Tuesday, December 16, 2014

The Evolution of our Sport

   I have been wanting to write on this for some time and have withheld due to the never ending thoughts I have on the subject.  Bass fishing continues to be a hugely popular sport, but recent trends have it growing at an awkward rate.  The interest level outside the standard demograpic has gained, especially in non-traditional markets.  However, interest in some traditional areas has lagged.  Maybe it's marketing, maybe it's social media, maybe cost, or maybe it's something else.  Whatever it is, make no mistake that people with no interest in fishing now understand what it is and many who fully understand it are losing interest.  Along with this are some alarming trends, some of which I hope we don't lose out on.

Recent Trends
   Social media is largely responsible for much of the gains, with participation increasing in such applications as Facebook and Twitter.  But what is behind it?  Is it the connections, networking, maybe the potential for notoriety?  Maybe, but I'm not buying it.  Participation in most of our circuits seems to lag.  Yes, BASS and FLW continue to have significant participation numbers, but many team circuits have folded.  Others are merging, many are having to re-invent themselves to stay relevant.  So where is the growth?

Youth Infusion
   Interest in College and High School fishing teams is skyrocketing.  States like Illinois and Kentucky are leading the way in high school participation.  These states along with others now have programs as part of their state athletic associations.  They see the value of strong participation in what has long been considered a family sport, as well as a new scholarship path to Universities eager to recruit.  Both organization groups are garnering significant sponsor commitments.  And why is this?  One possible answer?  Parent and mentor involvement.  Our society is one in which we value children's needs, desires and wants over our own.  Notice I didn't say our children, I specifically meant all children.  This can be a good thing, like groups and individuals that target special needs kids.  I am increasingly reading stories about individuals making sacrifices to get kids outdoors, and I never get tired of reading about it.  I also know several people who want to get more involved, not just with kids but also with groups like disabled vets.  Additionally, many parents are forgoing their own aspirations in order to provide a path to participate, and many of our state agencies are taking notice since these are future license holders. 

Negatives
   While participation numbers are increasing, that participation is regional.  Many areas are lacking resources, access to waterways is limited or restricted and some still lack interested mentors and leaders.  Cost is another factor.  Our sport continues to escalate in cost while funding shrinks.  This is most apparent at the highest levels, but fully visible even locally.  It is difficult, if not nearly impossible to participate on a self funded budget when transportation and equipment costs continue to rise.  An Opens angler can expect to spend roughly 8 to 10 thousand dollars to participate in a single three tournament division.  How do we expect recent college grads to afford this, especially when competitors with established careers can't?  Add to this that many high school and college teams are self funded, often relying on family to provide trip expenses, and we can see where it is heading. 

Re-Invention
   Recent successes such as the Lee brothers, Carl Jocumsen and Ken Iyobe qualifying for the Elites are creating new excitement on the collegiate and international stage.  Add to this a new path to the Classic by way of the Team Championship and we have a recipe for new and sustained growth. 

   So what does all this mean?  How does it affect me?  It depends on what you hope to gain or lose.  If you are a casual angler and could care less, you may lose, you may win.  It is easy to set back and let others do the work.  If you do care and want to have influence over how the sport evolves, get involved.  Even if you disapprove of certain aspects, your participation can influence such outcomes as improved angler access, improved fisheries and maybe reduced costs.  It may also mean the difference in a young persons life.  Maybe your child, grandchild or neighbor will one day desire to participate?  Whichever, one thing is for certain.  This sport will evolve and our influence can and will ensure that it remains for not only our future, but also for generations to come.