Tackle, license sales steady 6/9/2009
Despite the sluggish economy and cutbacks in consumer spending, there are strong indications that 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, according to the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). 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 more than a million people.
Going hand in hand with strong tackle sales are increases in fishing license sales. A sample survey of state fish and wildlife agencies indicates that 2009 fishing license sales are up 11 percent in the first quarter (January through March) compared with the first quarter of 2008. Additionally, there are strong indications that sales in the second quarter will be stronger in 2009 than in 2008 with some state agencies reporting increases that continued through the Memorial Day weekend.
Interesting statistics on sportfishing (compiled by Florida-based Southwick Associates) 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 U.S. anglers is greater than California’s population.
> One out of every three anglers fishes for largemouth bass, America’s most popular game fish. Flounder is the most-targeted saltwater fish.
> 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 and 54 years of age.
Despite the sluggish economy and cutbacks in consumer spending, there are strong indications that 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, according to the American Sportfishing Association (ASA). 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 more than a million people.
Going hand in hand with strong tackle sales are increases in fishing license sales. A sample survey of state fish and wildlife agencies indicates that 2009 fishing license sales are up 11 percent in the first quarter (January through March) compared with the first quarter of 2008. Additionally, there are strong indications that sales in the second quarter will be stronger in 2009 than in 2008 with some state agencies reporting increases that continued through the Memorial Day weekend.
Interesting statistics on sportfishing (compiled by Florida-based Southwick Associates) 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 U.S. anglers is greater than California’s population.
> One out of every three anglers fishes for largemouth bass, America’s most popular game fish. Flounder is the most-targeted saltwater fish.
> 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 and 54 years of age.
