What Is America's Favorite Hobby? The Truth Behind the Most Popular Outdoor Activity

Ask most Americans what they do in their free time, and you’ll hear a lot of answers-streaming shows, scrolling social media, playing video games. But if you look at actual time spent, participation rates, and spending habits, one activity stands out by a wide margin: fishing.

Fishing Isn’t Just a Pastime-It’s a National Habit

More than 54 million Americans age 16 and older went fishing at least once in 2024, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. That’s more than the combined populations of California, Texas, and Florida. It’s also more than the number of people who play golf, hike regularly, or even attend live sporting events. Fishing isn’t a niche hobby for retirees or rural folks. It’s a mainstream activity that cuts across age, income, and geography.

You’ll find it in the marshes of Louisiana, the lakes of Minnesota, the streams of Montana, and even the urban ponds of Chicago. People fish alone at sunrise, with kids on weekend trips, or as part of a group outing after work. It’s not about catching the biggest bass-it’s about being outside, quiet, and away from screens. A 2023 survey by the Outdoor Foundation found that 78% of anglers said fishing helped them reduce stress, and 69% said it improved their mental well-being more than any other hobby.

Why Fishing Beats Other Outdoor Hobbies

Let’s compare it to other popular outdoor activities. Hiking? Around 47 million Americans hike annually. Gardening? About 46 million. Biking? Roughly 44 million. All strong numbers-but still below fishing.

What gives fishing the edge? Accessibility. You don’t need expensive gear to get started. A $20 rod, a pack of worms, and a spot near a river or lake are enough. Many public parks offer free fishing days. Community ponds are stocked by state agencies. You don’t need a car to fish-many people fish from bridges, piers, or even their backyards if they live near water.

It’s also inclusive. Kids as young as four can learn to cast a line. Seniors with limited mobility can sit in a chair by the water. People with disabilities have adaptive fishing tools designed for them. Unlike hiking, which requires good knees and weather-appropriate gear, or camping, which needs planning and equipment, fishing can be spontaneous. You can do it for 20 minutes or 8 hours. No reservation needed.

The Money Behind the Hook

Fishing isn’t just popular-it’s big business. Americans spent over $57 billion on fishing in 2024. That includes rods, reels, tackle, boats, fuel, licenses, and even specialized clothing. That’s more than the entire U.S. movie ticket industry made that year. Fishing licenses alone brought in $1.2 billion in state revenue, funding conservation programs that protect fish habitats and clean waterways.

And it’s growing. Sales of beginner fishing kits rose 22% between 2022 and 2024. Online retailers report that search terms like “easy fishing for beginners” and “fishing with kids” have doubled in traffic. Retailers like Walmart and Bass Pro Shops now dedicate entire aisles to entry-level gear. Even big brands like Target and Dick’s Sporting Goods have launched their own affordable fishing lines.

It’s Not Just About Fish

People don’t fish because they want to eat every catch. In fact, over 60% of anglers practice catch-and-release. The goal isn’t the meal-it’s the moment. The silence. The rhythm of waiting. The surprise of a tug on the line. Many describe it as a form of meditation.

There’s also a strong social component. Families bond over fishing trips. Fathers teach sons and daughters. Grandparents pass down old lures and stories. Fishing clubs meet weekly. Online communities share tips, photos, and even live-streamed catches. TikTok has over 12 billion views on #fishingtok. YouTube channels like “Fishin’ with Dad” have millions of subscribers.

It’s one of the few hobbies where you can be completely alone and still feel connected-to nature, to family, to tradition.

What About Gardening? Isn’t That Popular Too?

Gardening is close behind, with 46 million participants. But it’s more seasonal. You can’t garden in the snow. Fishing? You can ice fish in January, fish in the rain in April, and fish at midnight in July. Gardening requires space, soil, sunlight, and maintenance. Fishing? You can do it in a parking lot next to a stocked pond.

Also, gardening often feels like work. Weeding, watering, fertilizing-it’s a responsibility. Fishing? It’s the opposite. It’s a permission slip to do nothing. To sit. To wait. To be still. That’s why so many people who quit gardening still keep their rods.

Is Fishing Really the Top Hobby for Everyone?

Yes, but with nuance. In urban areas, walking or dog walking might rank higher on a daily basis. In the South, hunting still holds cultural weight. In the West, hiking and mountain biking are huge. But when you add up all forms of fishing-freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing, ice fishing, shore fishing-it becomes the only outdoor activity that consistently draws more than half the adult population.

And it’s not fading. Unlike golf, which has lost participants over the last 20 years, or bowling, which has declined since the 1980s, fishing has grown steadily since 2000. Even during the pandemic, when gyms closed and travel stopped, fishing license sales hit record highs. People didn’t want to be indoors. They wanted to be near water.

Why This Matters

Fishing’s popularity isn’t just a fun fact-it’s a clue about what Americans really need. In a world of constant noise, distraction, and pressure, the most beloved hobby is the one that asks the least. No rules. No goals. No pressure to perform. Just you, a rod, and the water.

That’s why fishing isn’t just America’s favorite hobby. It’s a quiet rebellion against burnout. A return to something simple. A way to remember that sometimes, the best thing you can do is sit still-and wait for the tug.

Where to Start If You’ve Never Fished

If you’re curious, here’s how to begin without feeling overwhelmed:

1. Find a local pond, lake, or river. Use your state’s wildlife agency website-they map public fishing spots.
2. Buy a simple spinning rod and reel combo (under $40). Look for “beginner kit” or “starter pack.”
3. Get a fishing license online. Most states let you buy it in 5 minutes.
4. Buy live worms or pre-packaged artificial lures. Start with something easy like a spinnerbait or a plastic worm.
5. Go early in the morning or just before sunset. Fish are most active then.
6. Just sit. Wait. Pay attention. Don’t worry about catching anything the first time.

The first time you feel a tug, you’ll understand why so many people keep coming back.