Who are these anglers that enjoy fishing in Florida so much?

There is an abundance of so-called "human dimensions research" about anglers, but the bottom line is anglers come from all walks of life and are as diverse as the fish in our lakes and seas.  The first colonists found this continent blessed with tremendous natural resources and an indigenous group of people that placed ultimate value in the living resources that thrived in the waters and on the lands.  

Those colonists depended in part on fishing for their subsistence, but they also found great release and value in the escape of fishing. Sir Izaak Walton, in his Compleat Angler, advised: “You will find angling to be like the virtue of humility, which has a calmness of spirit and a world of other blessings attending upon it.”

To identify those blessings in today’s society, one only needs to look to the images that the marketing industry puts before us. From insurance companies, car manufacturers, or soft drink producers, the imagery of recreational fishing is presented because it reminds us of our roots and of a closeness to nature that calms the soul. The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation recently commenced a campaign using the slogan “Take Me Fishing” to emphasize the fact that time spent on the water connects people. We all know how important it is to spend quality time with family and friends. So it is not surprising that studies have consistently shown that involvement with family members and friends is a primary reason people go boating and fishing.

It doesn't take a lot of time, money or expertise to take your first fishing trip, and once your "hooked" there are plenty of resources around to help you develop your skills.  Besides the relaxing aspects of a day on the water and the opportunity to commune with nature, fishing can be an enjoyable challenge that makes you want to learn more about fish and their habitats, what it takes to sustain them, and how to outwit them.