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With 350,000 new or reactivated anglers in 2020, Hispanic participation in fishing grew to 4.8 million—an 8% annual increase according to the 2021 Special Report on Fishing. Over the past three years, fishing has averaged a 6% growth in Hispanic participation, underlining the importance of this group as the industry strives to reach our 60 in 60 goal.

When compared to the average fishing participant, Hispanic participants were:

• More than twice as likely to live in the Pacific region (26%)
• Slightly more likely to be female (37% vs. 36%)
• Younger, with 42% under the age of 25
• 52% more likely to go saltwater fishing

While the number of Hispanic anglers grew in 2020, the number of fishing outings they took continued to decline. On average, Hispanic participants recorded just over 17 outings last year—down almost 16% from 2019 and falling below the overall participant average for the first time since 2008. The influx of new participants can be partially attributed to this decline, as first-timers averaged just 5 outings annually.

Along with fishing, Hispanic participants enjoyed other complementary outdoor activities throughout the year. Of the 4.8 million Hispanic anglers:

• 41% went camping
• 39% went walking for fitness
• 34% rode bicycles
• 30% went hiking

The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation continues to promote Hispanic participation through its Vamos A Pescar™ brand which provides Spanish-language resources and content. Additionally, the George H.W. Bush Vamos A Pescar™ Education Fund provides grants to fund state and local initiatives focused on engaging Hispanic families.

This project was organized and funded by the RBFF through a USFWS financial assistance award (#F18AC00145).