Fishing is a time-honored American tradition; today it is a thriving pastime. Periodically, the U.S. Department of the Interior conducts a survey on the participation levels, economic impact and the overall effects of fishing and other types of outdoor-associated recreation in America.

According to the most recent report (May 2004), "In 2003, 16% of the U.S. population 16 years and older, 34 million anglers, spent an average of 16 days fishing." Freshwater fishing was the most popular type with over 28 million anglers devoting nearly 467 million angling-days to the sport. The report also states that "anglers spent more than $35 billion on trips, equipment, licenses and other items to support their fishing activities," and "the average expenditure per angler was $1,046."

Recreational fishing is one of America's most popular and universal outdoor recreational activities. Responsive Management research indicates that about 29% of Americans participate in freshwater fishing each year, and 11% of Americans participate in saltwater fishing each year.

To go fishing as a child is a nearly universal experience for Americans. There are probably few other recreational activities that are as widely shared as taking a rod and line to catch a fish in a pond, stream, lake, reservoir, or river.

The main reasons anglers fish are for relaxation, to be with family and friends, and to be close to nature. Thirty-five percent of anglers report relaxation as the main reason they fish. A third (33%) of anglers fish to be with family and friends, and 13% of anglers fish to be close to nature.