Fishing Infinitely Better in Missouri than Illinois Says Science

I grew up fishing with my dad in Missouri which makes me anything but an objective judge. However, science has now declared that fishing is infinitely better in Missouri than it is in Illinois and the numbers don't lie.

Full disclosure and a bit of a disclaimer: Yes, I grew up in Missouri and fished for bass and trout there more times than I can remember, but I have also fished in Illinois plenty, too. I just want you to know that this is not MY list of best fishing places because I'd have a hard time picking.

This new "America's Top Fishing Destinations" thing comes courtesy of 24/7 Wall St. They used these 4 metrics to decide where the best states for fishing are.

• Non-resident fishing licenses, tags, permits, & stamps issued
• Non-resident fishing license, tag, permit, & stamp sales
• State surface area covered by water
• Shoreline (Great Lakes and oceans)

With all those fish and minnow numbers crunched, Missouri is only ranked as the 19th best fishing state while Illinois comes in at a paltry 38th. Yikes.

Let me add the following. I've never met a fishing day that I didn't like and I don't care what state it's in. Give me a rod and reel over a regular work day any day.