Gone Fishing: The Best Country Songs for When You’d Rather Be on the Water

Country artists all share similar hobbies–at least, that is what the majority of their songs suggest. Fishing has been the subject of countless country songs, undoubtedly catering to the interests of their audience as well. Below, find three of the best country songs about fishing. Revisit them in those moments when you’d rather be out on the water.

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“Shut Up and Fish” (Maddie & Tae)

Maddie & Tae are great at flipping the script on a country song. Take “Shut Up and Fish” for example. Most country songs about fishing are male-centric. It’s always the guy who’s casting lines. In this tale, however, it’s the girls who are focusing on reeling something in. Their guys have something else on their mind entirely. Oh, I was fishing, he was wishing / We were kissing, I was getting / Madder than a hornet in an old Coke can, the lyrics read. They eventually get fed up with all their pushiness, so they push them into the water. I finally had all of him that I could take / So I gave him a cold shower in the lake, they sing.

“On the Other Line” (Luke Combs)

Back to typical programming, our next song on this list of country fishing songs is all about a guy who is addicted to putting around the lake. Luke Combs‘ “On the Other Line” is a cleverly written track that pokes fun at the familiar paradigm of a woman begging for time while a man is out reeling in a catch or two. Sorry honey, but I got to click over / I got a six-pound largemouth on the other line, Combs sings, revealing the titular play on words in this song.

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“Fishin’ in the Dark” (Nitty Gritty Dirt Band)

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band’s “Fishin’ in the Dark” is not about fishing at all. That might be the clever ruse they use to spend time with their woman alone at night, but make no mistake, no one will be casting any lines. You and me go fishin’ in the dark / Lyin’ on our backs and countin’ the stars, they sing in this famous chorus. Nothing is more romantic than a warm summer night out on the water–even if it is in a fishing boat.

(Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images for the Grand Ole Opry)