Recreational Fishing - How to begin
In the US alone, the economic footprint of recreational fishing is staggering:
Anglers spend over $51 billion annually on the sport.
When you factor in the "multiplier effect" (hotels, gas stations, local tourism, bait shops), fishing drives $129 billion in economic output and supports more than 826,000 American jobs.
Through state fishing licenses, anglers contribute roughly $1.7 billion every year directly to conservation funds to protect waterways and rebuild fish stocks.
Want to start? Get a small rod and bait. Avoid the big fancy rods. Your bait can be real or plastic simulations. Try a pond or lake to begin. Rivers are also a good place.
Get to know the local fish. Each has it's own personality, habitats and preferences.
You will need a fishing license from the local authority. And be aware that most recreational fishing is catch and release. If you plan to keep and cook be sure you know the local rules. Otherwise your fishing friends may blacklist you.
The cost of a fishing license varies by State and also by the type of waters you plan to fish: saltwater or inland waters. But in general expect to pay $50 or less per year.
Tech Notes:
Content written and posted by Ken Abbott abbottsystems@gmail.com
My friend Joe, who has fished for 80 years, helped me with this post.
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