From family fishing to legislative lobbying, National Fishing and Boating Week offers something for everyone
In 1979, a few conservationists, anglers and industry representatives decided to focus attention on the fishing industry and its impact on American life. They lobbied elected leaders to create a national observance. Thus, National Fishing Week began.
In 2001, the emphasis changed slightly to National Fishing and Boating Week to honor those boaters who share the waters but do not fish. In 2003, National Fishing and Boating Week runs from June 1 to June 8.
“The National Fishing Week observance began when industry and conservation leaders, state natural resource agencies, and anglers organized a unified effort to introduce more young people to the sport and outdoor conservation,” said Janet Tennyson, American Sportfishing Association communications director. “The observance was changed to National Fishing and Boating Week to recognize the popularity and natural linkage of both outdoor pastimes.”
During that week, many state fisheries agencies, conservation groups and angler associations create opportunities to demonstrate fishing in their areas. Many state fish and game departments allow one or two days of “free” fishing during that week. In states that establish free fishing days, anglers or potential anglers may fish in any state waters without buying the normally required licenses.
On these days, numerous organizations hold fishing tournaments or children’s fishing derbies. Experienced anglers offer instruction to novices, many of whom never touched a fishing rod in their lives. These newcomers are often hooked on the sport after the first cast.
“There are some 50 million anglers and 70 million boaters who enjoy these great American traditions,” Tennyson said. “In communities across the country, National Fishing and Boating Week unites sportsmen’s groups, local businesses and national corporations, civic organizations, and government at all levels in sponsoring special fishing events that encourage America’s youngsters to care about and enjoy the outdoors along with their families.”
Much of the national focus centers on Washington, D.C. The ASA and other groups interested in the future of fishing hold various events in the national capital to “set aside a time to shine the spotlight on fishing and the value of fishing in this country and get more people to participate in fishing and boating,” Tennyson said. The week kicks off with a children’s fishing tournament that involves more than 500 kids from the Washington metropolitan area.
Innumerable industry representatives and concerned citizens come to the capital during the first week of June to ask elected leaders to pass more fishing-friendly legislation. They attend receptions and banquets with members of Congress. ASA sponsors a National Fishing and Boating Week Congressional Reception to introduce industry leaders and conservationists to elected leaders. They use this forum to gain face-to-face visibility and support for fishing, boating and conservation programs.
The Sportfishing and Boating Partnership Council meets to discuss strategic planning for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service programs. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration holds an annual fish fry to promote its yearly goals. Other groups also hold similar events to focus attention on fishing.
To honor individuals or groups that contribute greatly toward sport fishing, the ASA hosts an awards banquet each year during National Fishing and Boating Week. In 2002, ASA presented the first Future of Fishing Award to Wal-Mart in honor of the company’s contributions toward sustaining recreational fishing for the future. The Arkansas-based company is the top retailer of fishing tackle and boating accessories in the nation and the country’s leading supporter of competitive fishing. Through its association with FLW Outdoors, Wal-Mart sponsors fishing tournaments, children’s fishing derbies, casting contests, “Take a Kid Fishing” programs and other events nationwide.
“Wal-Mart is clearly demonstrating the key role industry has to play in protecting the future of fishing and boating,” said Mike Nussman, ASA president and chief executive officer. “These efforts really reflect the spirit of National Fishing and Boating Week by promoting family participation and community involvement. Wal-Mart is a longtime partner with the FishAmerica Foundation, helping to ensure the resource is healthy for our next generation of anglers. Through this partnership, Wal-Mart provides nearly $200,000 each year to the foundation for conservation and family-fishing projects. These contributions are helping to ensure new anglers have a high-quality resource to enjoy.”
As the Wal-Mart experience shows, fishing and boating contribute greatly to the national economy today. Fishing pumps more than $116 billion per year into the economy through the sale of boats, licenses, tackle, travel necessities and other associated expenses. This transfer of wealth fuels the creation of millions of jobs. Each job directly created by the fishing industry indirectly spawns several associated jobs in the retail, tourism, restaurant, transportation and other industries.
In addition, anglers and boaters fund a huge portion of U.S. conservation programs through license sales and special taxes created by the Wallop-Breaux Act and similar pieces of legislation. These funds support most state fish and game conservation departments.
In 1978, Congress passed the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, also known as the Wallop-Breaux Act. Over the years, this act has generated billions of dollars for state conservation and recreation programs. States can use this money to enhance fishing or provide more fishing opportunities within their borders.
“The Wallop-Breaux Act is a user fee or tax on rods and reels, baits, lures, tackle boxes, and other fishing equipment,” explained the act’s co-author, Sen. John Breaux of Louisiana. “Money goes into the Wallop-Breaux Trust Fund. Money in the fund is used to enhance recreational fishing opportunities in all 50 states. States match 25 percent to the federal 75 percent contribution.”
The fund was reworked in 1984 and has since generated about $400 million a year for fisheries enhancements.”
Across America, civic groups, sportsmen’s clubs, conservation organizations and governmental agencies will host thousands of fishing events during National Fishing and Boating Week. Many companies will donate millions of dollars for prizes and services in these events. They do it because they want to ensure the continuation of the sport they all love, an American pastime.
“National Fishing and Boating Week encourages families to fish together as one of the best ways to have meaningful and memorable experiences,” Nussman said. “National Fishing and Boating Week has become a wonderful rallying point for sportsmen, other conservationists, industry, government and citizens. All of us working in partnership are helping to foster tomorrow’s citizen conservationists. We know that people who enjoy the outdoors have the best incentive to take care of it.”
For more information, visit asafishing.org or call (703) 519-9691.
Links:
“Giving money for fisheries enhancement”
“FLW Outdoors, Wal-Mart partner to get kids hooked on fishing”