Previous examinations of state fishing license sales by Southwick Associates revealed many Americans who consider themselves anglers don’t necessarily fish or buy a fishing license every year. It begged the question: Why and what do they do in place of fishing?

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Family, money and work schedules probably account for most of it.

My fishing slowed way down when I was working the sports car races a few years ago. Spending 2-3 weekends every month at different racetracks doesn't leave much time for fishing.

Family, money and work schedules probably account for most of it.

My fishing slowed way down when I was working the sports car races a few years ago. Spending 2-3 weekends every month at different racetracks doesn't leave much time for fishing.

I have to agree with Brian on this one. Those 3 are reasons that have kept me from the water from time to time. There was one point of time that work had completely consumed me (working all kinds of crazy hours) and when I was able to have a little time off, I spent that time with my daughter. While fishing was always on my mind, I had to keep the priorities straight!

I know in my state, it's drink. Number one answer for what someone else is doing

I dont plan on slowing down im just getting started.....yaay fishing

I found that a new work assignment which entailed extended periods of international travel wore me out both physically and mentally, and took me away from everything I took for granted, family, friends, hobbies, home responsibilities. So when I was home I made the best of the time I had. Spending a day on the water dropped lower and lower on the list. I eventually stopped fishing altogether from about 1998 through 2009, and I sold my boat. That was a big mistake....

But, with retirement, I'm back to being able to relax while on the water and not worry about other things I should be doing.

I can give you an idea of what happened here in NY. The demographic here pointed to the blue collar class as the largest group of fishing people. Over the last 20 years we have probably lost 100,000 manufacturing jobs all across upstate NY. That is a lot of people and their families fleeing a state to make a life for themselves. So each year our DEC reports a drop in the fishing/hunting license sales. On top of that this state is always trying to make a money grab, and keeps raising the prices of a license or raising the age for a senior license. Many of the people who are left here are just fed up and leave the sport all together.

Now I have no idea if these transplants buy a license in their new states.

I remember telling my dad that when my boys get a little older I will be able to fish more because they will want to go. He just smiled and said "that's what I thought too". A lot of other things take priority over fishing. Trying to adjust that a little bit to get the kids on the water more!

I'm afraid that gas prices well be the death of us all!

I have to say Im pretty fortune it to be an educator and my kiddos love to fish. The job has great hours and having a couple lakes close to the house to keeps me and them on the lake more than most!! After their ballgame of course!!

Around here, I would say golf and I know some that quit because their style of fishing had a tough year.