In the News

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF)'s "Find Your Best Self on the Water" campaign aims to fix my problem. The Take Me Fishing initiative hopes to raise awareness of the many very real benefits—like increased confidence, happiness, patience, and perseverance—fishing can have for women.

From casting to setting the hook, I quickly learned that fly fishing bore little resemblance to my prior experiences fishing. Compared with conventional fishing—which requires a wide range of baits (worms, scallops, baitfish and the like)—fly fishing relies on flies crafted from feathers, fur, and other materials that mimic aquatic insects and much of the same prey we use in live-bait fishing.

RBFF is at the helm of these efforts. By understanding participants’ demographics, motivations and barriers, the fishing industry can better nurture a new generation of fishing enthusiasts while retaining those new to the sport. Connecting women, youth and people of color to fishing and boating will ensure that our nation’s waterways are protected, our communities are healthy, and our industry is thriving.

Adaptation is a way for owners like Gangler to protect a fishery he loves in the face of overuse and impacts from climate change. And it’s a way to respond to an overall declining population of anglers and also to the changing face of fishing in the U.S. and Canada—what was once an almost entirely white male sport is, according to data from the Recreation Boating and Fishing Foundation, slowly becoming more diverse by gender and ethnicity.

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) announced the results of a study aimed at learning more about the connection consumers are making between fishing, boating, and conservation. Conducted every three years, the study’s findings showcase steady progress in RBFF’s goal to drive awareness of the conservation efforts resulting from fishing and boating participation. RBFF will utilize data from the survey to inform actions that continue resonating with consumers.