What kind of angler are you?

[Ken Jones]

Seven kinds of anglers...

A survey and report by the American Sportfishing Association says there are seven types of U.S. anglers:
​

Traditionalists (11%) — All things fishing! A tradition passed down to them and they want to pass it on to others. It’s their lifestyle. Began fishing when young, are now older and more affluent, and consider themselves advanced anglers. Participate in fishing, purchase equipment, and motivated to fish.

Occasional Anglers (13%)— Least motivated to fish. Fishes to satisfy a fishing goal such as landing a trophy fish. Happy with sporadic participation and will only do skills training if convenient.

Friendly Fisher (16%)—Motivated to fish to connect with family and friends, spend time outdoors, or to relax. Usually beginning anglers and unlikely to fish unless invited.

Consumptive Anglers (12%)—Enjoy catching fish for food, spending time outdoors, and fishing to get away and relax. Generally lower income and with minimal tackle.

Social Dabblers (12%)—Fish to connect with friends or family. Low rate of participation and purchase little fishing equipment. Over 50% are female.

Adventurous Anglers (18%)—Motivated for the thrill and challenge. Often fascinated by fish, wanting to know more about fish biology and habits than using that information to improve their fishing success. Not interested in fishing as a way to relax or connect with others. Second only to traditionalists in spending time and money fishing.

Zen Anglers (18%)— Fish as a means to get away and relax. Not motivated to fish as a way to connect with others but don’t mind a friend or relative as company. Keeps fishing simple and convenient.

 

[bassfanatick]

Tacklejunkie - I collect expensive fishing tackle, I go to tackle stores more often than fishing, perusing online sales and in person shopping, fishing is secondary to me, fishing is my testing ground, if something works I will buy 10 more of it, often will be found fumbling through piles and piles of tackle mumbling words such as "my precious!!!!"

 

[jungfisher]

Adventurous- stealth fishing, random sketchy/hidden spots etc. I'm 100% focused on what I'm doing and don't like chitchatting and distractions. There's a time to talk about fishing, then there's a time to do it.

 

[Brock Norris]

Traditionalist with little Zen mixed in.

 

[TheFrood]

Zen adventurous consumptive...
Can get very focused, almost meditative when fishing.
Love the biology and characteristics of the different types of fish.
Love the satisfaction of eating the freshest fish and knowing 100% where and how it was sourced.

Great thread!

 

[Ken Jones]

I imagine there may be differences between those in different economic groups as well as those raised in different cultures. Thinking of my most recent visit to the Ocean Beach Pier and talking to those who were tourists just giving it a try, some serious regulars that were seeking out big fish (especially sharks) on almost daily visits, and an ethnic group of people fishing for small croakers (queenfish) that were either subsistence anglers or simply following tradition (keep and eat everything).

 

[Fishman Fishman]

Seven kinds of anglers...

A survey and report by the American Sportfishing Association says there are seven types of U.S. anglers:
​

Traditionalists (11%) — All things fishing! A tradition passed down to them and they want to pass it on to others. It’s their lifestyle. Began fishing when young, are now older and more affluent, and consider themselves advanced anglers. Participate in fishing, purchase equipment, and motivated to fish.

Occasional Anglers (13%)— Least motivated to fish. Fishes to satisfy a fishing goal such as landing a trophy fish. Happy with sporadic participation and will only do skills training if convenient.

Friendly Fisher (16%)—Motivated to fish to connect with family and friends, spend time outdoors, or to relax. Usually beginning anglers and unlikely to fish unless invited.

Consumptive Anglers (12%)—Enjoy catching fish for food, spending time outdoors, and fishing to get away and relax. Generally lower income and with minimal tackle.

Social Dabblers (12%)—Fish to connect with friends or family. Low rate of participation and purchase little fishing equipment. Over 50% are female.

Adventurous Anglers (18%)—Motivated for the thrill and challenge. Often fascinated by fish, wanting to know more about fish biology and habits than using that information to improve their fishing success. Not interested in fishing as a way to relax or connect with others. Second only to traditionalists in spending time and money fishing.

Zen Anglers (18%)— Fish as a means to get away and relax. Not motivated to fish as a way to connect with others but don’t mind a friend or relative as company. Keeps fishing simple and convenient.

I lean towards being a Zen Angler with a bit of Traditionalist in me!