There’s always been a debate whether darts is a sport, but has anyone ever debated if fishing’s a sport?
Well, you’re in luck, because I’m going to tell you exactly why it is a sport…
When most people think of sports, they’d usually picture athletes sprinting across fields, diving into pools or kicking a ball.
While fishing might not make you sweat in the same way, it still deserves as much respect as any other traditional sport.
The definition of a ‘sport’ is an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competesagainst another or others for entertainment.
Fishing is widely considered a sport as it involves competitive elements, as well as demanding skill and physical/mental exertion all pillars of athletic competition.
Organisations such as the International Confederation of Sport Fishing and The Global Association of International Sports Federations recognise fishing as a sport.
The International Confederation of Sport Fishing was founded on the 22nd February, 1952 in Rome. Every year theyorganise World championships, European Championships and other international events.
The World Carp Classic (WCC) in Europe feature elite anglers competing for significant prize money. The champion wins a £15,000 cheque with additional prizes of a trophy, Golden Reuben Heaton scales and a Lowrance fish finder. The second-place team receives a £3,000 cheque and the third-place team receives a £2,000 cheque along with trophies and sponsor prizes for all top finishers.
The 27th edition of the WCC took place between September 29th and October 4th 2025 at its birthplace the magical record-breaking Lac De Madine where competitors are judged on weight, size and number of catches.
Tim and Ron Owens won the competition this year with their winning catch weighing a massive total of 63.9lbs (28.9kg). They were one of 106 pairs or trios that competed in the event.
Fishing also tests physical and mental endurance. Long hours under the sun, battling fatigue and sometimes extreme weather conditions can push anglers to their limits. Hooking a large fish can turn into a full-body contest of strength and stamina, the kind of physical demand that separates the casual from the elite.
Finally, fishing embodies the spirit of sportsmanship. It’s about respect for the environment, for the competition, and for the fish themselves. Like all great sports, it rewards patience, discipline, and persistence.
So yes, fishing may not fill stadiums or light up highlight reels, but it’s every bit a sport. It’s a contest between human skill and nature’s unpredictability, and that’s as thrilling, challenging, and worthy of admiration as any game played on land.
The next time someone hooks a fish after hours of patience and precision, will you still call it “just a hobby”?
