Let's look at some of these trends, several of which are quickly changing and the reasons behind those changes. Well, overwhelmingly, the most popular answer was they simply had less time to go fishing. Being involved in other types of recreation, having no fishing partner and a decline in quality fishing opportunities were also noted as additional reasons for fishing less. It's no secret that, for a number of reasons, interest in hunting is generally declining nationwide. Fishing interest is also slipping a little.
People just seem to be too busy to get free long enough to hunt or fish like they used to.
This fact, in turn, is a major contributor to why fewer young people are taking up these outdoor sports. More and more single parent families in today's society, while children are most often in the care of the mother, means it's much less likely a youth will be introduced to fishing or hunting activities. Activities such as hunting and fishing, once staples in the family recreational lifestyle, are being squeezed out, often, not by choice, but by necessity and circumstance. Parallel to the idea of less time for outdoor recreational activities is the desire of most anglers to have quality fishing opportunities close to home. That makes sense.