Press Releases

ALEXANDRIA, VA (February 28, 2007) – The Anglers’ Legacy campaign received strong support at the Bassmaster Classic this week, where more than 1,500 people signed up to “Take the Pledge,” promising to introduce at least one new person to fishing each year. Pledges collected at the Classic, held February 23 – 25, 2007 in Birmingham, AL, represent the three biggest days in Anglers’ Legacy history, generating seven times more pledges than any one-week period to date.

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), who created Anglers’ Legacy, manned sign-up podiums at the Triton Boats, Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and FISHHER Clothing booths. Fishing pros and celebrities, along with their families and other show attendees, crowded the booths to sign on as Anglers’ Legacy Ambassadors.

RBFF President Frank Peterson addressed nearly 15,000 Classic attendees over the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex jumbo-tron, reinforcing the importance of the campaign.

“It’s our responsibility as individuals and organizations to help people discover, share and protect the legacy of fishing,” he said. “In its first year, Anglers’ Legacy focused on generating awareness and building partnerships to promote the program. Now we’re shifting that focus to increasing the pledge numbers. Our goal is to reach 50,000 this year, so take the Pledge and take someone fishing, and we can leave the sport and the resource in good shape for generations to come.”

Anglers’ Legacy was launched in May 2006 targeting the country’s estimated 7.5 million most avid anglers. A recent survey of more than 700 avid anglers shows the campaign is working - 17% were motivated by Anglers’ Legacy to take someone fishing. And, of those that were motivated by Anglers’ Legacy to take someone fishing, 70% did take someone fishing in response to Anglers’ Legacy.

About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby increasing public awareness and appreciation of the need for protecting, conserving and restoring America’s aquatic natural resources.

For more information on the Anglers’ Legacy campaign visit www.AnglersLegacy.org or contact Stephanie West at 703-519-0013, ext. 105 or swest@rbff.org.