Fishing and boating are no longer considered to be sports/hobbies enjoyed mostly by White men, according to a US industry report from the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF). The report reveals that recreational fishing has reached new “diversity milestones” and is now increasingly popular amongst minority communities and female anglers too.
The 2020 Special Report on Fishing has revealed that there’s a record increase in the number of African Americans and Hispanic Americans who enjoy fishing and boating. Hispanic Americans are participating at a new record high of 4.4 million participants. Furthermore 3.7 million African Americans now participate in fishing – an increase of nearly 1 million over the last decade.
Women are also participating at an all-time high of 17.9 million participants in the boating and fishing industry. Overall, more than 50 million Americans participate in fishing – the highest figures seen in 12 years. The activity gained more than three million new participants in the last year alone – the highest in five years, noted the report.
ALLEVIATING COVID-19 STRESS
The new participation data comes as Americans take an increased interest in fishing/boating as a remedy for COVID-19-related stress and anxiety. According to a separate study, 1 in 5 Americans are more likely to try fishing now than they were prior to the pandemic, noted RBFF. Among parents, the statistic is 1 in 4.
“The outdoors belongs to all of us — not just those who fit a certain image. Fishing is about enjoying nature, making memories and bonding with the people you love. It’s an experience that everyone should get a chance to have, which is why our work is grounded in the belief that the water is open to everyone,” stated Stephanie Vatalaro, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for RBFF. “Social distancing has taken a sizable toll on our collective mental health. But being on the water has been shown in studies to have a calming effect that can help treat stress and anxiety naturally. Fishing – and by extension, boating – are excellent ways to practice self-care and recreate responsibly.”
VAMOS A PESCAR (LET’S GO FISHING)
To help further increase diversity in fishing and boating, RBFF has launched a new public service initiative called Get On Board in partnership with Discover Boating. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the ways people from all walks of life can support their mental health and wellness on the water.
Outside Get On Board, RBFF’s ongoing commitment to underrepresented audiences on the water has made the organisation an industry leader in diversity and inclusion. Launched in 2014, Vamos A Pescar is the organisation’s Hispanic outreach initiative, the first of its kind in the fishing and boating industry. The campaign helps Hispanic families break through perceived barriers to the sport through the George HW Bush Vamos A Pescar Education Fund.
WOMEN MAKING WAVES
In 2018, RBFF launched its Women Making Waves social media movement to increase female visibility in fishing. While 43% of new participants are female, only 18% see themselves represented in the activity. Together with influencer partners and an online community, Women Making Waves aims to represent all women on the water.
Additional diversity initiatives from RBFF include the Stories of Mentors and I Am an Angler campaigns. Through spotlighting the personal experiences of diverse fishing participants, RBFF is committed to challenging stereotypes and empowering the next generation in fishing and boating.
RBFF’S MISSION
RBFF is a non-profit organisation whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. It recently announced 60 in 60 effort strives to attract 60 million anglers to the sport by the end of 2021. To help recruit, retain and reactivate participants, RBFF developed the award-winning Take Me Fishing and Vamos A Pescar campaigns creating awareness about boating, fishing and conservation, and educating people about the benefits of participation. These campaigns help boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels learn, plan and equip for a day on the water.
The campaign websites (TakeMeFishing.org and TakeMeFishing.org/es) feature how-to videos, information on how to get a fishing license and boat registration, and an interactive state-by-state map that allows visitors to find local boating and fishing spots, as well as links to COVID-19 safety guidelines.
The 2020 Special Report on Fishing was created in partnership with the Outdoor Foundation and provides a comprehensive outlook on the state of US fishing and boating participation. Check out the full report here.
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