Going Fishing

Going Fishing in motorsport describes when a driver loses control of their car's rear end and then overcorrects the steering, causing the vehicle to swing wildly back and forth like a fishing rod being cast.

This dangerous situation typically happens when a driver experiences sudden oversteer - meaning the back wheels lose grip and the rear of the car starts sliding outward. Instead of making small, controlled steering adjustments, the panicked driver yanks the wheel too hard in the opposite direction.

The result looks exactly like someone casting a fishing line: the car whips from side to side while the driver frantically saws at the steering wheel, trying to regain control. This back-and-forth motion is why racing enthusiasts coined the term "going fishing."

Several factors can trigger this loss of control. Hitting a patch of oil, water, or debris on the track can instantly reduce tire grip. Aggressive driving inputs like sudden braking while turning or mashing the accelerator mid-corner can also cause the rear wheels to break loose.

Going fishing almost always ends badly for the driver. At best, they'll lose significant speed and fall behind competitors. At worst, the oscillating motion can send them spinning off the track or into barriers and other cars.

Professional drivers learn to avoid going fishing through smooth, gradual inputs on the steering wheel, brakes, and throttle. When they do feel the car starting to slide, they make tiny corrections rather than dramatic steering movements.

In racing instruction, "going fishing" can also refer to a strategic move where a faster driver temporarily backs off from a slower car ahead, then uses their superior speed to catch up and pass safely later on the track.