Who decided that fishing is the most popular participation sport in britain? OK lots of people may have been once or twice in their lives but that doesnt make them life long participants. I suggest this often repeated fact is rubbish peddled by anglers who dont want their hobby to go the same was as hunting. I dont know anyone that goes fishing, but I know a few who have been once and never bothered again.

It is incredibly calming and relaxing to go fishing, and a great way to escape what is going on indoors/at work. Meditative almost I would have said.

My dad goes a LOT and he is always so chilled out when he comes back, he loves it.

I myself don't fish. Well, not for fish anyway.

It was very popular with an ex-boyfriend of mine.

He was fishing mad.He had a stressful job and said it was the only thing that relaxed him. He'd go on camping expenditions for weeks.

That's why he became an ex.

Originally posted by lizzmobile
It is incredibly calming and relaxing to go fishing, and a great way to escape what is going on indoors/at work. Meditative almost I would have said.

My dad goes a LOT and he is always so chilled out when he comes back, he loves it.

I myself don't fish. Well, not for fish anyway.

It may be relaxing and calming (it should be- sitting there doing s@d all for hours on end) but its not necessarily the most popular participation sport in Britain.

Are u sure your dad went fishing? (!)

Originally posted by theripsaw
Who decided that fishing is the most popular participation sport in britain?

To fish legally in the UK you have to purchase a National Rod Licence. More than a million of these are purchased each year. Like any licence there will be a number of dodgers so the actual number of fisherman will be greater than this. See below the figures:-

Year Sales
1995/96 1,000,646
1996/97 1,171,914
1997/98 1,196,417
1998/99 1,143,883
1999/00 1,136,228
2000/01 1,085,446
2001/02 1,143,430
2002/03 1,180,061
2003/04 1,261,972
2004/05 1,218,218

I personally get great enjoyment out of the pastime.. For me and my mates it is a social event with often 3 or 4 of us going together. Lots of laughs and leg pulling and usually a shandy on the way back. Each year we have a weekend away where approximately 25 of us go. We have a fishing match on Friday, get plastered Friday night and most of Saturday and then hangovers permitting another match on Sunday. Fishing like any other pastime is what you make of it.

c'mon, admit it- its not about the actual fishing then is it. I like camping and if you had to have a licence to use a tent i would buy one, but I dont go camping because i like sleeping in a tent. Its the social occasion, and the getting away fromit all.
I'm suprised by your statistics though- :)

Originally posted by theripsaw

I'm suprised by your statistics though- :)

Direct from the environment agency web page

http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/subjects/fish/165773/169852/174139/257797/?lang=_e

Originally posted by theripsaw
Who decided that fishing is the most popular participation sport in britain? OK lots of people may have been once or twice in their lives but that doesnt make them life long participants. I suggest this often repeated fact is rubbish peddled by anglers who dont want their hobby to go the same was as hunting. I dont know anyone that goes fishing, but I know a few who have been once and never bothered again.

Questions for theripsaw:
Have YOU ever tried it?
If so, and you didn't enjoy it, why not?

Personally I find it to be the most relaxing thing I can possibly choose to do. I don't even have to catch anything! Simply getting out there and enjoying the solitude/country/fresh air etc (take your pick).

If anyones against it on a cruelty/blood sport kinda fashion, give it a go anyhow, just don't tie on a hook:wink:
Betcha still enjoy it:thumbsup:

Just wish I could find the time:sad::rolleyes:

Originally posted by theripsaw
Who decided that fishing is the most popular participation sport in britain? OK lots of people may have been once or twice in their lives but that doesnt make them life long participants. I suggest this often repeated fact is rubbish peddled by anglers who dont want their hobby to go the same was as hunting. I dont know anyone that goes fishing, but I know a few who h.ave been once and never bothered again. Yes, sorry it is mate.The most popular that is.My husband has gone all his life.Won lots of money at it too(in competitions)Probably spent it all back in bait though.What more do you want, fresh air,wildlife,rippling water,lovely sandwiches that your mississ has packed you up.Im just glad to get rid of him every week-end !!:thumbsup:

I got hooked (intentional) by the fishing bug a long time ago, and as others have said on this thread, you don't have to catch anything to come home feeling really good. I will give you one example from earlier this year.

I sat and watched a pair of kingfishers for over an hour, and the catching of fish didn't matter that day because seeing those two birds made my day, and even now thinking of them brings a smile to my face.

I might also add that a day out on the river bank with good friends is better than all the medicine that the Dr can prescribe.

I agree owd lad you dont have to catch fish to enjoy it its the most relaxing sport to do its also good for the young uns to learn they will learn all about the enviroment .my 16 year old lad loves it its a bit expensive now tho its not just a matter of gettin a pint of maggots and away you go i think if the young ones took the sport up they would be a lot less crime on the streets the trouble is not many get the chance i know aplace on the don and you would think you were miles away with the wild life that runs aruond and the king fishers and its only about a mile from the town centre ive cought trout barbel pearch roach chub tench allsorts and whats more its free the troube is now my lad has got better tackle than me!! and he often wins me too!! but i know were he his he is not going uot nicking cars and and burgling houses its a pitty more youngsters do not get the chance to go as for being the most popular sport i would say its not as popular as it once was but its picking up once more and when they start selling the licences in the tackle shops again it will take off again i think :thumbsup:

You should worry Steevie, my daughter is better at fishing than I, so I now have to go on days when she isn't avaliable :hihi:

I know what you are on about owd-lad the fairer sex still holds the record for the biggest salmon cought with rod and line years ago :thumbsup: