Gary Simpson makes it out on the water, rod in hand, about 40 days a year.
He is among millions of other Florida fishers. Florida was ranked as the state with the most recreational fishers earlier this month in a study released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
“I can remember at 5 years old realizing fishing was very important to me. It goes all the way back 50 years,” said Simpson, manager of Gary’s Bait and Tackle Shop on 13th Street.
The 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation State Overview said Florida had 3,092,000 anglers in 2011. The report included hunting and fishing trends nationwide.
Simpson said Florida’s extended fishing season is possibly one reason why there are more anglers in the state.
“There’s always a lot of interest in fish catching in Florida, all the way from the panhandle to the Keys,” he said. “That’s obviously a function of our year-long spawning season. Florida is just set up in such a way that it has the best fishing.”
Robert West, secretary for a UF bass fishing club, said Florida is great for fishing because of the diverse angling areas, even if Gainesville isn’t right next to the ocean.
“We have the best access to fishing,” West said. “If you think about Central Florida, there’s tons of lakes and springs — and the whole state is surrounded by water.”
Though Florida had the most active fishers, Alaska had the highest proportion of fishing residents at 40 percent. Florida was also ranked third for most in-state wildlife watchers.
The study also found that nationwide participation in recreational fishing increased by 11 percent and hunting was up 9 percent.
West said he’s glad to see that more people are taking an interest in one of his favorite sports. He said he loves the thrilling feeling he gets when he hooks a fish.
“Not necessarily bringing it in,” the religion senior said. “But hooking it and feeling that adrenaline rush. It’s amazing.”
Contact Shelby Webb at swebb@alligator.org.
