Take a Friend Fishing

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) has designated May 9 to 15 as Take a Friend Fishing Week.

Share your passion for fishing and show friends and family members what you love most about a day spent out on the water, the excitement of getting a tug on your line, and the joy of reeling in a fish.

The week is part of the Fishing . . . Share the Fun angler campaign, a first-of-its-kind collaboration between the ASA and the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF).

“Fishing is a healthy, fun, family-friendly activity that saw tremendous growth over the past few years. Let’s not lose this momentum,” said Mary Beth Long of ASA. “This campaign offers a great opportunity to grow the sportfishing community and promote how much fun a day on the water can be.”

Over the past two years, millions of Americans took to recreational fishing for the first time as a way to cope with the pandemic. The Fishing . . . Share the Fun campaign asks experienced anglers to team up with newer anglers to help get them back on the water and rediscover their love of fishing.

“In 2020 we saw a new wave of fishing participants who were driven to fish primarily because someone invited them,” said RBFF's Stephanie Vatalaro. “When you take a friend fishing and ask your customers to do the same, you’re supporting the development of future lifetime anglers, which is good for the entire industry and the conservation programs it supports.”

ASA and RBFF encourage everyone who knows what it takes to spend a day on the water to serve as a campaign partner. Those interested can sign up at this link.

Partners will receive a free, online toolkit that includes items such as maps of where to fish, guidance on the correct tackle to purchase, and essential items to ensure a successful day fishing.

During May, Fishing . . . Share the Fun partners will receive a weekly email with tips on how to get people out on the water. Suggestions will range from checklists on what to bring to information on how to get a fishing license. Also check for free fishing days in your state when a fishing license isn't required.

The campaign culminates with the celebration of this year's National Fishing and Boating Week, June 4 to 12.