I've always suspected that must be bollocks. Possibly because fishing requires a license and there's an official record of the numbers, unlike almost every other recreational sport or activity.
Caveats: A fuck load of people fish unlicensed/ people fish with incorrect licenses (course licenses quietly bagging migratory fish) and of course the fact you only need a license to fish in freshwater, not the sea.
I've always suspected that must be bollocks. Possibly because fishing requires a license and there's an official record of the numbers, unlike almost every other recreational sport or activity.