How many recreational anglers are there worldwide?

The number of recreational anglers worldwide is estimated to be around 250 million. This number has been steadily increasing over the past few decades, and is expected to continue to grow in the future. Recreational fishing is a popular activity in many countries and regions around the world and can take many forms including fishing from boats, piers, and shorelines as well as spearfishing, fly fishing, bait fishing, lure fishing, and ice fishing. The popularity of recreational fishing is driven by various factors including leisure, sport, competition, cultural traditions, as well as its role in providing food and generating income.