Working for a whitetail hunting based company (Legendary Whitetails), I’m sure you can figure out where I stand on the “fishing is better than hunting” debate. However, the more I compare the two outdoor sports, the more I wonder why I obsess and choose to spend so much more time chasing tail – whitetails that is – rather than fins. Here’s 10 reasons that will make you wonder the same thing. Good thing the seasons don’t overlap, I guess we’ll just have to do both.
1) Fish are dumber than deer
Though some fisherman may disagree, we are talking peanuts compared to grapefruits in terms of brain size here.
2) It CAN be way cheaper
“Can” being the operative word . . . and probably not so if you are big into muskies or own your own boat. But heck, you can catch a fish with a hook and string tied around an old water bottle.
3) Fishing is more relaxing
A nice quiet lake, cold beverage in hand, and a bobber floating on the surface . . . ’nuff said.
4) Anyone can participate
Physical requirements are far less when it comes to wetting a line compared to hunting. Not to mention, there’s no age limit, so any toddler or grandparent can enjoy it just as much. Also, it can be a family affair or guys week on the water.
5) Most waters are public, most land is private
Public waters make it easy for the public to enjoy. Private lands make it difficult to find a place to hunt.
6) You can fish for multiple species in one water body
Besides a few states like Montana or Wyoming, hunting multiple big game species usually requires a lot of applying, travelling, and money. In comparison, there’s usually at minimum three different fish species you could be after in any given water.
7) The weather is nicer
It’s not just a summer time activity for some, but it is for a lot of people . . . so get your tan on!
8) You just gotta know the right person
If you’ve got the right friends, all you gotta do is stay in their good graces and they’ll provide the boat, rods, and even the tackle. If they’ve got a boat, it means you don’t need one.
9) Shore lunch
It doesn’t get much better than cooking up some of the day’s catch battered with the best seasonings on a hot cast iron griddle while you soak a line and wait for more. I can’t say I’ve had many hot venison meals while I’m actually hunting.
10) Scent control…no such thing
You mean I don’t have to shower, spray down, get dressed in the boat, or watch what direction the wind is coming from to catch a lot of fish?
– Bonus Point –
11) It’s easier to make your fish look big
Go ahead, be sure to really long arm that fish. After all, fishing is the one sport where lying is accepted and expected.
