Press Releases

ALEXANDRIA, VA (August 20, 2009) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today announced a new year-long partnership with Field & Stream to promote the Anglers’ Legacy program and launch the Field & Stream 2009 Fishing Contest. The catch and release contest is a modern version of the historic reader fishing contest which appeared in Field & Stream from 1910 – 1978 and will be held on fieldandstream.com. All participants will be encouraged to submit their fishing photos and take the Anglers’ Legacy Pledge, a promise to introduce newcomers to boating and fishing.

“We are happy to be working with Field & Stream to encourage boaters and anglers to get involved with Anglers’ Legacy and introduce someone new to the sport,” said RBFF President & CEO Frank Peterson. “I hope people are inspired to submit their pictures and reminded of the importance of connecting kids with the outdoors. By introducing a new generation to the sport, we can make a big impact on the future health of our waterways and local conservation efforts.”

Field & Stream is encouraging all readers to submit photographs of their biggest and best catches that meet specific species and size requirements. Prizes for the biggest fish in different categories include commemorative pins and fishing gear. Participants will also be able to track their standing on the online leaderboards throughout the year. In addition, all entries received before January 15, 2010 will be automatically entered into the ‘Dream Fishing Trip Sweepstakes’ that will award one grand prize seven day, six night trip to LaSiesta Resort in Islamorada, Florida, provided by the Florida Keys and Key West Tourism Council. Web banners at fieldandstream.com will promote the Anglers’ Legacy program and encourage photo submissions into the contest.

“For 68 years we lauded thousands of anglers who caught big fish with our legendary fishing contest,” said Field & Stream Editor Anthony Licata. “Today we’re excited to breathe new life into that legacy with the help of RBFF by relaunching the Field & Stream Fishing Contest. We hope that the new incarnation of the contest helps to inspire the next generation of anglers and boaters to get out and enjoy the water.”

Anglers’ Legacy, a program aimed at increasing first-time boating and fishing experiences, has signed on more than 175,000 Ambassadors nationwide since its inception in May 2006. Based on a recent RBFF survey, Ambassadors purchase approximately $140 in fishing tackle and equipment, $153 in boating supplies and accessories, and more than three fishing licenses which support critical fish and wildlife management efforts through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.

For official sweepstakes rules, visit fieldandstream.com.

About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase public awareness and appreciation of the need to protect, conserve and restore the nation’s aquatic natural resources. RBFF helps to increase participation in recreational angling and boating through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Anglers’ Legacy™.