Fishing survey nets results
Anglers and boaters see long-term benefits
In December 2007, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) conducted an online survey of 3,000 people, ages 25–54, who had fished or boated within the past three years. Statistical testing was done at a 95-percent confidence level.
Helping the environment
- Boaters and anglers are more likely to recycle, compost trash, use Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs), carpool and donate money to an environmental organization than non-boaters and anglers.
- Boaters and anglers are significantly more conscious of, and actively try to reduce, their carbon footprint.
- Boaters and anglers are significantly more likely to vote than non-boaters and anglers.
Finding success
- Boaters and anglers report that fishing has had a positive impact on their career.
- More boaters and anglers consider themselves a leader at work than non-boaters and anglers.
- Boaters and anglers perceive themselves as more successful than non-boaters and anglers perceive themselves.
- Boaters and anglers report that their best ideas come to them while they are fishing.
Building strong relationships
- Boaters and anglers are significantly more satisfied with their marriages, relationships and friendships than non-boaters and anglers.
- Boaters and anglers are significantly more satisfied with their mental health than non-boaters and anglers.
- Boaters and anglers are more likely to have a close relationship with their children than non-boaters and anglers.
The benefits of boating and fishing (perceived by those who participated) last for at least a few days — if not longer. You can’t say that about the average movie, football game or night on the town!
August 25, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Fishing is peaceful for the sole! Maybe the chance to relax out in the countryside with time to yourself to reflect is some reason of the success of fisherman?
November 30, 2009 at 1:14 pm
The information regarding state of mind and relationships is very interesting. I would love to know if it had to do with being outdoors, spending more time with family or maybe the physical exercise. I wonder if the boost in outlook is similar to exercise in other sports.
Very interesting!
December 3, 2009 at 2:00 pm
Heck yea, trout fishing is my favorite recreational past time. My family heads up to the eastern Sierras in California every year to trout fish. It is a tradition that my family has been doing since the early 1900′s.
January 14, 2010 at 3:39 pm
Fishing clears the mind and frees your spirit. It allows your whole body to relax, breathe fresh air in a calming environment, and escape the pressures of daily life. No other recreation invigorates you in such a way, makes you feel so fulfilled, and gives a positive attitude when you return home. Definately agree with the above survey.
February 11, 2010 at 3:08 am
Perhaps most significantly, boaters and anglers report being more satisfied with their marriages, relationships and friendships; more satisfied with their mental health; and more likely to have a close relationship with their children than those who aren’t non-boaters and anglers.
If you’re interested in discovering the benefits of boating and fishing, a newly redesigned Web site that serves as a one-stop resource for boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels can be a good place to start.
March 3, 2010 at 6:26 pm
I feel most at peace when I am fishing with family and friends.
June 26, 2011 at 11:30 pm
I’ve got friends that crazy about fishing. I don’t understand what’s the fun going out to sea, surrounded by 360 degree of flat sea for few days.LOL