Economic value of sport fishing

Sport fishing can be a real economic engine for local economies. As much as you and I probably already know this, we still have to beat government agencies about the head with data because the only day to day numbers they will see are from fish landings at fish houses. They see those numbers and assume that this is the true value of a fishery. Whereas the real money comes from angling and it's associated costs such as guide trips, restaurants, gas stations, grocery store visits (for mid day noms) and lastly (but especially not leastly) hotel rooms. In a thriving recreational fishery these types of things drive the economy (just go to the Florida Keys if you want to see for yourself). Check out the new numbers from the Bahamas.

Fishing Quote of the Week

This week's fishing quote and reason to post yet another instance of our infamous Dam Bait Shop photo taken a few years ago in Arkansas, comes via Reuters:

I'm seeing a lot more fishermen down here," said John Miller, owner of Bob's Sport & Tackle in Katonah, New York. "With the economy the way it is, people are getting laid off from work and don't want to sit at home and do nothing.

"The cheaper alternative," he said, "is to go fishing."

How about it fly fishers, are we about to see a rebirth of Eagle Claw glass rods and inexpensive fly gear?