According RBFF,break down anglers’ expenditures and you’ll see just over half was spent to purchase food, lodging, transportation and other travel items. But the benefits don’t stop there. The money spent by companies and employees supporting anglers created an economic multiplier effect of an astounding $129 billion. That’s each year! As the people paid by these businesses then spend their paychecks on their bills and other interests the cycle echoes on and on benefitting all corners of the U.S. economy!

Conservation Benefits

— Cleaner Water, More Fish, Healthier Planet —

Recreational fishing is clearly a powerful economic engine, but don’t overlook the conservation benefits generated by anglers as well. Since 1950, through the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act, anglers have paid an excise tax on fishing gear. In 1985, those taxes were expanded to include boat fuel. These funds are distributed to state fish and wildlife agencies each year to help fund projects and programs that directly benefit fish, habitat and, in the end, anglers, boaters and other recreational water enthusiasts.

As of 2020, excise taxes derived from sportfishing expenditures amounted to $650 million. Combined with the $752 million generated through the sale of state fishing licenses and $283 million in private donations, recreational anglers generate a total of $1.7 billion annually to support and improve fisheries conservation. Thanks to America’s anglers and the money they spend to pursue their passion, they account for the largest single block of support for fisheries conservation across the country. This support leads to cleaner water and better fishing opportunity, which in turn inspires more people to take to the water with rod and reel in hand.