Is Fly Fishing a Sport or a Hobby?

At the recent Altar Fly Fishing Retreat in the Driftless Region of Minnesota, my friend, Jason Randall mentioned that for some people fly fishing is a sport and for others it’s a hobby. I don’t  feel Jason was being critical of either group; I think he was just making a distinction. In any case, it got me thinking about the statement, as well as wondering how that statement might apply to other aspects of life.

It seems to me, that fly fishing as a sport emphasizes competition, metrics, and achievement, whereas as a hobby, it focuses on relaxation, enjoyment, and connection with nature. And I think from either perspective they have shared elements. Despite their differences, both approaches share a deep appreciation for the environment, the artistry of tying flies, and the patience required to present an artificial lure to a fish.

Fly fishing is a literal connection with nature. It’s an art for those who tie flies and master the cast. It’s a science for those who learn about bugs and fish and all the other things that comprise an aquatic ecosystem.

Could it also be considered a game? Well, I guess so, in a way, as I have always considered fly-fishing to be about puzzle solving. How am I going to get that fish to eat this fly? So much goes into that, from the cast to the fly you choose, to how you present it, and how well you fight a fish to the net, you can certainly call it a game in the context of challenge. But fish are living creatures, and I believe they are owed more respect than checkers or chess pieces on a board.

So whether you consider fly fishing a legitimate sport or for you it’s just a hobby, keep in mind that casting a line takes some knowledge and skill, at least if you want to catch fish consistently. And, like so many things in life, the more you put into it, the more you’re bound to get back.

But here’s another way to look at this: Maybe sport, hobby and game are just ways of describing your passion. If there was such a thing as a passion meter or passionometer, where would your passion for fly fishing land? What if there was a device that could measure the intensity, drive, or level of enthusiasm someone has for an activity or goal? It might have lukewarm on one side and soul-igniting on the other.

The more I thought about this passionometer, I got to wondering about my passion level for other aspects of life. What about religion for example?

With the way I personally define religion and my experience with religion, it would score very low on the passionometer —at the hobby level or below. On the other hand, if I asked myself, “What about my relationship with God?” My passion would ring the soul-igniting bell on the passionometer.

From my perspective, Christ paid the ultimate price so that I could have a relationship with Him. To me, generally speaking, religion is man-made, not God-made. Do you think Christ came to earth as a baby, became a man, suffered, was crucified and rose from the dead to start a religion—or did he do all that to pay the sin debt of those who trust in him so that they can have an eternal and intimate relationship with the God of the universe?

In fact, Jesus was deeply critical of the religious leaders of his time (primarily the Pharisees, Sadducees, and Scribes). Jesus criticism was not about the laws themselves, but rather their focus on outward appearances, rigid traditions, and hypocrisy. And by the way, if you’re wondering, I’m not anti-church. I belong to a church where I’m active and I regularly attend worship services on Sundays, but my emphasis is not on religiosity or legalism, but instead, my focus is on grace, relationship and worship.

Any of you that have spent time around me might use the word passionate to describe me. Whether I’m talking about or writing about significance and meaning, or cooking and serving wild game, or hunting and fishing, or storytelling (including jokes), I’m passionate. That’s because I was a dead man walking for thirty-some years who was rescued by Christ—so I can’t help it, nor would I apologize for it.

What do think? Is fly fishing a sport or a hobby to you? In these same terms, how would you describe religion in your life and/or your relationship with God?  Is it a sport or a hobby or maybe it’s a game where you’re hedging your bets (just in case the Bible is true)…or is it more?

As you read this, if you’re still of the mindset of “So what? I’m a Christian and I go to church…Why go deeper? Why spend time in the Bible? What’s the big deal?” Perhaps you should ponder this quote from C. S. Lewis. What do you think about the pure logic of his statement?

“One must keep pointing out that Christianity is a statement which, if false, is of no importance, and, if true, is of infinite importance. The one thing it cannot be is moderately important.” 

By the way, have you found the meaning of your life? We’d love to hear that story! If not, keep looking by choosing to look in the most fishy-looking water. Remember Jason Randall’s 90/10 rule in trout fishing, which states that 90% of the fish are found in 10% of the water. And that 10% of the fishermen catch 90% of the fish. But even more basic than Jason’s truism is this: You can’t catch fish if you don’t go fishing. I think the same principles hold true for the quest for real meaning—and real passion. Do you think truly examining your life and actively asking more questions might help?

In case you’re wondering, I’m planning on facilitating another annual FATC BOOK STUDY, starting in early September, 2026. The book will be THE MEANING OF YOUR LIFE —Finding Purpose In An Age of Emptiness by Arthur C. Brooks. But don’t wait till then to actively think about and cultivate your desire for meaning, significance and passion.

Feel free to share your thoughts here on the FATC FORUM about this or about whatever is on your mind. Remember our motto: It’s not just about the fly fishing. By the way, it’s ok to let your passion show—whether it’s about fly fishing, fly tying or maybe even more so—if it’s about God.

John Muckerman

FATC Inspirational and Leadership Lead