Rising Fuel Costs Fail to Dampen Anglers’ Enthusiasm for Fishing Away from Home

Despite gasoline costs expected to approach $4 per gallon this spring and summer, nearly 6 out of 10 U.S. anglers are planning an out-of-state fishing trip in the next 12 months, according to a recent survey.

In a March 2008 poll of almost 2,000 anglers by Angler Survey.com, respondents were asked if they are planning a fishing trip outside their home state within the next year. A clear majority (59.4%) answered in the affirmative. Another 806 anglers surveyed (40.6%) said they are not planning to fish outside their home state.

Clearly, many anglers remain willing to pay the increased cost of traveling out of state to wet a line. Many people plan to go on vacation and fish during that time, but knowing that many well-intentioned plans never happen, we hope that a majority still get to fish out-of-state, given the recent increases in travel costs.

Source: Angler Survey.com is a monthly national online survey of sportsmen and women providing industry and policymakers with information on fishing trends and activity. For more information, contact Rob Southwick at Rob@southwickassociates.com.

2.6 Million Got Out In '06
Texas Tops In Number Of Sportsmen, Dollars Spent

Photo: TPWD Dwayne Kinley of Austin, one of the 2.6 million Texans who got out in 2006, shows his 13 1/2-pound Lake Austin ShareLunker.

A ranking of states in categories including total number of hunters and anglers, spending by sportsmen, jobs supported, taxes generated, number of days spent hunting and fishing and the states most traveled to by hunters and anglers has been released for the first time.

Nationally, Texas is at the top of the pack. It's No. 1 in total hunters and anglers, money spent, jobs supported and tax revenue generated. Florida is No. 2 on those lists.

The new state-by-state rankings were compiled to complement a national report, "Hunting and Fishing: Bright Stars of the American Economy – A force as big as all outdoors," which spotlights the immense impact hunters and anglers have on the economy at the national, state and local levels. The report was produced by the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation (CSF).

Lone Star Leaders

Which states have the most hunters and anglers? Texas is No. 1 (2.6 million), Florida is No. 2 (2 million), California is No. 3 (1.7 million), Ohio is No. 4 (1.48 million) and Pennsylvania is No. 5 (1.41 million).

Which states are the big spenders? Texas is tops again ($6.6 billion), Florida is No. 2 ($4.8 billion), California is No. 3 ($3.6 billion), Pennsylvania is No. 4 ($3.5 billion) and Minnesota is No. 5 ($3.4 billion).

What does this spending support? Jobs, of course. Texas is No. 1 (106,000 jobs), Florida No. 2 (85,000), Wisconsin No. 3 (57,000), Minnesota No. 4 (55,000) and California No. 5 (53,000).

However, when it comes to who spends the most time in the field and woods, Pennsylvania hunters beat out Texans, spending 16 million days afield compared to the 13.4 million that Texans spend. Florida is out front for the number of days spent on the water (41.5 million), compared to the No. 2 state, Texas, with 38.9 million days.

Florida is also the No. 1 destination state for fishing, with North Carolina at No. 2. When it comes to the most traveled-to state for hunting, Georgia is No. 1, followed by Colorado in the second spot.

Roll Out the Welcome Mats

It's a simple fact – hunting and fishing have a major impact on every state in the country. When the amount of money spent on these activities is analyzed and the jobs and taxes created are factored in, the impact becomes much more tangible.

"The economic impact that sportsmen have on state economies should be a wake-up call to state governments to welcome and encourage hunting and fishing in their state," said Jeff Crane, president of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation. "The evidence is clear: states that encourage hunting and fishing by providing access and maintaining healthy habitats and fisheries benefit many times over through jobs and taxes, as well as enjoying a boost to travel and tourism."

When you compare spending by hunters and anglers to other sectors, their impact on the state's economy is clear. Here are a few highlights:

> Sportsmen support more than twice the jobs in Texas than Dell Computer Corp., Lockheed Martin, Electronic Data Systems and Dow Chemical Co. combined (106,000 jobs vs. 49,000).

> Sportsmen support more jobs in Florida than Disney World (85,000 jobs vs. 61,000).

> Pennsylvania sportsmen outnumber the combined populations of Allentown, Erie, Pittsburgh, Reading and Scranton two to one (1.4 million vs. 680,297).

> Michigan sportsmen annually spend more than the combined cash receipts for dairy, greenhouse/nursery, corn, soybeans and cattle – the state's Top 5 agricultural commodities ($3.4 billion vs. $2.9 billion).

> Annual spending by Florida anglers is three times greater than the cash receipts from the state's orange crop ($4.4 billion vs. 1.2 billion).

> Annual spending by Wisconsin sportsmen is equal to the revenues of the state's dairy industry ($3.1 billion).

> Annual spending by California sportsmen is greater than the cash receipts of the state's grape crop ($3.6 billion vs. $3 billion).

"Spending by sportsmen benefits not only the manufacturers of hunting- and fishing-related products, but everything from local mom and pop businesses to wildlife conservation," said Doug Painter, president of National Shooting Sports Foundation. "And because most hunting and fishing takes place in rural areas, much of the spending benefits less affluent parts of the state."

Some Big Numbers

On the national level, 34 million sportsmen age 16 and older spent more than $76 billion in 2006, supporting 1.6 million jobs. If a single corporation grossed as much as hunters and anglers spend, it would be among America's 20 largest – ahead of Target, Costco and AT&T.

These statistics are impressive and, if anything, they underestimate the impact of sportsmen since they do not take into account the millions of hunters and anglers under age 16 or who were not able to get out and hunt or fish in 2006. When sportsmen's spending is thought of in business terms and compared to other sectors of the economy, it is quite remarkable.

From small rural towns scattered across the country's landscape to the bottom line of Fortune 500 companies located in major cities, if you take away hunting and fishing, you take away the equivalent of a multi-billion dollar corporation.

Notable

> The report was produced by the CSF with support from the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, National Marine Manufacturers Association, National Shooting Sports Foundation and SCI - First For Hunters. It uses the results from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's 2006 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation and statistics provided by the American Sportfishing Association and Association of Fish and Wildlife Agencies.

> To see the state-by-state rankings, click here.

Insights into Anglers: A 2007 Summary

Most Anglers Release Fish They Catch (January 2007): Most anglers choose to release most of the fish they catch. According the a January 2007 poll by AnglerSurvey.com, 60% of anglers said they release most of the fish they catch, while 18% responded they release all the fish they catch. Only 21% keep most or all of their catch.

Fishing Equipment is Not a Big Holiday Gift Giving Item (January, 2007):

Anglers were asked if they give or receive fishing equipment and tackle over the holiday season. According to a January 2006 poll by AnglerSurvey.com, 40% of anglers did not receive or purchase fishing equipment as a gift. Only 22% said they did receive fishing equipment as a gift and 22% said they did give and receive equipment as a gift over the season.

Friends are the Best Source for Product Information (February, 2007):

When seeking information about which products to buy, recommendations from friends were reported as having the greatest influence (40% of anglers and 36% of hunters). Endorsements by personalities and television commercials have the least effect with 5% or less of respondents favoring each of these sources.

Anglers and Hunters are Split on Whether Our Nation’s Energy Needs Outweigh the Potential Environmental Impacts that May Occur (March, 2007):

Many people wonder if our nation’s energy needs outweigh potential environmental damage that might occur if the U.S. drills for oil in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. According to AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com, sportsmen are split over this issue. Almost half either strongly or somewhat agreed that our energy needs outweigh the environmental risks (46% of anglers and 55% of hunters), while half (48% of anglers and 38% of hunters) felt the environmental dangers are greater. The remaining were undecided or had no opinion.

What Motivates People to Hunt and Fish? (March, 2007):

There are many reasons why people hunt and fish, according to polls of over 2,400 hunters and anglers. Experiencing nature, relaxation, and spending time with family and friends are the top reasons for getting outdoors. “Most anglers and hunters go outdoors for more than one reason,” explains Rob Southwick, who oversees the monthly surveys. “Our poll focused on the most significant reason why people hunt and fish. People who don’t hunt and fish may think bringing home dinner is the major motivation for hunters and anglers, but that is not the case. The true benefits from time spent outdoors are to unwind, experience nature and to reconnect with others. The results reinforce similar findings from other recent scientific studies.”

Who Do Anglers Trust the Most for Accurate Information on Fish and Wildlife Issues? (April, 2007):

Where do anglers prefer for accurate information? The April 2007 poll shows 42% of anglers prefer state fish and wildlife agencies for accurate conservation-related information followed by 19% who prefer magazines.

More Anglers Use Magazines as Their Fishing Source (June, 2007):

Anglers use magazines as their top source to learn more about fishing and for fishing entertainment. According to a June, 2007 poll by AnglerSurvey.com, 43% of anglers reported magazines as their top sources and 24% replied websites. Television was selected by 19% of anglers and 9% use the newspaper.

Where Do Fishing and Hunting License Revenues Go? Most Sportsmen Do Not Know (April, 2007):

Do hunters and anglers really know who spends their license dollars? Only 39 percent of anglers and 47 percent of hunters knew the correct answer: 100% of all license dollars go to the state fish and wildlife agency. Sixty-eight percent of anglers and hunters believe some or all license dollars go into the general state treasury (68%). All states dedicate 100% of their license revenues to fish and wildlife management. Failure to so will cause a state to lose its share of federal excise tax dollars generated from the sale of fishing and hunting equipment and motorboat fuels. In 2007, nearly $350 million in fishing excise tax dollars and $267 million in hunting excise taxes were distributed to state fish and wildlife agencies to benefit sportsmen and conservation.

Anglers Who use Sinkers or Jig-Heads Think They Worked Equally (May, 2007):

Anglers were asked their opinions about lead and non-lead sinkers and jig heads. Twenty-eight percent reported non-lead sinkers and jig heads perform equally as well as lead and 11% reported almost as well. Only 14% reported non-lead sinkers perform “OK” or “not great.” Forty-seven percent did not know how non-lead tackle performed compared to lead tackle. Cost is another issue. Forty-seven percent report lead was slightly to much more expensive than non-lead while 45% did not know or had no opinion.

How Will Increasing Gasoline Prices Impact Hunting and Fishing for Anglers and Hunters This Year (June, 2007):

Gas prices are impacting fishing and hunting. Over half of all anglers and 40% of hunters indicated rising gas prices will cause them to reduce their outdoor activities or reduce their travel distance and boat use in 2007. The rest indicated that rising fuel prices would not hinder their outdoor activity, or were not sure of the impacts. Rob Southwick, an economist and President of AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com, added “We’ve seen in past research that rising gasoline prices depress fishing license sales in many areas, but the recent increases in fuel prices are unprecedented. Many anglers and hunters gradually accept higher prices and they will return and participate as they have before. However, until the effects of higher fuel prices can be moderated via higher efficiency engines and other solutions, we may loose some hunters and anglers completely.”

Most Anglers Use Conventional Tackle When Fishing (July, 2007):

Most anglers (53%) only use conventional tackle (spinning, spin cast and bait casting gear). Thirty-one percent use conventional tackle most of the time and fly fishing gear some times. Only 1% said they fly fish only while less than 6% mostly fly fish and use conventional fishing tackle some of the time. The remainder reported using other types of fishing tackle.

Anglers Mid-Season Preferences (July, 2007):

According to AnglerSurvey.com in July, preferred tactics for freshwater anglers was fishing with artificial baits (79%) while 43% fished with live bait and 14% fished with dead bait. Sixty-four percent of saltwater anglers used artificial baits while 58% fished with live bait and 54% used dead bait. The most popular fish in July for freshwater anglers was largemouth bass (58%) followed by smallmouth bass (34%). For saltwater fishing, July anglers mostly targeted striped bass (37%) and flounder (34%).

Anglers are Making Efforts Not to Introduce Non-Native Species Into Fishing Waters (September, 2007):

Anglers were asked if they take any preventative measures to avoid the accidental introduction of non-native species into fishing waters. Fortunately, 82% of anglers indicated they sometimes or always take preventative measures to protect waters. Since the introduction of non-native species is a growing problem, anglers appear to be making efforts to lessen this problem. Only 8% said they never take any preventative measures.

Anglers are Concerned about the Issues (October, 2007):

Anglers were asked in a poll by AnglerSurvey.com if they consider themselves knowledgeable regarding current state and federal issues affecting the quality of fishing. Of the 1,148 anglers who responded, 48% indicated they keep an eye on the issues and focus on those that affect them directly. 25% of anglers said they watch the issues closely and 22% said they do not follow the issues as close as they would like.

Anglers and Hunters Do Not Think Presidential Candidates Have Adequately Indicated Their Opinions about Hunting and Fishing (November, 2007):

AnglersSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com asked U.S. sportsmen and women about their perceptions of the presidential candidates hunting and fishing opinions. Most anglers (54%) and hunters (58%) indicated that few or none of the candidates have indicated their place on the issues relating to hunting and fishing. Most appear to be paying attention to the candidates’ statements as only 22% of anglers and 19% hunters reported having not listened to the candidates about their positions. Under 20% of those polled said either it was too early to be concerned about the candidates or they did not care.

Source: AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com are monthly national online surveys of sportsmen and women providing industry and policymakers with information on angling, hunting and shooting sports trends, activity and sales. In addition to monitoring sportsmen and women’s attitudes, AnglerSurvey and HunterSurvey also tracks top brands, the percentage of sales for specific products occurring at specific types of retailers, average price points, and more. For more information, contact Rob Southwick at Rob@SouthwickAssociates.com.

Angling Retains its Mainstream Appeal and Broad Economic Impact
by Mary Jane Williamson

September 26, 2007—Alexandria, VA—Despite competition from video games and other similar activities and increased urbanization, recreational angling remains one of the largest outdoor recreational activities in the nation as well as one of the most solid industries in the United States. Annually, nearly 40 million anglers generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for over one million people.

The latest National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation released by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), however, does show a decline in angling participation over the past 5 years with the steepest falloff among Great Lakes anglers. Despite a decline in participation, tackle sales increased by $250 million over the past five years. The USFWS conducts its survey every five years with the latest survey conducted in 2006.

“Although fishing remains one of the most popular outdoor sports in the country, the sportfishing industry is clearly concerned about the numbers being reported in the survey,” said American Sportfishing Association President and CEO Mike Nussman. “However, what these numbers say to us is that our industry is feeling the effects of our society’s rapidly growing disconnect with the outdoors and the lack of easy access to fishing. We, along with the boating industry, are taking steps to turn this situation around.”

The Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) established through the efforts of the sportfishing and boating industry and state fish and wildlife agencies, is taking steps to halt the long-term decline through new and innovative marketing and education campaigns aimed at both novice and avid anglers. The Future Fisherman Foundation, the angler education arm of the sportfishing industry, is successfully working within school systems across the county through its Physh Ed program to provide grants to physical education teachers to instruct students in fishing and boating.

Nussman further said, “RBFF and the fishing and boating industries are teaming to create a nationwide advertising campaign aimed at getting adults and children out their front doors and onto the water. If we don’t teach our children about the wonders and beauty of nature through a day spent fishing and boating, who will?”

Ultimately, anglers and other sportsmen are the most significant funding source for conservation and recreation in this country. Through the purchase of fishing licenses and special excise taxes on gear and motorboat fuel, hundreds of millions of anglers’ dollars each year are collected or funneled to states for conservation and recreation. Angler participation and the equipment and fishing licenses they purchase are crucial to conservation management in the United States. In 2007, $350 million of these excise taxes were provided to state fish and wildlife agencies to restore fisheries and promote fishing. In addition, fishing license sales generated nearly $560 million more in revenues.

Other interesting statistics on sportfishing include:

• The three states with the most anglers are Florida (2.77 million), Texas (2.52 million) and California (1.73 million)
  
• The top three states in terms of jobs supported by sportfishing are Florida (75,100), Texas (59,000) and Minnesota (43,100).
  
• The number of anglers is greater than the population of California.
  
• One out of every three anglers fish for largemouth bass, America’s most popular game fish. Flounder is the most-targeted saltwater fish.
  
• One of every 7 people fished in 2006, making it more popular than jogging or golf.
  
• Forty-five percent of anglers come from cities of one million or more people.
  
• Fifty-one percent of anglers have a household income greater than $50,000 per year and 17 percent have incomes in excess of $100,000 per year.
  
• Over half of all anglers have attended college.
  
• Twenty-five percent of anglers are women.
  
• Nearly half of all anglers are between 35-54 years of age.
  

The fishing statistics provided above were compiled by Southwick Associates.

Winter 2007

How Will Increasing Gasoline Prices Impact Hunting and Fishing for Sportsmen This Year

Gas prices will impact fishing and hunting participation. According to a poll of 2,481 sportsmen and women conducted by AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com in June, 2007, over half of all anglers and 40 percent of hunters indicated rising gas prices will cause them to reduce their outdoor activities or reduce their travel distance and boat use. The rest indicated that rising fuel prices would not hinder their outdoor activity, or were not sure of the impacts.

Rob Southwick, an economist and President of AnglerSurvey.com and HunterSurvey.com, added “We’ve seen in past research that rising gasoline prices depress fishing license sales in many areas, but the recent increases in fuel prices are unprecedented. Many anglers and hunters gradually accept higher prices and they will return and participate as they have before. However, until the effects of higher fuel prices can be moderated via higher efficiency engines and other solutions, we may loose some hunters and anglers completely.”

HunterSurvey.com and AnglerSurvey.com is a monthly online survey of sportsmen nationally providing industry and policymakers with information on fishing and hunting trends and activity. For more information, visit www.SouthwickAssociates.com or contact Rob Southwick at Rob@southwickassociates.com.

Dolphin Tagging Project - May 2007

Click here to view PDF

June 21-24: The Bimini Classic is back and better than ever!

If you missed the Classic last year, you missed incredible parties, world-class fishing, and thousands of dollars in prizes.

Come see why fishing in Bimini this year has been better than ever! In the past few months, some of the largest fish in years have hit the docks at Bimini Bay. Check the sidebar for some photos.

Special offer to Grove SLAM! anglers: As an added bonus, take $100 off the entry fee for the Bimini Classic. You must submit your entry form and payment before June 18 in order to qualify. Contact the Tournament Hotline at 305-461-2700 for more details. Don’t miss this summer blockbuster!

The End of an Era

The team regarded by many to be the best sailfish team in the world has gone their separate ways. Skipper Ray Rosher along with wife Charmain and long-time mate Jon ”Froggy” Cooper have departed company with the “Get Lit” crew. The team mates are still close friends, but thought that this would be a good time to go in different directions. Boat owner Kitt Toomey and long-time pal Peter Miller are sure to continue to run on Kitt’s Viking, “Get Lit.” We are sure Ray and crew will also not be far from the tournament scene as we expect to see them running another boat very soon. Ray is keeping busy with 2 charter boats, his tackle business, 2 babies, and dozens of other projects. We wish the entire crew good luck!

Marine Max BASF Fishing Tournament presented by Regions Bank a Huge Success!

The third annual event set a new standard for association tournaments. The family-friendly event was a 5-day, action packed series of fun and festivities. The two fishing days were just the beginning of all the great entertainment including the Hook & Tackle Fashion Show, Quantum Homes Pool Party, Miami Dolphin Kids Dock Tournament, Blok Development/SunTrust Poker Tournament, CPS Kickoff Party, and much much more. It was non-stop action all weekend. And the weather in Bimini was picture perfect. The events were hosted by Bimini Bay Resort and Marina. Nothing could have been better as the staff was courteous, prompt, and the food was first-rate. Oh, we almost forgot about this fishing! In the end it was the team on “Triple Chief” took top honors with “Liborio” coming in second. “HZO-Team Marine Max” rounded out the top three and also took home the largest fish prize and top female angler award. If you participated in the tournament, be on the lookout for the tournament recap, plus if you’d like a CD with all the event photos, please drop us a line: 305/461-2700.