Invaluable data for the recreational fishing industry is contained in a new report just released by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA).
The report – the 2023 Economic Contributions of Recreational Fishing: US Congressional Districts – reveals information about angler participation and economic impacts across all 50 states and the country’s 435 congressional districts.
Findings include the fact that 52.4 million anglers contribute $148 billion in economic output and support 945,500 jobs across the country, as well as contributing $1.8 billion to conservation.
Jobs supported include not just those in the manufacture and sale of fishing tackle, but also those in other industries like hotel accommodation, restaurants, charter trips and more.
“As Congress debates future legislation that affects our industry, it is important that members of Congress have data to make the best available decisions,” said ASA Vice President of Government Affairs Mike Leonard.
“This study will help show them that recreational fishing is an economic driver and job creator in their state or district. We hope that this information drives home the tremendous value sportfishing has to the nation and, therefore, the importance of supporting fisheries conservation and public access.”
The data was compiled in partnership with research firm Southwick Associates, whose President, Rob Southwick, added: “While sportfishing provides millions of days of escape and fun across the country, many people do not realise its significant economic contributions. Sportfishing is an economic engine that needs the same level of care and consideration as other critical industries.”
Headline statistics from the report include the top five states in economic output – Florida $13.9bn, Texas $7.7bn, California $6.2bn, Minnesota $4.2bn and Michigan $3.9bn.
The state with the highest percentage of anglers against population is Alaska with an amazing 64%, followed by Wyoming 58%, South Dakota 48%, Rhode Island 39% and Oklahoma 37%.
Dick’s Sporting Goods’ commitment to opening more giant House of Sport stores means an end to the Field & Stream chain that it has leased for ten years.
Dick’s, which is said to have some 10% of the fishing tackle retail market in the USA, will open up to twenty, 100,000 square-foot House of Sport locations by the end of next year, spending between $600 million and $800 million in the process.
The company’s Chief Financial Officer, Navdeep Gupta, said 12 of the remaining 17 Field & Stream stores had closed and will be converted into eight House of Sport Stores and four expanded Dick’s Sporting Goods stores.
The decision reflects the company’s confidence in developing its own portfolio of stores, despite concerns about inflation and a possible recession. The Pennsylvania company says the experience-driven stores are ‘the future of retail.’
“We are returning to growing our square footage, with House of Sport the primary driver,” said Gupta.
The 850-store business has opened three of the new stores since 2021 and hopes to open another 75 to 100 over the next five years. It is also growing its presence in the outdoor category with its new Public Lands concept.
Last month it announced its intention to buy outdoor outfitter chain Moosejaw from Walmart
Italo Labignan YouTube channel video, shares using 7′ medium-action spinning outfits loaded with 20 lb. test braid to make the best finesse Bass fishing presentations in shallow, clear water.
Italo Labignan YouTube channel video, shares using your fish finder to located subtle bottom elements that may not be on your hydrographic chart that could be unfished hot-spots.
Our good friend Simeon Kubassek is taking advantage of late winter conditions and continues to fish some of the bays on the north-shore of Lake Superior.
One of his favorite “target-species” there is Perch. Simeon knows that large, eating-size perch move from deeper open water into shallower bays that are less than 30′ deep as they prepare to stage for their spring spawning.
Small live minnows and small spoons/jigs fished near the bottom are three of the best presentations to catch these aggressive larger perch.
On the eve of this year’s Bassmaster Classic later this month, it has been announced that next year’s event will return to the Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees in Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the third time.
The fishery, in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, hosted sportfishing’s biggest event in 2013, when it was won by Cliff Pace, and in 2016, when Edwin Evers took home the $300,000 first place prize money.
“The B.A.S.S. team has been working with the people of Tulsa for well over a year to make this a reality,” said B.A.S.S. CEO Chase Anderson. “The fishery already holds a special place in Classic history and is so important to the fishing community.”
Last year’s list of the 100 Best Bass Lakes, published by Bassmaster magazine, ranked Grand Lake 17th in the Central Division, the 11th straight year is has appeared in the top 100.
Scheduled for March 22nd to 24th, the 54th Classic will be contested by 56 anglers vying for a total purse of more than $1 million. More than 105,000 fans are expected to attend.
As in the past, daily weigh-ins will be held at the BVOK Centre in downtown Tulsa, while the Bassmaster Classic Expo will take place at the Cox Convention Center across the street.
The 2023 Bassmaster Classic takes place from March 24th to 26th in Knoxville, Tennessee.
Italo Labignan YouTube channel video, explains when to use a tight knot or loop-knot for either fishing crankbaits that have a split-ring or finesse hooks rigged with soft-plastic lures.
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