Headstone Quotes About Fishing

For anglers, a day on the water is peace itself. Fishing epitaphs range from heartfelt to cheerfully funny — just like the stories told about the one that got away.

Short epitaphs

• Gone fishing.
• Reeling in the big one in heaven.
• Fishing with the Lord.
• His best catch was our family.
• Tight lines, Dad.
• The one that got away.

Scripture

• Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. (Matthew 4:19)
• Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and ye shall find. (John 21:6)
• He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. (Psalm 91:1)

Public-domain poetry and prose

• God never did make a more calm, quiet, innocent recreation than angling. (Izaak Walton, The Compleat Angler, 1653)

"Gone fishing"

"Gone fishing" is one of the most popular epitaphs of all for anglers — warm, a little playful, and instantly recognisable. Some families have it engraved as a little hanging sign on the stone.

Naming the water

Naming their favourite lake, river or fishing spot — "Forever on Lake Nipissing" — makes the epitaph personal. A scene of that lake etched from a photo completes it. See custom etched scenes.

Designs to pair

• A fisherman in a boat at dawn.
• A leaping fish — trout, bass or salmon.
• A rod and reel.
• A fly-fishing scene in a stream.

A note on sources

Quotations here are scripture (King James Version) or works in the public domain, alongside original lines you're free to use. If you choose another quotation, check who wrote it and whether it is still under copyright before it is engraved.

Key Takeaways

• "Gone fishing" is a classic angler's epitaph.
• Matthew 4:19 suits a fisherman of faith.
• Izaak Walton's 1653 words are public domain.
• Name their favourite water.

Next Step

See headstone ideas for a fisherman or hunter and headstone quotes about rivers.