An automated fishing data collection and processing system is provided that can automatically collect real-time data associated with the use of a rod and reel, in combination with real-time environmental and other data, and automatically record the data with minimal or no user input. Electronic components installed in, on, or with the rod and the reel automatically collect information, and automatically transmit the information via a wired or wireless means to a hand-held communication element, which in turn, combines the information with real-time environmental data and stores the information to a memory device, or transmits the information to a PC or cloud storage using a wired or wireless communication means to create a fishing log of data points. The fishing log can be stored in the hand-held communication element, PC, memory storage device, or cloud storage for access by the user or multiple users as permitted.