Press Releases

ALEXANDRIA, VA (July 11, 2007) - The Anglers' Legacy program is having a positive financial impact on the fishing and boating industry, according to new survey results being released today by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) at the International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST) show in Las Vegas, NV.  In a survey of more than 7,500 Anglers' Legacy Ambassadors (those who have taken the Pledge), data reveals an Ambassador generates an initial $120 in fishing tackle and equipment sales, and $166 in boating supplies such as gasoline and boating accessories.

"Right now, we're approaching 10,000 Ambassadors, which translates into a potential of $1.2 million for fishing and $1.66 million for boating," said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. "With the help of our industry partners, those numbers can only get better. If Anglers' Legacy can reach one million pledges, that could mean $286 million for the fishing and boating industries. That's a lot of money supporting the programs that protect the future of the resource and the sport."

ADDITIONAL KEY FINDINGS

• Ambassadors are taking an active role in the program.
  
  • Nearly 90 percent have taken an average of 4.5 persons fishing since taking the Anglers' Legacy Pledge.
  • More than half (52 percent) have taken an average of 4.1 persons fishing from a boat since taking the Anglers' Legacy Pledge. 
  • Ninety-two percent are "extremely" or "very likely" to continue introducing people to fishing in the next 12 months in response to Anglers' Legacy.
    
• Nearly three-quarters of Ambassadors (74.3 percent) own a boat.
  
  
• Ambassadors are fishing frequently – many from a boat.
  
  • More than half (56 percent) have gone fishing more than 30 times in the past 12 months (31 percent from a boat).
  • Nearly three-quarters (72 percent) have gone fishing more than 20 times in the past 12 months (47 percent from a boat).
    
• Ambassadors are purchasing fishing licenses.
  
  • Nearly two-thirds purchased fishing licenses for the people they took fishing (3.2 on average).

Anglers' Legacy was launched in May 2006 targeting the country's estimated 7.5 million avid anglers. Through media ads and coverage, pro-staff and celebrity angler involvement and industry partnerships, the campaign asks avid anglers to share their passion for fishing and drives them to AnglersLegacy.org where they're asked to "Take the Pledge" – promising to take one new person fishing each year.

The survey was conducted online by RBFF in June 2007. Question responses are valid +/- four percent at a 95 percent confidence level. For more information about the program, visit AnglersLegacy.org or call RBFF at (703) 519-0013.

About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Anglers' Legacy.

(703) 778-5160