Because the Trout Underground remains on the forefront of fly fishing related economic news, we feel obligated (nay, compelled) to report that the Reuters News Service – despite having little evidence to prove it – says that as the recession deepens, more Americans are going fishing:
As Americans forgo expensive vacations, costly dinners and shopping mall splurges, many are opting instead for the quiet simplicity of fishing, according to the sport fishing industry and reports from bait shops and fishermen.
From the icy north to fly-fishing streams in Texas, angling is on the rise. For families, it’s an inexpensive outing. Those with a knack for it can trim their grocery bills. And for newly unemployed, it’s something to do.
Fishermen are slackers in the best of economic times, so it’s entirely possible some of the 650,000 people who found themselves enjoying free time this February spent some of it on the lakes and rivers.
As for the concept of trimming grocery bills, the Underground can only laugh in a bitter, cynical fashion.
Unemployed folks do not travel far to fish, instead opting to fish the brownlines close to home. And if it’s one thing we’ve learned talking to brownliners, it’s that nobody eats what they catch – absent a desire to glow in the dark or set off airport metal detectors.
See you in the soup lines, Tom Chandler.
This post reminds me of that Allstate car insurance commercial
-”after the fears subside, people start enjoying the small things in life”, “it’s back to basics, and the basics are good.”
As far as trimming food bills, I had to share in your laughter. I hope northern Maine is spared this increase in fishing pressure, most of the people who lose jobs here usually end up smuggling drugs across the border from canada. What a wonderful world we live in!
Benjamin Rioux(Quote)
If that’s the case, I’m going to have to do some more searching in MO for fishing hideaways. I typically go to Bennett Spring, but that place has become an absolute zoo. For me, fly fishing is about solitude. The search continues…
Nick(Quote)
I just heard a radio program on urban fishing and the excitement it can bring into a person’s life. It really is catch and release as dirty diapers floating by does not make you think of an interesting supper. But gives you some very interesting places to fish, often with success. Wonder how many have done it??? Not every body can live in the wilds….
cbc
cbchandler, cb(Quote)
Are you sure the said fishing and not phishing?
castingoutloud(Quote)
really? Do some blog searchin guy. Roughfisher, Singlerbarbed, FatGuyFlyFishing, etc etc etc.
Benjamin Rioux(Quote)
@Nick: There’s always someplace else, and it seems like the popular places eventually get uncrowded again. At least that’s the hope.
@Casting: Both, probably.
@Benjamin: WARNING: cbchandler isn’t a “guy” – that’s my mother. And damnit, we tiptoe carefully around moms here on the Underground. In fact, you should probably call your mother right now and apologize for all the terrible things you did when growing up. Now.
Tom Chandler(Quote)
@Benjamin: WARNING: cbchandler isn’t a “guy†– that’s my mother. And damnit, we tiptoe carefully around moms here on the Underground. In fact, you should probably call your mother right now and apologize for all the terrible things you did when growing up. Now.
ouchhhhh owned. My bad TC and family. I agree on your policy, I would e-smack you if you disrespected my ma’. I have called an pleaded my mothers forgiveness, I think shes annoyed of all the calls at work.
Benjamin Rioux(Quote)
@Benjamin: WARNING: cbchandler isn’t a “guy†– that’s my mother. And damnit, we tiptoe carefully around moms here on the Underground. In fact, you should probably call your mother right now and apologize for all the terrible things you did when growing up. Now.
ouchhhhh owned. My bad TC and family. I agree on your policy, I would e-smack you if you disrespected my ma’. I have called an pleaded my mothers forgiveness, I think shes annoyed of all the calls at work.
Sorry, forgot have mentioned great post! Waiting for your next post!
Benjamin Rioux(Quote)
It’s OK. In fact, my mother wants me to make sure you’re eating your vegetables. So you’re gold again.
Tom Chandler(Quote)
Just picked up eating salads again. Actually munching on some celery right now.
Benjamin Rioux(Quote)
I’ve brought this up elsewhere, this seems like a good place to repeat it:
Someone should figure out a way to “clean” fish of their accumulated toxins…for instance, would soaking in brine help, with something like methylmercury? What about “ethanol” for removing PCBs?
freestoner(Quote)
This is clearly an issue for Singlebarbed – and he should begin testing immediately (don’t forget the “before” heavy metals blood test). The Underground stands behind you every step of the way.
Tom Chandler(Quote)