FS Digest

I’m a sophomore in college. My dad always says that fishing is nowhere near as good as it was when he was a kid, and I’ve heard that just about everywhere I go from people his age. With fish populations on the increasingly rapid decline and people not doing their part in conservation, it’s a genuine concern that my children won’t be able to enjoy what I have right now, just as I’ll never experience what fishing was like in the 70s and 80s. I can only pray on it.

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by ceiling_fanclub

FS Digest

Where? It was actually really bad back in early American history. Like when industrial age was going. Youd be surprised how good of a recovery we had since then.

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by coalbass

FS Digest

Where do you fish?

In different places, fisheries are managed by different people. For me, locally, the fishing is the best it’s ever been. And the future looks as bright as ever because the baitfish are doing well.

I’m in ND and fish Lake Sakakawea. In MT, Fort Peck is also in great shape. I’ve heard the same about Lake Oahe in SD but cannot confirm.

Point being, the health of a fishery is going to vary over time and location.

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by Owl55

FS Digest

The vast majority of freshwater recreational fisheries are in better condition now then they ever were in yours or your dad’s lifetime. Saltwater fisheries vary a bit more due to the intersect with commercial fisheries and global effects.

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by BoyWonderDownUnder

FS Digest

I’ve seen it change a lot over my lifetime in Michigan. In some ways for the better. In some ways for worse.

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by Extra_Intro_Version

FS Digest

of course there are going to be fish... Fish populations are actually not in decline as a lot of people think. We are having the biggest increase in tuna that we have had in over 200 years. It is just the question "is fishing going to be as easy?"

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by a6

FS Digest

I truly think our kids and grandkids could have the best fishing opportunities in the future. Fisheries are evolving and the methods and tech that's becoming more commonplace should provide better and better fishing.

Colorado's fisheries are phenomenal and trout fishing here has really never been better. Unfortunately I think our kids and grandkids will have to deal with more competition and higher fishing pressure. The uptick I have seen in the amount of people fishing has actually been quite nuts. That could be attributed to Rona and the current times but in general, more people are fishing.

Kids and teens are getting their hands on info and tips and tricks that have taken me 20 years to dial in just on my own and they're slaying it. I think our responsibility is teaching them the conservation aspect on not just focusing on ripping the gills out of every fish they come across. Education, innovation, and inspiration is really all that's needed for the future generations.

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by Aarios827

sun bum Loc: Sarasota, FL

the only way fishing will die is if they regulate it to death.

GaryB Loc: Southwest Missouri

I recently went on a guided fishing trip on the Frying Pan in western Colorado. Caught half browns and half rainbows with a couple cutthroat. When talking about browns, the guide said to me, “People really need to start taking some of these home. The water is getting over-populated.” Where, in general, I would like see about 50% of all government intervention thrown out, it has, at least there, done some long term good to keep the population up.

Cubsfan Loc: Destin Florida

Take breath, relax and let it happen . You have 0 control , just get your degree . Nature will prevail

Cubsfan Loc: Destin Florida

Damn kids worry too much . Live your life little Johnny .

hemihappy Loc: pawleys island s.c.

Do your part get into a fishing club that concentrates on conservation. Keep a couple to eat let the rest go. I use circle hooks for everything and it eliminates gut hooking. Spend lots of time getting to know everything about the area you want to fish in. Remember 10 percent of the (smart) fishermen catch 80 percent of the fish.
I think it will come back some DNR's are working very hard to improve things, fishermen spend a lot of money and it is worth the effort. My club has spent $75,000 in 12 years on artificial reefs off the coast of S.C. We
raise money any way we can then hook up with the DNR. If you ever fish Murrells Inlet S.C. go to the 3 mile reef (paradise reef) that is mostly our efforts. When you have kids get them interested right away. Good Luck.