekend. Another unforeseen consequence of the killer virus. Not good.

[bunkatabunka]

Originally Posted by a-baum

If there were only 100 salt fisherman in NJ

You would be able to walk on striped bass

[BigRock44]

It seems to me that there is an increasing lack of interest among our youth to fish. There also seems to be less trout fisherman on the stocked streams in my area over the years.

[krob8979]

Originally Posted by bunkatabunka

You would be able to walk on striped bass

And surf on the fluke

[GottaGo Joe]

From NJ Fish and Wildlife License sales from 2011 - 2019. This is only freshwater license, saltwater registration not included


https://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pd...sales11-19.pdf