Fishing is more than just a pastime; it’s its own world, its own culture. For those of us who live it, there’s truly nothing like it. Every angler has their own reasons for spending hours in pursuit of something they can’t see; the time spent on the water means something different to each of us.
As fall settles in and another season winds down, I find myself reflecting because, with each passing year, my reasons for fishing change. What started as a competitive drive has evolved into something deeper. Today, fishing is my escape. It’s my way of staying grounded.
The Pull of Competition
When I first got serious about fishing, it was all about competition. I’d grown up fishing from the bank or from an old boat, but tournament fishing pulled me in with the challenge to prove myself against others. Eight hours. Same water. Same fish. You either figure it out — or you don’t.
Only those who’ve competed can understand that feeling. It’s the same thrill athletes chase: it’s the difference between playing basketball in the driveway and suiting up for a game.
There’s a mystique to tournament fishing that goes beyond just beating other anglers. You’re really up against the fish, and whatever nature throws your way. It’s a puzzle: figuring out the patterns, solving the riddle, finding that edge. That’s what hooked me.
And while I still love to compete, something else has taken center stage: the camaraderie, the shared love of the water, the moments between the catches. Winning is still sweet, but it’s no longer the end-all.
Water, Fish, and the Angler’s Spirit
There’s something powerful about the connection between fish, water, and angler — something only those who fish can truly understand. It’s spiritual, even healing. That feeling when you’re out on the water, immersed in the moment, is hard to explain to anyone who hasn’t felt it.
There’s a romance to it all: the pursuit, the strike, the catch. Those are the memories that last. Whether you’re chasing bass, crappie, or catfish, the bond is the same. Even if your reason is to fill a frying pan rather than win a trophy, that connection with the fish runs deep.
Tournament anglers may release every fish, while others keep theirs to eat. But both types of anglers are connected by the same passion.
A New Generation Is Here
The next generation of anglers is already on the water and they’re coming up fast. They’ve got tools we never dreamed of. While we flipped through magazines and caught the occasional TV show, they have thousands of technique-specific videos at their fingertips, along with equipment that keeps getting better every year.
And they’re showing up. Fishing license sales are on the rise. Despite a post-Covid dip, boat sales are doing well; many manufacturers now have wait times of 10 to 12 weeks or longer. That’s good news for our industry.
But it’s also a call to action.
We, the old guard, have a responsibility to help guide and support this new wave of anglers. Give your time. Share your gear. Teach them. Most importantly, make it fun. Because if the experience isn’t fun, it won’t last.
These young anglers aren’t settling for second-rate gear. They’re serious, and that’s a sign of real growth. We’re reaching kids we never reached before—kids who may not have connected with traditional school sports or clubs but now proudly wear school colors and compete in fishing tournaments.
The Tug That Keeps Us Coming Back
The fishing industry is in a good place, and it’s all thanks to that familiar feeling: the tug at the end of the line. Not everyone will win, not everyone will become a champion, but those who support the sport and this new generation of anglers will share in something even better: growth, pride, and a legacy.
I’m proud of how far we’ve come. We may have been first, but being first only means something if you pass it on.
And that — passing it on — is what makes me smile.
