Press Releases

Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation Named to the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame
RBFF honored for its contributions, dedication and service to the sportfishing industry

ALEXANDRIA, VA (November 16, 2010) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing participation in recreational boating and fishing, was recently inducted into the prestigious Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame. RBFF joined 41 other highly regarded organizations that have been named to the Hall of Fame since 1984. Honorees are selected annually by secret-ballot vote from the Hall of Fame’s Awards Committee.

“Recognition by the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is a special honor,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “RBFF’s mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, and together with our partners, we are making significant gains. In fact, a recent RBFF survey indicated that fresh water fishing has reversed a two-year downward trend and achieved a positive increase in participation. Working together, we can continue this positive trend and grow the popularity of fresh water fishing.”

The 2010 Special Report on Fishing and Boating, conducted by RBFF and the Outdoor Foundation, revealed that 41 million anglers are participating in fresh water fishing. In addition, the report revealed that it is the most popular type of fishing among youth, with more than 22 percent participation between the ages of six and 18.

The Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame is the international headquarters for education, recognition and promotion of fresh water sportfishing. Its Hall of Fame recognizes individuals, organizations and institutions that have made significant and lasting contributions to the sport and heritage of fresh water fishing. The Hall of Fame also contains a museum in Hayward, Wis., with fresh water fishing world records.

For a full list of 2011 inductees, visit http://www.freshwater-fishing.org/ei-govaward.html.

About 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 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™.