Don’t Fall Prey To These 5 Common Fishing Scams

Fishing is a multibillion-dollar industry. Valued at around $11.5 billion as of 2022, it supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, from those who make and sell gear to those who offer fishing charters. But there’s a downside to this huge popularity: Many are trying to take advantage of unsuspecting anglers. From fake fishing gear to overpriced charters to illegal license sales, fishing scams can reel you in before you even know what hit you. One could say it's the ultimate bait and switch. But don't worry, we've got your back. Grab your tackle box, and let's dive into the most common fishing scams and how to protect yourself from them.

1. Counterfeit fishing gear

One of the most common scams is the sale of counterfeit fishing gear, which can be anything from rods and reels to lures. Because these fake equipment are often sold for a fraction of what the real ones cost, they can be a tempting choice for people on a tight budget. But they are usually made of poor quality and can break or stop working easily. Sadly, with so many sellers out there, it's not that easy to tell the difference between an original and a fake, especially if you buy your gear online. To avoid this scam, it is important to do some research on a product you're eyeing, and buy only from reputable sources. If the deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

2. Fake fishing licenses

The sale of fake fishing licenses is another common scam in the fishing business. In fact, in 2020, Google drew flak after multiple state agencies claimed that the tech company failed to stop a network of predatory websites from buying ads to promote fake or fraudulent fishing licenses to people all over the US, despite having received repeated complaints.

According to the same report, some of the websites were charging up to three times the actual cost of fishing licenses or were probably attempting to harvest personal information. Meanwhile, similar scams that offer fake fishing permits or stolen fishing licenses also exist. To steer clear of these fishing license scams, you should only get your fishing license from an authorized source, such as your state's Fish and Wildlife Department or from reputable local retailers.

3. Fishing charter and guide scams

Booking a trip with a licensed fishing charter is a tried-and-tested way to ensure a positive fishing experience. Run by a professional fishing charter operator, services like these take fishermen and women out on the water for a set amount of time to try to catch fish. Licensed fishing guides are great resources, as they know everything from the correct ways to cast to fishing rules and regulations to the best fishing spots in the area. But where there is opportunity to make a buck, there is opportunity to trick unwitting anglers. Some scam charters aren’t licensed, don’t have insurance to operate, or their boats aren’t registered. Some have inadequate safety equipment or emergency plans. Some are simply overpriced for what they’re offering, or have hidden fees and extra charges. There are also scams advertised only that involve non-existent fishing trips or charter services. Scammers will ask for payment upfront, but since the service doesn’t exist, the fishing trip doesn’t actually happen.

To avoid these scams, it’s important to research the charter company or guide service before booking a trip and to make sure they are properly licensed. They should also have the required permits to fish in federal waters, have a safety plan as well as safety equipment onboard. You must also be realistic about what you can expect from a fishing trip so you don’t fall victim to false promises, such as guaranteed catches.

4. Fishing tournament cheating and scams

Fishing tournaments are a massive business, attracting thousands of participants and generating significant revenue through entry fees, sponsorships, and merchandise sales. They often offer large cash prizes and other rewards to the top anglers, which can attract both pro and amateur fishing enthusiasts. The White Marlin Open in Ocean City, Maryland, for example, awarded $4.5 million for a 77.5 pound white marlin in 2022.

But these gigantic payouts also tend to lure cheaters who want to stack the odds in their favor. Last year’s weights-in-fish controversy certainly drew a lot of attention, but there are other ways that anglers have attempted to cheat, as well. Examples would be having multiple boats or anglers work together to increase the chances of catching bigger or more fish; tampering with scales or measuring devices; swapping a different fish from the one that was caught; or buying a huge fish from a commercial fish farm and pretending to catch it during the tournament.

To protect yourself from cheaters in fishing competitions, it is essential to familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of the tournament. Some tournaments, for example, require competitors to pass a polygraph test to weed out liars and put everyone’s mind at ease. Make sure you understand what is and is not allowed, and what the penalties are for breaking the rules. Be vigilant during the tournament. Keep an eye out for suspicious behavior and report any violations that you observe to the tournament officials. Only participate in tournaments that have strict rules and penalties for cheating. Avoid tournaments that have a reputation for cheating or a lack of oversight. Lastly, don't be afraid to speak up. If you witness cheating or suspect someone of cheating, don't be afraid to voice your concerns to the tournament officials or other anglers.

On the other side of the coin, fraudulent fishing tournaments are also a thing. These are events that are marketed and organized as legitimate fishing competitions, but in reality, are scams designed to take advantage of unsuspecting participants. They often have very little oversight or regulation, and the organizers may not have the necessary permits or licenses to hold a legitimate tournament.

Some red flags to watch out for are: high entry fees with little or no prize money, lack of clear rules or regulations, no clear information about the tournament's organization or leadership, no clear information about the weigh-in process or rules for determining winners, and no independent verification of the tournament results.

Participants in fraudulent fishing tournaments may find themselves in a situation where they have paid money to compete in a tournament that is not legitimate, with little chance of receiving a fair payout or winning a prize. They may also find themselves in violation of local fishing laws or regulations.

5. Phishing scams aimed at anglers

These scams often involve emails or text messages that appear to be from fishing-related businesses, such as fishing license providers, or organizers of fishing tournaments, but are actually from scammers trying to steal personal information or money. To be safe, be suspicious of any unsolicited communication, even if they appear to come from trusted fishing brands. Do not click on links or enter personal information without verifying the authenticity of the message.

Conclusion

Scams are a real problem in the fishing industry. From counterfeit gear, to fishing license scams, to tournament cheating, and even phishing attempts, these scams ruin the fishing experience, leave anglers feeling ripped off, and sometimes even compromise their safety. By being aware of these scams and the red flags, you can protect yourself and your wallet while enjoying the sport.