Is fishing a hobby, a sport, or an art? There’s an argument to be made for each theory, and a group vacation could give you the answer for yourself.
The debate has raged on for generations—is fishing a hobby, a sport, or an art? A fishing-focused group vacation is the most entertaining way to find out, no matter what your speed. When the time is right, mobilize your friends, family, or organization for a “research trip” to investigate the joys of fishing. There are excellent arguments for each kind of fishing.
It’s A Hobby
Most anglers start their passion for fishing as kids, sitting patiently for hours and catching up with loved ones. This kind of fishing is about the pure pleasure of relaxation, and often not about the fishing itself. It’s the perfect way to socialize and stay active at the same time. The sounds of the water are soothing, the scenery is beautiful, and the stress floats away. The practice of catching a fish only to throw it back can give you a Zen outlook on life and an understanding that it’s the journey that’s important, not the destination. Your health will thank you.
Where you can indulge in the hobby: Any location with a lot of lakes—like Minnesota—is your best bet for peaceful fishing. Northern lakes also have more flexibility for scheduling, as well as the opportunity for ice fishing.
It’s A Sport
This is fishing with an emphasis on the challenge and the thrill, not the relaxation. It requires physical skill to go after big game fish, try deep-sea fishing, or participate in competitions. More vigorous fishing with different instruments has gained popularity among adventurers. For example, spearfishing has inspired activities like bowhunting, which requires archery skills and can even be done at night. You may become so absorbed in a goal that you don’t even notice that you’ve been having a high-intensity workout for hours.
Where you can find the sport: Tournament fishing means big dollars in places like South Carolina. Hawaii hosts many fishing tournaments and boasts plenty of fish. You can also find some monster fish weighing in at more than 100 pounds in Mexico.
It’s An Art Form
There’s no way to perfect the art of fishing, but that hasn’t stopped anyone from trying. Fly fishing may be the best example of how the activity can embody finesse, poetry, and individual expression. Casting with grace and accuracy can obsess a fisher, with many styles and approaches to learn and master. There’s something musical about the back-and-forth motion of the rod, line, and fly. It’s about celebrating nature, and you’ll be matching wits with some wily fish.
Where you can learn the art: Pack your waders and search for a breathtaking river. Some of the best places to find one are Alaska, Montana, and Argentina.
So, which side wins the debate? Is fishing a hobby, a sport, or an art? Your opinion is the only one that matters. Decide what you want the answer to be, and let it inspire your next group trip.
