Fishing offers an incredible way of escaping and spending a quiet time in nature with family and friends, and it enables you to escape your busy life and enjoy a peaceful time.
It’s no surprise lots of people consider starting fishing as a hobby. But like other hobbies, there is a cost to pay.
So, How Expensive Is Fishing as A Hobby?
Fishing can be expensive or cheap as you make it. While it is possible to start fishing as a hobby for as low as $100 to $150, you can also easily spend thousands of dollars if you want to. If you seek high-quality fishing gear or want to buy a boat, it can cost a lot of money. However, when getting started as a fishing hobbyist, it is recommended to keep the cost as low as possible, and you don’t have to purchase a boat when starting. You don’t need to get the most expensive reel, rod, or bait to enjoy fishing as a hobby.
Four Items Needed For Fishing Beginners
When starting fishing as a hobby, the only thing you will require is a basic but effective fishing rod and line and the right lures.
Assuming you want to start with as low as possible cost, here are some tips for enjoying the exhilarating hobby without spending a lot.
1. Fishing License
When starting fishing as a hobby, you will first require a fishing license.
Regardless of whether you will keep the fish or just release them back, you require a license.
Check out the type of license needed for fishing in your local area or state.
This is not very costly, and the license fee goes into maintaining the water in your area and ensuring the fish are good.
The average price of an annual fishing license is around $20 to $40.
One thing to keep in mind is that you will require a different license for saltwater and freshwater.
Most people often stick to freshwater, so you will only require a single license.
But based on your location, you can obtain an ‘all water’ license for a little extra cash.
You only need to Google your state or province, freshwater’ saltwater fishing license. All the information will pop up, and you can easily fill up a license.
2. Fishing Rod and Reel
The next thing you will need for fishing is a fishing rod and reel unless you opt for net fishing.
This is the main determiner of how successful your fishing will be, and hence where you will spend the higher percentage of money.
However, while some high-end fishing rods go for over $300, you don’t have to purchase them.
Instead, you can go for a simple fishing rod for just about $40.
The good thing is they have minimal difference from the high-end rods, and you will still catch fish as long as you know what you are doing and use the correct technique.
Although there are different fishing rods types, spinning rods are normally cheaper because of their simplicity.
So, while a spinning rod might not be the best, you can use it to start fishing as a hobby.
The major difference with the high-end rod is that they are more sensitive, and the reel is smoother.
3. Fishing Line
After getting a fishing rod, you will need to toss on some fishing line.
Like the fishing rod and reel, there are many different options you can choose from.
However, when starting fishing as a hobby, it’s recommended to go for a simple fishing line that works for all fish types.
The three types of fishing lines are
- fluorocarbon
- braid
- and monofilament.
Although each is a bit different, you can catch fish on any line.
We would personally recommend the braided line because it is stronger and casts better.
You won’t be frustrated when fishing because the line keeps breaking with his.
However, its drawback is that it’s very visible and easily detectable by the fish, which lowers your probability of catching a fish successfully.
If that is the main concern, you can go for a fluorocarbon line that is more invisible to the fish. But regardless of the type of fishing line you go for, an effective but easy fishing line costs about $30.
4. Fishing Lures
The final thing you will require when starting fishing as a hobby is a type of bait or lure.
You cannot catch fish without suitable baits or lures.
The cheapest setup would be using a hook and digging up some worms.
This will work pretty much for all fish types and may be worth trying out.
You can also opt to purchase several baits from the nearest tackle shop, and you are good to go.
For artificial lures, there are lots of options to select from.
However, always remember that what works in catching fish successfully today might not work tomorrow, so be open to trying different lures.
Over time, you will establish different artificial lures that work in different fishing situations.
While you can throw all your lures in a single plastic bag and go fishing, you should consider getting a tackle box to keep and carry your lures and other fishing gear.
For a beginner, you can start with about four lures and a tackle box at a relatively cheap cost of $30.
Other Things to Avoid to Keep the Cost Low
You should consider avoiding several other things if you want to make fishing a hobby on a budget.
To start with, you don’t have to buy your own boat when starting fishing.
A good fishing boat goes for around $40,000, which is relatively expensive.
This is a cost you don’t need to incur when starting fishing. In general, avoid a boat if you want to fish on a budget.
Also, you don’t have to get expensive fishing gear to enjoy fishing.
For instance, you don’t need to spend more than $300 to buy a fishing rod.
Instead, go for something cheaper as long as it’s effective and in perfect working condition.
In ancient times, people used simple instruments such as sticks and still caught fish.
When fishing as a hobby, you don’t have to purchase nightcrawlers.
Nightcrawlers can be expensive, but they are not a must-have for fishing.
Instead, you can readily dig some worms in your backyard and save the cash you would spend on nightcrawlers.
At last, you don’t need to travel for many miles just for fishing.
The traveling costs can make the fishing hobby a lot more expensive.
Instead, the best option is finding a perfect fishing spot in your local zone where you can easily go and enjoy fishing.
Although the fishing spot might not be the best, it will be better than not fishing or spending a lot to travel.
Bottom Line
We hope that you have enjoyed reading the article and it has given you the proper insight into how expensive fishing as a hobby is. Generally, fishing as a hobby can be expensive, but it does not have to.
With a low budget of around $150, you can find all the important fishing gear and enjoy fishing.
In the end, it’s all about having some memorable and good time out there fishing.
Related
Is It Better to Go Fishing Alone or With a Group? (Explained!)
Reference
Is fishing an expensive hobby? How do I start a fishing hobby? – Quora.com
I’m looking to start a hobby, and fishing sounds like the most entertaining. Can I get some help? – Reddit.com
Is flyfishing an expensive hobby- Fishing the Fly Scotland