There are reasons for hope in the fishing business after all, as we learned at the national fishing tackle trade show–ICAST–this past week.
Specifically, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) unveiled new boating and fishing research in its 2010 Special Report on Fishing and Boating. Conducted by RBFF and The Outdoor Foundation, the report provides “detailed information on participation by gender, age, ethnicity, income, education and geographic region.” What’s more, it says, “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.”
The report also established other key facts such as: “(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.”
On the boating side, the report also noted that “7.3 percent of all Americans over age 16 (approximately 20.5 million) own a boat” and that “Bass boats are the most popular boat type at 18.6 percent, followed by deck/pontoon at 14.5 percent.”
The report has data on every aspect of the sport, and offers clear clues as to what the industry, including professional and would-be professional bass anglers, might do to increase sales and the individual stock of the pro fisherman.
Of course, I know from my Saturday KGF website statistics that you are all out fishing. But when you get back, take a look at the full report, click here.