Press Releases
ALEXANDRIA, VA (March 1, 2018) – Today, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) announced the inaugural events for its Take Me FishingTM First Catch Centers pilot program. The events will take place in urban areas of Pennsylvania and Texas, and will focus on bringing on-the-water experiences to families and youth, helping to develop the next generation of anglers and boaters.
“We’re seeing fishing and boating participation in urban areas lagging behind participation rates in the rest of the country,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “As more and more people move to cities, it’s imperative we find ways to introduce the public to the joys of fishing and boating. Our Take Me Fishing First Catch Centers are poised to do just that.”
A total of more than 20 events will be hosted by the Take Me Fishing-endorsed Fishing’s Future and Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC). These organizations have proven their ability to host effective programs, capture critical data from participants, and keep individuals engaged in their programs.
Details and event updates can be found on TakeMeFishing.org. Additional events, including some to be held at state and federal lands such as fish hatcheries and refuges, will be added in the coming weeks.
For years, sports like baseball, golf and football have reeled in the benefits of youth development programs across the country. With no nationwide development programs for the boating and fishing community, RBFF has stepped up to the plate with the Take Me FishingTM First Catch Centers. Starting by endorsing programs in Pennsylvania and Texas in the pilot year, RBFF plans to expand the First Catch Centers throughout the country, focusing on diverse urban areas.
We would like to thank Presenting Sponsor BoatUS and On-Location Sponsor Bass Pro Shops / Tracker Boats for supporting the Take Me FishingTM First Catch Centers pilot program. As RBFF grows this initiative, increased support from the industry will be needed. If your organization is interested in sponsoring the First Catch Centers, please contact Rachel Auslander (rauslander@rbff.org).
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.
