Press Releases

RBFF Sponsors Miami International Boat Show as Fishing Boat Sales Gain Momentum
Take Me Fishing™ brand will be in front of young aspiring boaters and anglers
2018 Miami Boat Show-RBFF Sponsorship

ALEXANDRIA, VA (January 30, 2018) – In February, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) will sponsor the Progressive Miami International Boat Show with its Take Me Fishing™ brand, where an estimated 100,000 boating enthusiasts will gather. RBFF is looking to capitalize on the increase in fishing boat sales in 2016 by getting its brand and messaging in front of consumers who are considering purchasing a boat at what is shaping up to be the biggest show yet.

RBFF President & CEO Frank Peterson will present the latest consumer trends for young, multicultural and beginners boaters and anglers,  and share how the 60 in 60 effort increases fishing participation at the annual National Marine Manufacturers Association Industry Breakfast on Friday, February 16. The meeting convenes leaders within the fishing and boating community to discuss the state of the industry and recognize the contributions of individuals and companies with Innovation Awards. As a co-presenting sponsor, RBFF and Take Me Fishing™ will be featured throughout the show on banners, displays and video ads.

“Boating participation continues to rise, and the Miami Boat Show is a prime spot for capturing a new audience,” said Peterson. “With fishing being the most popular boating activity, a strong boating community is critical to the future of our entire industry. We are excited to have a presence at the show, reaching out to new audiences who are eager to get on the water and helping to push our 60 in 60 goal.”

Just as the boating market continues to grow (17 million people boated for the first time in 2016, 36% of whom were Hispanic) the Progressive Miami International Boat Show works to attract a diverse audience from all over the country. Moreover, a majority of participants cited their intent to purchase a boat as their main motivation for attending the show, and 74% of participants either made or arranged to make a purchase at the show. Fishing boat sales are a major driver of the industry’s sustained momentum, and 95% of powerboats, personal watercraft and sailboats in the U.S. are small, affordable boats (under 26 feet) that can be trailered to local waterways.

To learn more about how RBFF works to increase fishing and boating participation, head to the What We Do page on TakeMeFishing.org/corporate.

 

About the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF)

RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation's aquatic natural resources. RBFF's 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 VamosAPescar.org, 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.

For further information: Stephanie Vatalaro, svatalaro@rbff.org, 703-778-5156