Fishing is a growth industry in the U.S.
By Martin Armstrong
Special Correspondent
Updated: 06/20/2009 05:08:12 PM EDT
In last week's column about saltwater fishing licenses I wrote that the one positive aspect of the license is that our lawmakers will get an accurate indication as to just how many of us fish. Fishermen have a huge impact on the nation's economy. According to the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) there are strong indications that recreational angling remains one of the largest outdoor recreational activities in the nation as well as a solid USA industry.
Annually, nearly 60 million anglers generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for more than one million people.
"People want a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. And from what we're being told; anglers are heading outdoors and putting a line in the water," said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. "Although anglers, just as the general public, seem to be deferring higher end purchases, it's clear that people are going fishing and purchasing tackle."
According to Tom Mackin, president, RapalaUSA, an international tackle manufacturing company with U.S. operations located in Minnesota, business continues to be good.
"I'm pleased to say that Rapala reports a double digit sales increase in North America for the first quarter of 2009," said Mackin. "Business is looking very strong for us."
Gary Remensnyder, executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, for Pure Fishing, Inc., a global company
with multiple tackle brands headquartered in Columbia, S.C., commented, "What we're seeing in the outdoor marketplace points to an increase in family fishing. Fishing is an inexpensive way for families to enjoy quality time together outdoors. We're seeing an increase in sales, particularly in products for children and women, as well as for the avid recreational angler. Our brands, especially Shakespeare and Berkley, benefit from this trend because of a wide product assortment ranging from beginners to the most dedicated angler."
Going hand in hand with strong tackle sales are increases in fishing license sales. A sample survey of state fish and wildlife agencies indicates that 2009 fishing license sales are up 11 percent in the first quarter compared with the first quarter of 2008.
Additionally, there are strong indications that sales in the second quarter will be stronger in 2009 than in 2008 with some state agencies reporting increases which continued through the Memorial Day weekend.
"An 11 percent overall increase in state fishing license sales is significant," Nussman said. "Particularly during the first quarter of the year when license sales tend to hold steady. In fact, these are the best numbers we've seen in several years."
The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), established through the efforts of the sportfishing and boating industries along with state fish and wildlife agencies, is taking steps to increase participation in fishing and boating through marketing and education campaigns aimed at both novice and avid anglers.
RBFF's State Direct Mail Marketing Program, a three-year initiative to recruit and retain lapsed anglers is seeing success. Thirty-two states currently participate in the State Direct Mail Marketing Program which has contributed more than $4 million in gross revenue to date for state fisheries management efforts through increased license and tackle sales.
Interesting statistics on sportfishing include:
l The three states with the most anglers are Florida (2.77 million), Texas (2.52 million) and California (1.73 million).
l The top three states in terms of jobs supported by sportfishing are Florida (75,100), Texas (59,000) and Minnesota (43,100).
l The number of U.S. anglers is greater than California's population.
l One out of every three anglers fishes for largemouth bass, America's most popular game fish. Flounder is the most-targeted saltwater fish.
l Forty-five percent of anglers come from cities of one million or more people.
l Fifty-one percent of anglers have a household income greater than $50,000 per year and 17 percent have incomes in excess of $100,000 per year.
l Over half of all anglers have attended college.
l Twenty-five percent of anglers are women.
l Nearly half of all anglers are between 35-54 years of age.
ASA's data compiled by Southwick Associates, Fernandina Beach, Fla.
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry's trade association, committed to the interests of the entire sportfishing community. ASA gives the industry a unified voice speaking out when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. ASA invests in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain prosperous as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America.
q
When fishermen get together they love to talk about fishing.
When Pete Miller and his brother, Chris Miller, get together they love to argue about bait.
Chris prefers super fresh bunker and his brother swears it doesn't make a difference. So last week they fished from Southfield Park to prove their points.
Pete reeled in a 34-inch linesider and Chris got, well, he got skunked. So that proves which is better right?
Nope!
Last week Ron Lombardo used fresh bunker to reel in the longest catch of the year.
While fishing off Rye in 50-feet of water, Ron reeled in a 7-foot automobile grill complete with twin halogen head lamps. I guess that proves that over all, at least for auto parts, fresh bunker is best.
Ron also caught a 25 and a 35-pound striped bass. Yes, he used fresh bunker for that catch as well.
q
Did anyone notice the rain last week? I didn't think so. A good number of fishermen were out getting their lines, as well as themselves, wet.
Striped bass is our best bet of the week. Water temperatures are still cool enough that there is plenty of small fish for the stripers to feed on so there is no need to move north for the summer yet.
Freddy Bonilla did well fishing off Grass Island last week. He caught a couple of stripers including a 25-pounder. He was using fresh bunker.
John Santagata and Tony DeRose had a busy afternoon at Captain's Island last week. They caught lots of bluefish weighing up to 10-pounds. Tony also caught a 36-inch striped bass. All of the fish were taken on bunker chunks.
Al Shaio and crew kept busy fishing off Captain's Island. They caught several fish including a 44-inch striped bass. The linesider tipped the scales at 30 pounds and was taken on a bunker chunk.
Bass action at 11B is terrific. Just ask Kelsey Lahey. The 12-your-old angler boated a 26-pound, 10-ounce striper while fishing with her dad, Brian.
Wayne Embry Jr. caught a pair of 33-pound bass at 11B. The fish were weighed in at Fisherman's World.
Also weighing in a nice bass caught at 11B was Marc Tomasulo. His fish tipped the scales at 38-pounds, 10 ounces and was taken on fresh bunker.
Smith's Reef is holding fish as well. Peter Bailey caught his first, his second and his third striper of the year there while fishing with Blaine Hurty. The fish measured between 30 and 36-inches.
While trolling with a Diving Rapala at can 13, David Halperin caught and released nine stripers including a 26.5-pounder.
Fishing off can 18, Nick Kantzas caught a 27-pound, 6-ounce linesider. That fish was taken on fresh bunker.
Frank DePitro fished over in Hempstead Harbor. Trolling an umbrella rig he caught and released several fishing including a nice 20-pounder.
Fluke season opened last week and the folks at Sportsman's Den started their annual Super Duper Fluker contest.
The 2009 edition got off to a huge start when Lisa Loprinzo came in with her entry. While fishing in Greenwich waters from her kayak, Lisa caught a 7.16-pound fluke. The Super Duper Fluker contest ends August 16.
It's a good thing for Lisa that Scott Martin isn't entered in the Super Duper Fluker contest. He caught 8-pound, 14-ounce fluke at buoy 26. He was fishing with Zeno and together they caught 6 fish.
Clem from Stamford Boats was fishing the Stamford Cows last Monday. He managed to boat a 4-pound, 5-ounce summer flounder using sand eels and squid for bait.
Mike Sebanski and Mike Noyes fished off Stamford on Wednesday where they caught and released lots of short fluke. They did catch a keeper though. It measured 23-inches and was taken on a Spro bucktail sweetened with squid and spearing.
John Windus did even better at the Stamford Cows. He caught five fluke including a 20 and a 22-incher. He also caught a 20-inch weakfish. All of the fish were taken on squid and spearing.
Martin Armstrong is a member of the FisheriesAdvisory Council, a lifetime member in Trout Unlimited and a member of the Outdoor Writers Association.
By Martin Armstrong
Special Correspondent
Updated: 06/20/2009 05:08:12 PM EDT
In last week's column about saltwater fishing licenses I wrote that the one positive aspect of the license is that our lawmakers will get an accurate indication as to just how many of us fish. Fishermen have a huge impact on the nation's economy. According to the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) there are strong indications that recreational angling remains one of the largest outdoor recreational activities in the nation as well as a solid USA industry.
Annually, nearly 60 million anglers generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation's economy creating employment for more than one million people.
"People want a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. And from what we're being told; anglers are heading outdoors and putting a line in the water," said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. "Although anglers, just as the general public, seem to be deferring higher end purchases, it's clear that people are going fishing and purchasing tackle."
According to Tom Mackin, president, RapalaUSA, an international tackle manufacturing company with U.S. operations located in Minnesota, business continues to be good.
"I'm pleased to say that Rapala reports a double digit sales increase in North America for the first quarter of 2009," said Mackin. "Business is looking very strong for us."
Gary Remensnyder, executive vice president, Sales and Marketing, for Pure Fishing, Inc., a global company
with multiple tackle brands headquartered in Columbia, S.C., commented, "What we're seeing in the outdoor marketplace points to an increase in family fishing. Fishing is an inexpensive way for families to enjoy quality time together outdoors. We're seeing an increase in sales, particularly in products for children and women, as well as for the avid recreational angler. Our brands, especially Shakespeare and Berkley, benefit from this trend because of a wide product assortment ranging from beginners to the most dedicated angler."
Going hand in hand with strong tackle sales are increases in fishing license sales. A sample survey of state fish and wildlife agencies indicates that 2009 fishing license sales are up 11 percent in the first quarter compared with the first quarter of 2008.
Additionally, there are strong indications that sales in the second quarter will be stronger in 2009 than in 2008 with some state agencies reporting increases which continued through the Memorial Day weekend.
"An 11 percent overall increase in state fishing license sales is significant," Nussman said. "Particularly during the first quarter of the year when license sales tend to hold steady. In fact, these are the best numbers we've seen in several years."
The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), established through the efforts of the sportfishing and boating industries along with state fish and wildlife agencies, is taking steps to increase participation in fishing and boating through marketing and education campaigns aimed at both novice and avid anglers.
RBFF's State Direct Mail Marketing Program, a three-year initiative to recruit and retain lapsed anglers is seeing success. Thirty-two states currently participate in the State Direct Mail Marketing Program which has contributed more than $4 million in gross revenue to date for state fisheries management efforts through increased license and tackle sales.
Interesting statistics on sportfishing include:
l The three states with the most anglers are Florida (2.77 million), Texas (2.52 million) and California (1.73 million).
l The top three states in terms of jobs supported by sportfishing are Florida (75,100), Texas (59,000) and Minnesota (43,100).
l The number of U.S. anglers is greater than California's population.
l One out of every three anglers fishes for largemouth bass, America's most popular game fish. Flounder is the most-targeted saltwater fish.
l Forty-five percent of anglers come from cities of one million or more people.
l Fifty-one percent of anglers have a household income greater than $50,000 per year and 17 percent have incomes in excess of $100,000 per year.
l Over half of all anglers have attended college.
l Twenty-five percent of anglers are women.
l Nearly half of all anglers are between 35-54 years of age.
ASA's data compiled by Southwick Associates, Fernandina Beach, Fla.
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the sportfishing industry's trade association, committed to the interests of the entire sportfishing community. ASA gives the industry a unified voice speaking out when emerging laws and policies could significantly affect sportfishing business or sportfishing itself. ASA invests in long-term ventures to ensure the industry will remain prosperous as well as safeguard and promote the enduring economic and conservation values of sportfishing in America.
q
When fishermen get together they love to talk about fishing.
When Pete Miller and his brother, Chris Miller, get together they love to argue about bait.
Chris prefers super fresh bunker and his brother swears it doesn't make a difference. So last week they fished from Southfield Park to prove their points.
Pete reeled in a 34-inch linesider and Chris got, well, he got skunked. So that proves which is better right?
Nope!
Last week Ron Lombardo used fresh bunker to reel in the longest catch of the year.
While fishing off Rye in 50-feet of water, Ron reeled in a 7-foot automobile grill complete with twin halogen head lamps. I guess that proves that over all, at least for auto parts, fresh bunker is best.
Ron also caught a 25 and a 35-pound striped bass. Yes, he used fresh bunker for that catch as well.
q
Did anyone notice the rain last week? I didn't think so. A good number of fishermen were out getting their lines, as well as themselves, wet.
Striped bass is our best bet of the week. Water temperatures are still cool enough that there is plenty of small fish for the stripers to feed on so there is no need to move north for the summer yet.
Freddy Bonilla did well fishing off Grass Island last week. He caught a couple of stripers including a 25-pounder. He was using fresh bunker.
John Santagata and Tony DeRose had a busy afternoon at Captain's Island last week. They caught lots of bluefish weighing up to 10-pounds. Tony also caught a 36-inch striped bass. All of the fish were taken on bunker chunks.
Al Shaio and crew kept busy fishing off Captain's Island. They caught several fish including a 44-inch striped bass. The linesider tipped the scales at 30 pounds and was taken on a bunker chunk.
Bass action at 11B is terrific. Just ask Kelsey Lahey. The 12-your-old angler boated a 26-pound, 10-ounce striper while fishing with her dad, Brian.
Wayne Embry Jr. caught a pair of 33-pound bass at 11B. The fish were weighed in at Fisherman's World.
Also weighing in a nice bass caught at 11B was Marc Tomasulo. His fish tipped the scales at 38-pounds, 10 ounces and was taken on fresh bunker.
Smith's Reef is holding fish as well. Peter Bailey caught his first, his second and his third striper of the year there while fishing with Blaine Hurty. The fish measured between 30 and 36-inches.
While trolling with a Diving Rapala at can 13, David Halperin caught and released nine stripers including a 26.5-pounder.
Fishing off can 18, Nick Kantzas caught a 27-pound, 6-ounce linesider. That fish was taken on fresh bunker.
Frank DePitro fished over in Hempstead Harbor. Trolling an umbrella rig he caught and released several fishing including a nice 20-pounder.
Fluke season opened last week and the folks at Sportsman's Den started their annual Super Duper Fluker contest.
The 2009 edition got off to a huge start when Lisa Loprinzo came in with her entry. While fishing in Greenwich waters from her kayak, Lisa caught a 7.16-pound fluke. The Super Duper Fluker contest ends August 16.
It's a good thing for Lisa that Scott Martin isn't entered in the Super Duper Fluker contest. He caught 8-pound, 14-ounce fluke at buoy 26. He was fishing with Zeno and together they caught 6 fish.
Clem from Stamford Boats was fishing the Stamford Cows last Monday. He managed to boat a 4-pound, 5-ounce summer flounder using sand eels and squid for bait.
Mike Sebanski and Mike Noyes fished off Stamford on Wednesday where they caught and released lots of short fluke. They did catch a keeper though. It measured 23-inches and was taken on a Spro bucktail sweetened with squid and spearing.
John Windus did even better at the Stamford Cows. He caught five fluke including a 20 and a 22-incher. He also caught a 20-inch weakfish. All of the fish were taken on squid and spearing.
Martin Armstrong is a member of the FisheriesAdvisory Council, a lifetime member in Trout Unlimited and a member of the Outdoor Writers Association.