Article Highlights:

  • 94% of fishing travelers took a trip in 2024, with 85% fishing in North America and 36% venturing to South America.
  • Adventure activities and landscapes are the top motivators for destination choice among anglers.
  • Nearly half of respondents fear illness or injury abroad more than crime, unrest or war.
  • Global Rescue provided lifesaving medical evacuations for anglers in Costa Rica, the Bahamas and Canada.
  • 74% of anglers use trusted traveler programs, and over half rely on translation tools while fishing internationally.

 

 

For people who fish, travel is more than a getaway — it’s a purposeful pursuit of nature, solitude and sport. According to the Global Rescue Travel Safety and Sentiment Survey, fishing travelers are among the traveling public’s most passionate, prepared and adventure-seeking segments. Whether wading through highland streams in Montana or casting into the surf in West Africa, anglers are rewriting what it means to be a global explorer.

 

Fishing Drives Global Travel

A staggering 85% of fishing travelers reported fishing in North America, but that’s just the beginning. These travelers are expanding their adventures abroad, with 36% fishing in South America, 17% in Africa and 17% in the South Pacific. A notable 14% fish in Europe and 7% in Asia. This broad geographic spread shows how fishing is a gateway to global discovery, and a powerful motivator for international travel.

The type of fishing also spans a wide range of skill sets and environments. Fly fishing is the most popular (64%), followed by deep sea fishing (45%), angling (43%) and shore/surf casting (30%). A smaller but dedicated group (7%) engages in ice fishing. This diversity suggests that fishing travelers seek technical challenges and novel environments, often tailoring trips around specific water conditions and fish species.

 

Fishing Experience Tops Material Possessions

The survey reveals that for anglers, experiences matter more than material goods. Roughly 76% of respondents said that travel experiences are more important than possessions and that attitude aligns with the ethos of fishing: immersion, patience and memory-making over consumerism.

Unsurprisingly, 94% of fishing travelers took a trip in 2024. Moreover, 51% said travel is a priority now than pre-pandemic. This group isn’t just bouncing back,  they’re charging ahead, reshaping post-pandemic travel norms with a distinct sense of purpose.

Despite global inflation and economic uncertainty, fishing travelers remain committed. Just 16% of respondents said they canceled or postponed travel due to inflation. The vast majority, 79%, kept their international plans intact. For them, fishing is not merely a hobby. It’s an essential part of life, worth the cost.

 

Angling, Deep Sea Fishing and Ice Fishing Have Risks

When asked about the biggest disruption concern during international travel, nearly half (46%) cited “having an injury or illness” as their top fear. By contrast, only 2% worried about being robbed and just 4% feared war. This concern likely stems from fishing in remote or rugged areas where medical help may be far away. It also underscores why organizations like Global Rescue matter. Anglers need contingency plans when adventure takes them off the beaten path.

Global Rescue has responded to numerous medical emergencies involving fishing travelers, offering lifesaving coordination, transport and support:

  • Costa Rica: When Johnnie Odum suffered multiple heart-related episodes en route to a father-son fishing trip, Global Rescue deployed a paramedic to his bedside in Costa Rica. After a successful emergency pacemaker procedure, he was medically escorted back to Texas, with continuous monitoring throughout the journey. Odum later described the support as reassuring and essential.
  • Bahamas: Conservationist and angler Jonathan Olch fell ill with respiratory complications during a remote fishing trip. Global Rescue helped locate a nearby clinic, ensured Olch received urgent care and stayed in touch until he returned home. He was later diagnosed with pneumonia and a parasite infection. Olch credits Global Rescue’s quick action with preventing a much worse outcome.
  • Canada: William Mitchell, en route to a steelhead trip in British Columbia, collapsed from a heart attack in the Vancouver airport. After being stabilized, he contacted Global Rescue. The team reviewed his condition, arranged an aeromedical evacuation to California, and coordinated his immediate treatment with a cardiac specialist. Mitchell later called the experience “outstanding” and urged fellow anglers to get covered.

 

A charter fishing boat in deep water in the late day sun.
Charter boat fishing at the end of the day.

Security and International Fishing

Fishing travelers show a high level of situational awareness regarding travel risk. Nearly 70% said they would obtain additional security extraction travel protection depending on proximity to war zones or unrest. Another 16% said they’d get this coverage regardless of destination.

When asked what US State Department travel advisory level would prompt them to obtain security extraction services, 38% chose “Reconsider Travel” or “Avoid Non-Essential Travel,” and another 33% said “Exercise Increased Caution.” This suggests that fishing travelers are risk-aware but not risk-averse. They are willing to explore challenging environments, but take proactive steps to ensure they can get out safely if needed.

 

Fishing and Technology Tools

Over half (54%) of respondents said they use translation apps to translate conversations and respond. Satellite communications are another area of interest. While only 10% currently own a satellite-enabled smartphone, 37% plan to get one. This aligns with the remote nature of many fishing destinations. Anglers are increasingly interested in being able to call for help or get location updates, even when cell towers are far behind.

Only 11% of respondents used AI for trip planning in 2024. However, nearly 90% of those who did found it helpful. Most used it for basic research or itinerary suggestions. Fishing travelers remain largely human-led in their planning, preferring word of mouth, specialized outfitters and guidebooks. But this may shift as AI becomes more attuned to niche adventure travel like fishing.

 

Fishing Travel Pitfalls and Perks

The biggest travel mistake reported by the fishing community was overpacking, cited by 34% of respondents. That’s understandable for anglers. Packing rods, waders, boots and gear can easily snowball. An overly ambitious itinerary was the next most common mistake (15%), followed by booking connecting flights instead of nonstop (13%). These insights reflect the logistical complexity of fishing travel and the learning curve involved in streamlining gear and planning.

Fishing travelers value efficiency. More than 7 out of 10 were already members of a trusted traveler program like TSA PreCheck or Global Entry and enrolled to speed up security screenings and expedite customs.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

The data paints a vivid picture of today’s fishing traveler: passionate, purposeful and prepared. They travel far, think ahead and prioritize experience over luxury. With these experiences come risks, however, both from nature and political instability.

Bites, stings, lacerations and rashes are minor issues that could become serious if not examined and treated. Heat stroke, heart attack and back injuries are potential emergencies facing anglers, too. Understanding the dangers and taking precautions can ensure that fishing adventures remain enjoyable and safe.

Fishing, in all its forms, offers an exciting and rewarding challenge, and anglers have no shortage of destinations to explore. And when the unexpected happens — whether it’s a heart attack in Canada, respiratory distress in the Bahamas or a cardiac emergency in Costa Rica — they’re not alone. Global Rescue ensures that help is only a call away wherever anglers go.