When Times Are Tough, Go Fishin'

Retailers lament. Oh where have all the shoppers gone? Well, they've..um...gone fishing? Turns out one of America's favorite pastimes when times are tough involves a fishing pole, some bait, and a day on the water. "As Americans forgo expensive vacations, costly dinners and shopping mall splurges, many are opting instead for the quiet simplicity of fishing, according to the sport fishing industry and reports from bait shops and fishermen," writes Jason Szep in this article featured on MSN.com.

According to the National Sporting Goods Association, "In the last U.S. recession, from 2001 to 2002, spending on fishing rods and reels rose 12 percent to $343 million." And this recession is proving much the same with rod and reel sales hitting a 10-year high in 2007 when we started getting into this economic mess.

Admittedly, I'm not the fishing type. Other people, however, are finding it a cheap way to keep entertained and relax a bit; and if they are any good, they can bring their catch home for dinner (more money saved!).

Good news for sporting goods retailers who outfit these recreational fishermen and the bait shops by their local fishing holes. Bad news for fish, I guess.