In hard times, more Americans hit the river banks to have free time fun
By APTuesday, March 23, 2010
Gone fishing? More Americans did in ‘09
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — More Americans went fishing last year.
The peaceful pastime enjoyed a resurgence while the economy was dealing a blow to big-time sports from the PGA to the NFL.
A report commissioned by The Outdoor Foundation found that fishing saw an increase of 1.6 percent or 630,000 participants, in 2009. That ended a decade during which the number of anglers generally declined, especially among young people. A separate study found a nearly 5 percent rise in fishing license purchases, based on a 12-state index.
Almost 41 million Americans fish, according to the foundation.
Why did fishing thrive during a recession? The sport can be as simple as standing on the shore with an inexpensive rod and reel.
