New Research Reveals Freshwater Fishing Participation Up!
Posted on July 14th, 2010FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEContacts: Stephanie West (RBFF), 703-778-5156, swest@rbff.org Chris Fanning (Outdoor Foundation), 202-271-3252, cfanning@outdoorfoundation.org New Research Reveals Freshwater Fishing Participation Up Special report provides key insights into boating and fishing participation patterns and the latest demographic information ALEXANDRIA, VA (July 14, 2010) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today revealed new boating and fishing research at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) in Las Vegas, Nev. The 2010 Special Report on Fishing and Boating, conducted by RBFF and The Outdoor Foundation, provides detailed information on participation by gender, age, ethnicity, income, education and geographic region. The report revealed that of the 48 million anglers in the United States, 41 million are participating in freshwater fishing, an increase of two percent from last year. Other key findings include: (1) Fishing is recognized as the top “gateway” activity, spurring involvement in other outdoor interests; (2) Nearly 10 million outdoor enthusiasts are considering boat ownership; (3) ‘Next-gen’ anglers, those under 18 years of age, make up more than 23 percent of all fishing participants. “Although overall participation is down slightly from 2008, we’re delighted to see that freshwater fishing, which is by far the most popular type of fishing in the U.S., has been able to reverse a two-year downward trend into a one-year positive increase in participation,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “This Special Report is full of valuable information to help stakeholders shape their future marketing and education programs.” ADDITIONAL KEY FINDINGS Boating
Fishing
Hispanic Participation
Youth Participation
RBFF worked with The Outdoor Foundation to launch a major youth outdoors movement last month in New York City’s Central Park, where 500 youth delegates convened to discuss ways to motivate more kids to spend time outside. Among the ideas and results: Make outdoor classes a requirement in schools; Provide local opportunities for outdoor jobs and careers; Promote safer parks with free events and youth programs; Partner with universities to provide internship credits for students who help educate, provide recreation experiences and mentor the youth on outdoor issues; Create a social norm that moves away from electronic companionship and moves toward outdoor experiences. “The future of any sport lies in engaging its youngest members, so reaching individuals in their early years is critical,” said The Outdoor Foundation Executive Director Christine Fanning. “The Special Report includes some important insights to motivating not only youth, but also adult participation in fishing and boating.” The methodology and full study is available online at RBFF.org. About RBFF
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RBFF ¦ 500 Montgomery Street ¦ Suite 300 ¦ Alexandria, VA 22314 ¦ Phone 703/519.0013 ¦ Fax 703/519.9565 ¦ info@rbff.org |
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