Angling is poised to deliver a £550m bonanza to the Scottish tourism industry over the next five years, experts at a meeting of rural chiefs and tourism officials heard.
An intensive drive to promote salmon fishing, sea fishing, coarse fishing, and wild trout fishing in hill lochs as affordable sports is contributing an increasing amount to rural economies.
The fact that Scotland's 11-month Atlantic salmon fishing season is the longest anywhere in the world has meant fishermen can indulge in their favourite pastime for most of the year.
The Tweed is one of the highest-producing salmon fishing rivers in the world with around 14,000 fish caught last year while many other Scottish salmon rivers have seen their catches increase in recent years. A conference, held by the Scottish Estates Business Group (SEBG) near Edinburgh, heard that Scotland's freshwater fisheries employed more than 2800 people and contributed approximately £113m a year to the economy.
Andrew Wallace, director of the Association of Salmon Fishery Boards, said: "It is very clear, if we continue to market salmon and the many other types of superb fishing on offer in Scotland as an affordable and accessible sport enjoyed on world-class rivers and lochs, we can develop revenues and jobs across the country.
"By harnessing the information revolution, we can take that message globally. Scotland's freshwater fisheries currently form a pivotal part of the rural economy and I am confident that this industry will grow, contributing £550m over the next five years."
Roddy Jackson, deputy chairman, said they were keen toget away from the misconception that angling, and salmon fishing in particular, was an elitist sport.
"Fishing is not an exclusive sport and in Scotland it can be undertaken in places that can suit all pockets, " he said.
"Scotland's estates play a crucial role in salmon fishing and their progressive approach to environmental stewardship and management provides the pristine rivers and rural environments that make world class angling possible.
"Our competitors certainly are not standing still. The potential exists to develop employment opportunities and to grow the freshwater fisheries economy, underpinned by a principle of environmentally sustainable management."
Philip Riddle, VisitScotland chief executive, said Scotland was known as the historic home of salmon fishing and offered a world-class range of angling opportunities for both domestic and international visitors. "We know that angling is among the most popular activities for visitors to Scotland and angling visitors find out that Scotland really is a must visit, must return destination for the sport, " said Mr Riddle. "Angling has a significant impact on the Scottish economy."
