Anglers

Statistics reveal a thriving population of anglers in the US almost leading one to believe that it is a national pastime. In 2001, 34 million anglers spent an average of 16 days fishing. Freshwater fishing was the most popular type of fishing with over 28 million anglers devoting nearly 467 million angler-days. Are you an angler or hoping to be one? Either ways, here are some interesting facts on angling.

History reveals that ancient people found this continent blessed with tremendous natural resources and an indigenous group of people greatly valued the living resources that thrived in the waters and on the lands. Fishing was not only about subsistence, but provided great release. Sir Izaak Walton, in his Compleat Angler, advised: "You will find angling to be like the virtue of humility, which has a calmness of spirit and a world of other blessings attending upon it."

While it does you a world of good to become an angler, there are some basic guidelines you must be familiarize yourself with.

  • Make sure that you use the correct type of bait and fishing gear permitted in that area. There may also be limits on the number, size, and kind of fish that you can keep. Check with your destination ahead of time to see what the local regulations allow. If you use a boat or watercraft when fishing, check to see what kinds of watercraft are allowed at the body of water where you are going to fish.
  • Pay attention to local procedures and cautions for cleaning your watercraft after you leave the water so that you don't encourage the spread of npn-native species, such as the Zebra Mussel, to the next body of water you may visit with your boat.
  • Don't fish in areas where it is not permitted. These areas have been declared "off limits" to fishing to protect wildlife, vegetation, or for your safety.
  • If using a boat to fish, wear your life jacket and make sure that your passengers wear theirs, too!
  • Use caution when baiting and removing hooks
  • Do not fish on unauthorized waterways
  • If operating a houseboat, be careful of carbon monoxide build-up around the boat
  • Obey the posted speedlimits and wake warnings if using a watercraft when fishing

Bring along extra safety items such as water, flashlights, maps, and a cellphone or radio. Take along a trash bag so that you avoid littering the environment. With some panning and organization, angling can become a truly relaxful and enjoyable activity.