46 Million People Went Fishing in 2015

A new study by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and the Outdoor Foundation reveals that fishing remains the most popular on-water activity in the US.

According to the 2016 Special Report on Fishing, more than 2.5 million people enjoyed their very first fishing experience in 2015, and a total of 45.7 million Americans (15.6% of the US population) participated in fishing.

“We are pleased to see many positive trends in this report such as increases for first-time, youth and Hispanic participants,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “Previous research tells us 126 million people have tried fishing, but with only 46 million actively participating, we have a big opportunity in front of us. The insights from this research will help RBFF and the fishing/boating industries ensure future growth for the sport, and the state conservation efforts that rely on it.”

The eighth annual report details fishing participation by gender, age, ethnicity, income, education and geography.

Among its key findings, the study revealed that 44% of new participants are youth between the ages of 6 and 17, nearly half of whom (46%) are female. Fishing is the second most popular outdoor activity for adults ages 25+, behind running/jogging/trail running, and freshwater fishing remains the most popular type of fishing, with almost 38 million participants.

In addition to overall trends in participation, the report also looks at barriers, motivating factors and preferences of key groups, along with opportunities for engaging new audiences.

To download a copy of the report, visit RBFF’s Resource Center at https://www.takemefishing.org/corporate/resource-center/research/fishing-boating-research/