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How to cope with the recession - go fishing
AS the credit crunch deepens more and more Americans, it seems, are going fishing!
As many miss out on expensive holidays, slap-up meals and shopping trips, they are choosing the the quiet simplicity of fishing, according to industry experts.
From the icy north to fly-fishing in Texas, angling is on the increase as a cheap family outing which can also help slash food bills and pass the hours.
"I'm seeing a lot more fishermen down here," said John Miller, of Bob's Sport & Tackle in Katonah, New York. "With the economy the way it is, people are getting laid off from work and don't want to sit at home and do nothing."
In Texas, fishing licence sales have increased considerably in recent months, said a spokesman for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. "We suspect it's because the price of gasoline has come down considerably and thus facilitated more driving and boating," he said.
In February, amid dire news on the US economy, an annual ice fishing derby on Lake Winnipesaukee drew 5,500 people -- up 7% from last year.
"All you need is a licence and then you can come out, cut a hole in the ice and fish," said Steve O'Brien, who has fished there since November. "It's simple and pretty cheap."
At A.J.'s Bait & Tackle shop, owner Alan James Nute said fish bait sales are up 25% this season."We've had one of our best Januarys and Februarys ever," said Nute. "We've had cold winters before but this winter seems better. I think a big part of the reason is that fishing is just really cheap. Just about anyone can do it.
"Some people's hours have been cut at their work or they've now got weekends free. Or they lost their jobs outright and what else are they going to do?"
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Weather for Pendle
Saturday 26 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
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