Interest in Fishing Grows Amid Pandemic

It may be summer before the bulk of the population has received a COVID-19 vaccine, and while people wait for further reopenings, thoughts are likely turning to what outdoor activities to plan for this Spring.  Grandpa’s fishing tackle may be just the ticket for young people itching to do something different after months of routines that are growing stale.  

According to Grand View Research, the global fish hunting equipment market is expected to see significant growth in the coming years.  More people are interested in spending time outdoors participating in recreational activities, especially as employees and students continue to work from home.  The need to get outside and away from screens is rising and more people are experiencing back pain from too much sitting, Zoom call fatigue and general burnout after months in varying degrees of isolation. 

Once vaccinated, older adults can help their younger family members discover the joys of fishing.  Adolescents may be more receptive to learning the finer points of fly fishing while other options are limited; the number of U.S. teens aged 13 to 17 who reported being active anglers increased an average of 4 percent over the past three years. 

Not only is the demand for fishing equipment growing, but social media sport fishing networks are also expanding.  Fishbrain, a U.S. fishing app and online platform for anglers, currently has 10 million users.  The app provides map-based tools, social networking, fishing forecasts and recommendations on fishing gear.   Novices and seasoned anglers alike can step up their game with tips on the best bait to use, best times to fish and nearby locations.  

Not interested in fishing?  There are plenty of other outdoor activities to try this Spring – cycling, kayaking, hiking, birdwatching, gardening, tennis, and disc golf are just a few of the many fresh air pastimes that are likely to continue to receive increased interest.  

What are your outdoor plans as the warmer weather approaches?