The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission encourages families to enjoy fishing in Florida this summer and is working with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and 29 other states to get the word out. 

“The FWC is proud of Florida’s recreational fishing heritage and designation as Fishing Capital of the World,” said Bob Wattendorf, special projects coordinator.  With Florida’s 7,700 public lakes and 12,000 miles of fishable rivers and canals, and 2,276 miles of tidal shoreline, opportunities for families to reconnect with nature and share quality time together on the water are abundant. 

“When you add to that the large number of recreational sport fishes and year-round weather conditions, it is no wonder that Florida attracts more anglers than anywhere else in the country,” Wattendorf said. 

Partners in the Take Me Fishing™ campaign are using a coordinated approach to remind anglers about the pleasures of fishing and boating.  “We especially want to encourage family participation as a way of spending quality time together and getting kids back to nature,” said Ken Haddad, executive director of the FWC. 

Studies demonstrate that reconnecting with nature has many beneficial effects for both youths and adults, and as they experience the joys of nature first-hand, most people become better stewards of the environment, helping protect it for future generations to enjoy. 

This year, TV, radio and print ads sponsored by RBFF will air in Florida and nationally.  Frank Peterson, RBFF president and CEO, says the Take Me Fishing campaign is about “capturing the excitement and the memories associated with boating and fishing.”  Along with MyFWC.com, the new TakeMeFishing.org website will be a key destination for those who want to plan a trip, buy a fishing license, design their dream boat or check out the latest equipment.  The wealth of information on these sites provides everything needed for a new or experienced angler to get started or find new fishing and boating opportunities. 

The FWC also is conducting a five-year freshwater fishing license bonus program.  This promotion provides an extra incentive to freshwater anglers in the form of free tackle, publications and fishing accessories that add to the convenience and cost savings already associated with a five-year license.  Matched with the priceless memories created from family fishing experiences, the FWC makes this offer difficult to resist.  Five-year licenses cost $79, plus a convenience fee.  However, the first 3,000 customers to upgrade to a five-year freshwater fishing license after April 1 not only save up to $20 in fees (compared to buying five annual licenses), but also receive a free bonus package by mail.  And, their license fees won’t go up for the next five years.  Some items included are free hooks from Daiichi and Owner, and lures from Culprit and Berkley, plus a coupon for free sunglasses from Penn. For all the details visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/5yr-2008.html. 

Fishing license fees are used for fish and wildlife conservation purposes and are a major source of funding for conservation programs, from habitat restoration to fish stocking and fishing-access enhancement.  Since a resident freshwater fishing license costs just $17 for an entire year, it is already an outstanding recreational value. 

The average angler takes 17 trips a year, so that is approximately $1 per trip that typically lasts four to six hours. 

“What other form of recreation is that inexpensive, provides you a variety of health benefits, and hooks you on a lifetime sport that can actually benefit our environment?” Wattendorf asked.