Fishing tourism continues to boom

Travelers take to the roads and skies for a variety of reasons. Some hit the road for food experiences, others for nightlife, and nearly every other reason in between. Fishing travel is another that has caught the eye of millions throughout the United States. There are several places that are popping up as the best destinations for travel fishing around the country.

The Albuquerque Journal broke down a list of the most popular fishing travel destinations in the United States. Nearly every region of the country is represented on this list. States in the South, Midwest, and Southwest are all over, each with their own reason travel fishers are frequenting those stops. The list uses specific criteria to break out why these areas are ranked, including the number of fishing licenses issued to non-residents and the revenue those individuals bring in.

Coming in at number one is Florida, as it issues 917,665 licenses to non-residents per year. Those licenses generate $25,753,980 in revenue thanks to those licensing fees. That revenue accounts for 54 percent of all annual finishing license revenue.

When thinking of Florida, it makes sense why it is at the top of the list. It’s a state that is adorned with beaches and islands. On top of that, it’s a popular destination for people when they retire, giving them ample time to participate in their favorite pastime. Rounding out the top five are Montana, Colorado, Alaska, and Wisconsin.

This piece also includes information on the overall growth of fishing tourism. According to the report, nearly ten million annual fishing licenses are held by non-residents. Compare this to a little more than six million ten years ago and barely more than five million at the start of the 2000s. This is a clear growth trend that continues to show how popular the sport is becoming. This growth has a naturally positive impact on the local economy, as those travelers come into town and need lodging, food, and more.

Destination travel is a great reason to get out of the house. There are several reasons why you may want to get out. If you’re an avid fisher at home, take your pole with you on the road and visit one of these popular destinations.