Why They Call It Sport Fishing

Why They Call It Sport Fishing

As you're laying back at the water's edge with your cold beverage in hand and your eye on your fishing line, it may be easy to forget that fishing is considered a sport. Of course there are also many other terms used to describe the act of fishing. However, forms such as commercial fishing are too highly mechanized and technical to have that same style fall into the category of sport fishing. Commercial fishing is the act of harvesting for the purpose of obtaining food.

What about tournament fishing you ask? While tournament fishing is a bit closer to what is considered sport fishing, it has certainly become overrated. With tournament fishing, instead of it being about the sport, it has become highly commercialized and motivated by money and driven by sponsors.

What sport fishing refers to is the actual challenge and sport of nothing else other than the act of catching fish. What qualifies fishing as an actual sport?

In order for something to be considered worthy of being referenced as a real sport, it has to meet a few requirements. First, there must be valid skill that is necessary, achievable and employed by the angler. Second, the angler must be up against some odds. These odds must favor the fish. Additionally, the sport must take place in relatively attractive surroundings as well as be the source of a certain amount of satisfaction and pleasure derived by the individual participating in it.

It has been said that every angler must go through three phases when gaining their experience in the world of fishing. The beginning phase consists of the newcomer being eager to catch as many fish as he possibly can. Once he has successfully fulfilled that need is when the second phase of the sport presents itself. This phase is considered the trophy phase. This is when the act of fishing possesses the fisherman with a need to now catch the very largest fish. The final and third phase in the development of the angler is when he no longer is seeking out the most or the biggest fish because he now recognizes the value in the fight. With size no longer being an issue, he is now motivated to appreciate the sport by appreciating and pursuing the fight involved with catching a fish.

While a sport fisherman's goal may be to catch a fish, he may also spend a significant amount of money and time ensuring the survival of the species in order to keep his sport alive and well. After all, sportsmanship does include respect for your opponent. A true sport will have not only these elements, but potentially promote integrity in the sportsman as well.