Draft Addendum II includes options to reduce the Chesapeake Bay Reduction Fishery Cap, distribute harvest across the fishing season and regularly revisit the cap as new science becomes available.
For the sportfishing industry and recreational anglers up and down the East Coast, maintaining abundant menhaden is both a conservation and economic priority. Menhaden provide critical forage for striped bass, bluefish, red drum, cobia and other critically important sportfish, while also serving as one of the Atlantic Coast’s most important recreational baits.
A new Southwick Associates study underscores that value. In 2025, anglers used menhaden on an estimated 13.9 million fishing days, generating approximately $804 million in spending and supporting more than 7,200 jobs. Those fishing days included 6.3 million in the Mid-Atlantic, 5.1 million in the South Atlantic and 2.5 million in New England.
ASA supports the following actions in Draft Addendum II:
- Link the Bay Cap to the coastwide TAC. Options C1e and C2a would set the Bay Cap at approximately 13.6% of the coastwide TAC while maintaining the existing 51,000-metric-ton upper limit. At the current TAC, this would reduce the Chesapeake Bay Cap by approximately 50%, to 25,500 metric tons, and ensure Bay harvest responds to future coastwide management decisions.
- Spread harvest throughout the season. Option B2 would establish 25% / 25% / 50% quota periods, reducing the potential for concentrated harvest when forage needs may be particularly important.
- Make quota periods meaningful. Option B would require early-period overages to be deducted from the following period while allowing unused quota to roll forward, providing flexibility without undermining the seasonal limits.
- Revisit the Bay Cap every three years. Regular review would allow managers to incorporate new Chesapeake Bay-specific science and adjust management as our understanding of menhaden and predator needs improves.
ASA also supports setting the 2027–2028 coastwide TAC at a level with a 50% or less probability of exceeding the Ecological Reference Point fishing mortality target. Coastwide and Chesapeake Bay management should work together to maintain menhaden’s important role in the ecosystem.
With $804 million in annual angler spending, more than 7,200 jobs, and 13.9 million fishing days involving menhaden, recreational anglers and the businesses that support them have a significant stake in these decisions.
The public comment period is open through Oct. 9. Tell ASMFC to support science-based Chesapeake Bay menhaden management that recognizes the importance of this resource to healthy fisheries and the recreational fishing economy. Click the link below to take action today today.
TAKE ACTION
In addition to submitting written comments through the link above, sportfishing businesses and anglers may submit comments in-person or virtually at any one of the following public hearings:
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MD & PRFC Public Hearing on Atlantic Menhaden Draft Addendum II
Tuesday, Sep. 15, 2026 – 6:00 pm -
NY & CT Public Hearing on Atlantic Menhaden Draft Addendum II
Wednesday, Sep. 16, 2026 – 6:00 pm -
VA Public Hearing on Atlantic Menhaden Draft Addendum II
Saturday, Sep. 19, 2026 – 10:00 am -
NJ & DE Public Hearing on Atlantic Menhaden Draft Addendum II
Tuesday, Sep. 22, 2026 – 6:00 pm -
VA Public Hearing on Atlantic Menhaden Draft Addendum II – Fort Monroe
Monday, Sep. 28, 2026 – 6:00 pm -
ME, NH, MA & RI Public Hearing on Atlantic Menhaden Draft Addendum II
Tuesday, Sep. 29, 2026 – 6:00 pm -
General Public Hearing on Atlantic Menhaden Draft Addendum II
Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 – 6:00 pm
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announced the appointment of Kelly Long as Executive Vice President, effective October 19, 2026. Long brings decades of leadership experience in public policy, business affairs, communications, and the sportfishing industry to the role.
Currently serving as North American Vice President of Corporate Affairs and Communications for Rather Outdoors, Long has led initiatives spanning business development partnerships, legal and compliance strategy, governance reporting, intellectual property management, and external affairs. He also oversaw brand management for Martin Reel Company, directing product development, supply chain strategy, national account engagement, pricing negotiations, and commercialization efforts.
“Kelly Long brings big ideas and a passionate view of recreational fishing to the ASA,” said Dan Ferris, chair of the ASA board and publisher for Midwest Outdoors. “From the perspective of manufacturing, public policy and angling, he will use his background and skills to help grow ASA’s influence on fisheries management, increase business resilience and strengthen the fabric of our industry.”
“Kelly’s extensive experience in both the sportfishing industry and public policy, combined with his proven leadership abilities and passion for recreational fishing, makes him exceptionally well-suited to support ASA’s mission and the long-term success of our industry,” added Glenn Hughes, president and CEO of ASA.
Before his tenure at Rather Outdoors, Long held senior positions in the offices of South Carolina Senators Tim Scott and Jim DeMint. In those roles, he focused on policy issues related to trade, tariffs, fish and wildlife management, energy and agriculture. Earlier in his career, he served members of the U.S. House of Representatives, supported major political campaigns, cable news broadcasts and national events.
“I am humbled by the opportunity to serve an industry that has shaped so much of my life. Fishing has given me lasting friendships, a powerful connection to the outdoors, and a lifetime of deeply meaningful experiences,” said Long. “It is a privilege to advocate on behalf of the men and women who make this industry what it is and who are working every day to ensure that fishing remains strong for those who will be on the water many years after we are gone. I am honored to join such a remarkable team and grateful for the trust placed in me.”
A graduate of the University of South Carolina’s School of Journalism, Long is a dedicated angler, conservationist and an active participant in ASA. He has been a constant presence at ICAST, the Sportfishing Summit, the Keep America Fishing in DC Fly-In, and has served as chair of ASA’s Media/Public Relations Subcommittee since 2024.
As Executive Vice President, Long will work closely with ASA leadership, staff, and the Board of Directors to support the Association’s operations, advocacy priorities, finances, governance and member needs.
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]]>“Pacific bluefin tuna are an international fisheries success story,” said Larry Phillips, Pacific Fisheries Policy Director for the American Sportfishing Association and a member of the IATTC General Advisory Committee. “At its historic low, the stock was estimated at roughly 2 percent of its unfished spawning biomass. Today, spawning biomass is estimated at 23.2 percent of the unfished level and has increased rapidly since 2011. That recovery demonstrates what can be accomplished when nations work together, follow the science and make responsible management decisions.”
ASA applauds the U.S. delegation for recognizing the economic importance of recreational fishing and working to ensure the sector was appropriately considered throughout the negotiations. Importantly, recreational fishing in the eastern Pacific would remain separate from the commercial catch limit under the proposed management procedure.
The agreement does not go as far as the 70:30 approach supported by the United States and Mexico, which would have directed more fishing opportunity to fisheries on the eastern side of the Pacific, including those off the U.S. West Coast and Mexico. However, the agreement does begin a gradual shift in that direction. The eastern Pacific share will increase from 20 percent in 2027 and 2028, to 21 percent in 2029 and 2030, and to 22 percent in 2031 and 2032.
“I applaud this agreement and appreciate the commitment of the U.S. delegation to conservation and recreational fishing access,” Phillips said. “Pacific bluefin support anglers, charter operators, tackle businesses, boat manufacturers and coastal communities throughout the West Coast. This is a great example of how nations can successfully manage a highly migratory species while providing sustainable fishing opportunities and economic benefits.”
The Joint Working Group agreement now moves to the IATTC and WCPFC for formal adoption. ASA will remain engaged with NOAA Fisheries and the U.S. delegation as the management procedure moves through that process.
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]]>Concerns around churn, fishing participation persist while long term trends remain positive
ALEXANDRIA, VA – July 29, 2026 – The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) announced the results of the 2026 Special Report on Fishing. In total, 57 million Americans, roughly 18% of the U.S. population, went fishing in 2025. While up nearly 25% from a decade ago, total participation is down from 57.9 million in 2024 – the first year-over-year decrease since 2021.
“In 2025, fishing continued to bring Americans together, connecting people to the outdoors, sustaining families and strengthening the communities and economies that depend on it,” said ASA President and CEO, Glenn Hughes. “While trendline data still shows growth in the past decade, keeping anglers engaged in fishing continues to be a struggle, with 19 million people dropping from the sport in 2025 – the highest rate of ‘churn’ on record.”
According to the report, catching fish was not the only reason Americans went fishing. They also fished to enjoy nature, escape everyday stress and spend time with family and friends. Conversely, dissatisfaction with time on the water stemmed from crowded fishing spots and the discomfort of being outdoors, not catching fish, unclean waters, and the cost of gear.
While these barriers undoubtedly contribute to the decline in participation and high churn rate, the abrupt pause in early 2025 of federal funding authorized under the Dingell-Johnson Act’s National Outreach and Communications Program that supports introductory fishing programs, angler recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3) campaigns, and fishing specific marketing efforts left many new or returning anglers without access to critical resources needed to get on the water.
Through fishing license sales and the excise tax on sportfishing equipment authorized by the previously mentioned Dingell-Johnson Act, anglers and boaters fund most fisheries conservation and waterways access efforts nationwide. Since 1950, Dingell-Johnson has generated more than $12 billion for fisheries conservation, and sportfishing manufacturers proudly pay the 10% excise tax to support the resources our industry depends on.
“Bringing new folks into our community and slowing the churn rate are top priorities for ASA and the entire sportfishing industry,” added Hughes. “Decreased participation doesn’t just result in lower tackle sales, it also leads to reduced public access, fewer fish stocked in lakes and rivers, less habitat improvement projects and so much more. As competition from technology and other activities for time and resources grows, investments in angler recruitment and retention has never been more important.”
Even with 2025’s setbacks, the opportunities for sustained growth in recreational fishing are unmistakable. Millions of new anglers tried fishing for the first time in 2025, youth participation remains the strongest predictor of lifelong involvement, and Black, Hispanic and female participation continued to grow.
ADDITIONAL KEY FINDINGS
- Total fishing outings grew by 3 percent to 918 million in 2025.
- 6.3 million Americans tried fishing for the first time in 2025, representing 11 percent of total participants, up from 9 percent in 2024.
- 6 million Americans ages 6 and over went freshwater fishing in 2025, holding steady for the fourth consecutive year.
- Saltwater fishing reached a record 15.5 million, up 400,000 from the year prior and the fourth consecutive record high.
- Fly fishing decreased slightly in 2025 to 7.9 million, still representing nearly 2 million more fly anglers vs. a decade earlier.
- Youth participation (ages 6-12) is down slightly in 2025, however participation among ages 13-17 rose from 5.2 million to 5.4 million, and the participation rate ticked up from 24 percent to 25 percent.
- Nearly 6 million Black Americans fished in 2025, the highest number since tracking began in 2007 and an increase of 400,000 from the prior year.
- Hispanic anglers doubled over the past decade, climbing from 3.4 million in 2015 to an all-time high of 6.9 million in 2025.
- Female participation dipped slightly in 2025 to 21.1 million, however the long-term trajectory remains strong as female anglers grew by 5.4 million (a 34% increase) over the past decade.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE SPORTFISHING INDUSTRY
Special Report data shows 10% of Americans overall (and 15% of kids) who did not fish, thought about going fishing. Eighty-six percent of current fishing participants fished before the age of 12, emphasizing the critical importance of youth participation.
Despite the report showing 19 million lapsed anglers from 2024-25, 99% of those who fished in 2025 expect to fish in 2026. Angler churn has been worsening over the last several years, underscoring the growing importance of customer engagement and loyalty programs. Earlier this year, ASA’s Fish America Foundation announced its inaugural R3 grant program to tackle recruitment, retention and reactivation of anglers by working with fishing tackle retailers, manufacturers and non-profits to support programs that can be replicated and scaled to the benefit of the entire industry.
The Special Report on Fishing is the most comprehensive research on fishing participation, providing an annual assessment of angler demographics, participation trends and motivations from more than 18,000 respondents. ASA partnered with the Outdoor Industry Association to produce this long-running research report which had previously been supported by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation for 18 years. The 2026 report was initially shared at the ICAST 2026 State of the Industry Breakfast on July 15 to more than 700 industry professionals.
Click here to read the full report and download the 2026 infographic
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]]>A coalition of leading sportfishing organizations today announced support for the South Atlantic Red Snapper Fair Access Act of 2026, legislation introduced by Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA) to ensure that commercial harvest and sale of South Atlantic red snapper from federal waters does not continue during periods when recreational anglers are prohibited from harvesting the same public resource.
This summer, recreational anglers in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina were set to receive expanded South Atlantic red snapper access through NOAA-approved, state-led Exempted Fishing Permit pilot programs that would have expanded fishing opportunity through advanced recreational data collection and improved management, but those seasons were halted by a preliminary injunction resulting from a lawsuit filed by commercial fishermen.
In recent years, recreational anglers in the South Atlantic have been limited to extremely short red snapper seasons, including one- and two-day openings, while commercial harvest has remained open for substantially longer periods lasting weeks or months. The South Atlantic Red Snapper Fair Access Act establishes a straightforward principle: if federal management prohibits the public from recreational harvest of South Atlantic red snapper in federal waters, then commercial harvest and sale of red snapper from federal waters should also be prohibited during that same closure.
“South Atlantic red snapper is an important public resource, and access to that resource should be managed fairly,” said Rep. Scott. “If commercial fishing interests are concerned enough about the current condition of the red snapper fishery to support shutting down recreational access, then commercial harvest and sale of that same stock, from federal waters, should be limited during the same closure. This bill is not about attacking commercial fishing. It is about making sure conservation burdens are shared fairly.”
“For years, recreational anglers, for-hire operators, tackle shops, marinas and coastal communities have been forced to accept one- and two-day seasons for a fishery that is showing substantial rebuilding progress and historically high abundance on the water,” said Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs for the American Sportfishing Association. “This year, the states and NOAA Fisheries developed a better path forward through carefully designed pilot programs that would have expanded access while testing recreational data collection improvements. Unfortunately, the pilot programs were halted in court and recreational harvest remains closed. The South Atlantic Red Snapper Fair Access Act is based on a simple and reasonable premise: if the public is not allowed to fish for South Atlantic red snapper, then commercial sale of that public resource should not continue during the same closure.”
“Congressman Scott’s legislation is built on a principle every American understands: fairness. For nearly 15 years, recreational anglers have shouldered the overwhelming share of conservation restrictions while commercial fishing has continued under a different set of rules,” said Jeff Angers, president of the Center for Sportfishing Policy. “NOAA data show the commercial sector exceeded its South Atlantic red snapper harvest quota in nine of the last 13 years — including preliminary 2025 landings of more than 141 percent of its quota. Yet the same commercial interests that have repeatedly exceeded their own harvest limits went to court to block carefully designed state pilot programs that would have expanded recreational access while improving data collection. If conservation truly requires sacrifice, that responsibility should be shared fairly.”
“The state exempted fishing permits are the result of the states acknowledging that there is a significant problem in the federal data system. They were seeking ways to gather better data and subsequently better manage the recreational fishery. Yet the commercial sector sued to stop the state programs before they could even begin for the 2026 season,” said Ted Venker, conservation director for Coastal Conservation Association. “We appreciate Rep. Scott introducing this legislation as there is certainly a lot of room to introduce the concept of fairness into this fishery.”
“The commercial fishing industry’s lawsuit against the South Atlantic exempted fishing permits resulted in a lost opportunity to collect the data desperately needed to more efficiently and accurately manage the healthy red snapper fishery into the future.” said Chris Horton, Senior Director of Fisheries Policy for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “This bill would provide the necessary equity among stakeholders to eventually move modernizing South Atlantic red snapper management forward.”
South Atlantic red snapper remains one of the region’s most important recreational reef fish species, supporting anglers, charter businesses, tackle shops, marinas, restaurants, lodging providers and coastal economies throughout Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. The coalition continues to support efforts to modernize South Atlantic red snapper management, improve recreational data collection and provide reasonable public access consistent with conservation.
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]]>The world’s largest sportfishing trade show came to a close last Friday as attendees filtered out the doors of Orlando’s Orange County Convention Center. After a jam-packed week of networking, business meetings, product testing and a full slate of new events, this year’s show will go down as one of the most successful ICASTs in recent memory.
ICAST 2026 By The Numbers
- Just under 12,000 attendees
- 540+ exhibitors, including 150+ first time exhibitors
- 200,000+ square feet of exhibit space
- 3,050 retailers and wholesalers in attendance
- 1,250 independent retail stores in attendance, which is 250 more than last year
- 870+ products entered in the New Product Showcase
- 46 products submitted to the inaugural New Product Showcase First Time Exhibitor category
- 74 countries represented
Rhino’s Rod and Reel Combo Takes Top Honor
ICAST 2026 brought a number of new events to the show schedule, but one staple remained center-stage for exhibitors, buyers and media, alike. The New Product
Showcase sponsored by Fishing Tackle Retailer has been the cornerstone of ICAST and the fishing industry for years, and 2026 was no different.
This year, the Rhino 30 6’6” 2pc Medium Spinning Combo joined the ranks of ICAST royalty after coming out on top in head-to-head voting against more than 35 other Best of Category winners. Rhino is a resurrected legacy brand from Zebco that traces its roots to an ultra-durable line of rods and reels targeted to everyday anglers.
“Winning Best of Show is an incredible honor, and we’re grateful to everyone who believed in what we’re building with Rhino,” said Chris Littau, Vice President of Zebco. ”Zebco has been the first chapter in so many people’s fishing stories, and the Rhino relaunch is helping make sure that first experience is one that lasts.”
“Every year, Best of Show shines a light on the people and products shaping the future of this industry,” said Angie Thompson, Publisher of Fishing Tackle Retailer. “FTR is honored to sponsor the New Product Showcase, and it means even more when the award goes to a partner as valued to us as Rather Outdoors. We’re incredibly proud of their team and thrilled to see the Rhino 30 Spinning Combo take the top honor.”
There’s still one trophy to hand out, though, and this time the choice is yours! The ICAST 2026 Anglers’ Choice Award gives anglers everywhere a chance to participate in the New Product Showcase fun, crowning one last champion from this year’s show. From now until August 21, you can choose which of our 39 Best of Category winners deserves to be crowned Anglers’ Choice.
Voting is officially live, and each vote cast enters you into weekly drawings to win exclusive prizes from ICAST, with one grand prize winner taking home two free passes to ICAST 2027. Click here to cast your vote today!
New Events Flourish, Old Favorites Return With a Splash
In addition to the normal business conducted on the show floor, ICAST 2026 played host to a full slate of events and networking opportunities. The annual Lunkers and Bunkers golf scramble with a fishing twist saw a record attendance of 96 participants. Also returning this year, the ICAST Cup presented by Major League Fishing teamed show attendees with professional anglers on Kissimmee’s Lake Toho. These two events, and a number of other activations, raised over $200,000 for Keep America Fishing, ASA’s advocacy and outreach program.
Behind the Orange County Convention Center, Tuesday’s On the Water Demo Day sponsored by Garmin put new boats, baits, rods and reels in the hands of tackle dealers and media members who got an exclusive first look at future best sellers.
For the first time ever, On the Water was followed by a retailer “speed dating” event called Meet the Market. Held in a breakout room above the ICAST show floor, Meet the Market drew more than 50 retailers from as far away as New Zealand to grow new connections with manufacturers before the show doors officially opened on Wednesday morning.
An Increased Value for Retailers
Tackle buyers were the big winners at this year’s show, benefitting from an increased emphasis on forging new business connections and delivering c-suite level knowledge. Nowhere was this more evident than on Thursday morning, when a panel of presidents from Rather Outdoors, AFTCO, Daiwa Corporation, Z-Man Fishing Products, American Fishing Wire and Temple Fork Outfitters joined tackle dealers for the all-new Retailer Leadership Breakfast. This informal panel discussion gave tackle dealers a chance to have honest, off-the-record conversations with leaders in the industry and get an behind the scenes look about where our industry is headed.
On the show floor, retailers got front row seats to the debut of ICAST Live! presented by Florida’s Coastal Corridor. Attendees were offered free access to seminars from experts on AI, tariffs, social media strategy and retail store operations; round table discussions on engaging the next generation of anglers; and even a live podcast recording. The full suite of ICAST Live! Programming is available on ASA’s YouTube Channel–click here to relive the fun!
Also debuting at ICAST 2026, the Retailer Lounge provided a safe haven for in-demand buyers to strategize, unwind and find reprieve from the buzz of the Orange County Convention Center’s exhibit hall.
ICAST remains the premier venue for fishing tackle retailers to conduct business in this industry, and attracting more buyers to ICAST is a top priority for the American Sportfishing Association. This year’s show saw more than 3,000 retail attendees register, with almost 1,300 of them representing different retail stores – an increase of over 250 from ICAST 2025!
“ICAST 2026 was the most impactful in my thirty-three years. We met with all our large customers, a large number of our vendors and had over 100 independent dealers (existing and potential) come by our booth,” said James Coffey, President of Pittman Creek, one of the nation’s largest tackle wholesalers. “It’s the aspect of having our industry under one roof that is so very important.”
An Icon Honored
For some, ICAST 2026 will likely be remembered as the debut of new events and business dealings, but its initial spotlight belonged to a household name in the fishing industry—Bill Dance.
Dance, 85, first exploded onto the national sportfishing scene in the 1960s during the rise of Ray Scott’s Bassmaster tournament series. Dance was famously the first angler to ever catch a bass in a B.A.S.S. tournament (in June of 1967 on Arkansas’ Beaver Lake) and went on to become one of the winningest tournament anglers of all time before stepping away from competitive fishing to focus on an educational television program, Bill Dance Outdoors.
At ICAST 2026, Dance was honored by the American Sportfishing Association with the ASA Impact Award at Wednesday’s State of the Industry Breakfast presented by Huk. The 2025 Impact Award recipient, philanthropist and comedian Steve Harvey, presented the award and he was joined onstage by Bass Pro Shops owner Johnny Morris and a childhood cancer survivor from his hometown St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Dance reminded the sportfishing universe that the friends made along the way are more valuable than any trophy catch.
What’s Next for ASA and ICAST?
At the American Sportfishing Association, the business of advancing the priorities of the recreational fishing industry continues well beyond the confines of ICAST. Every day, the ASA team is working hard to secure fair trade and commerce, promote fishing participation, and secure clean water, abundant fisheries and access to both. Our government affairs staff are tackling the issues that matter most to you every day in Washington, D.C. and state capitals around the country. Our trade show team is already busy planning our next great event. Our communications and public affairs departments are getting the most important information about our industry into your hands at the speed you expect.
We can’t do it without you, though. Help us chart the course forward and become a member today.
Becoming a member of the American Sportfishing Association is one of the most important decisions you can make to help us continue this critical work. Your membership also includes exclusive benefits, not the least of which is access to the largest network of sportfishing businesses and professionals in the world.
Membership in ASA also gives you a seat at the table and a say in the future of our industry. By joining one of our various committees, you can make your voice heard on issues that matter most to you and your community. There’s no better place to start than ASA’s premier gathering, the 2026 Sportfishing Summit in Point Clear, AL from Oct 20-23. Click the link below to learn more about this flagship event and secure your spot today!
Silver: Bonefish & Tarpon Trust, Columbia PFG, Costa, Daiwa, Field Ethos Journal, Fly Fishing Film Tour, SheFish, Strike, Yeti
Bronze: Bates Fishing Co., Bubba, Cling, FisheWear, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, FluxJet, Hook & Tackle, Island Optics, Matrix Capital Markets Group, National Marine Sanctuary Foundation, Salty Crew
Supporting Sponsors: AFTCO, Crocodile Bay Sportfishing & Expeditions, Danforth, EZ Dock, Marsh Wear, Outdoor Cap, Outdoor Sportsman Group, Power-Pole, Sportfishing Championship Series, Smith Optics
The post ICAST 2026 Plays Host to a Bevy of New Opportunities & Experiences for the Sportfishing Industry appeared first on ASA.
]]>FishAmerica250 shows breadth of great fishing opportunities across all 50 states.
In honor of America’s 250th birthday, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is highlighting 250 great places to fish in the U.S.A. Since our nation’s founding, recreational fishing has been an integral part of the American experience. From chasing striped bass to walleye, fishing large reservoirs to coastal marshes, or casting live bait to drifting a dry fly, more than 57 million anglers take to America’s waters each year.
Fishing is more than just a hobby, it’s a powerful economic driver and a cornerstone of many communities, particularly in rural and coastal areas. Our industry contributes $230 billion to the nation’s economy each year and supports over 1.1 million jobs. This in addition to the proven mental and physical benefits our sport provides.
There are lots of factors that make a fishing spot great. It might be the prospect of catching a record breaking musky. Perhaps it’s the thrill of putting a lot of native cutthroat trout in the net after hiking miles from the parking lot. Maybe it’s a drop off or a reef where you almost always bring home a limit of walleye or snapper. Possibly it has less to do with the fishing and more to do with the memories invoked of time spent with loved ones or a chance to find peace and tranquility away from the grind of daily life.
Having an abundance of great fishing in our backyard does not happen by accident, though. Healthy fisheries, clean water and expansive access to our nation’s waterways are all the result of foresight and sound policy decisions made at the federal, state and local levels, and generally a result of advocacy efforts by anglers and sportfishing businesses.
None of these policy decisions have been more integral to the success of America’s rich fishing heritage than the Dingell-Johnson Act. Originally passed in 1950, the bill created the authorized the collection of an up to 10% excise tax on the sale of all fishing tackle sold in the U.S. and a portion of the motorboat fuel tax. The revenues generated from this excise tax are redistributed to states, tribes and territories through the Sportfish Restoration Fund to carry out fisheries conservation in their home states. Since its inception, Dingell-Johnson has generated more than $12 billion for habitat restoration, fisheries research, fish hatcheries, education and public access.
It’s a simple idea that has massive consequences: grow fishing participation -> increase tackle sales -> contribute more to excise tax dollars to conservation and access -> make fishing better -> start the loop all over again. This user pay-public benefit funding model is unique to the United states and the envy of the world over, and our industry is proud to support it.
Equally as valuable as forward-thinking conservation policy are the thousands of fishing tackle retailers 
across the nation. From the big box stores to the independent mom-and-pop shops, tackle shops are the cornerstone of any great fishery.
Whether you need the most up-to-date information on fishing conditions, directions to the most productive spots, specific tackle for local waters, or just somewhere to hang out and swap stories, this is where you’ll find it. Tackle shops are also critical to growing fishing participation, since they’re often the first place new anglers are exposed to the sport.
Recognizing the importance of these institutions, we’ve highlighted a local retailer for each great fishery, and we encourage you to stop by next time you hit the water.
It wasn’t easy to come up with 250 locations, not because it’s a lot but because we know it barely scratches the surface of what this country has to offer. So, we want to hear from you – follow ASA’s social media channels (@keepamericafishing) as we release 10 new locations each week until the end of the year and share your great American fishing spot using the hashtag #FishAmerica250.
There’s nowhere else on earth that touts the diversity of fisheries, landscapes and public access than the United States of America and we can’t wait to enjoy them for another 250 years.
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]]>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2026
Fly-in participants meet with 30 congressional offices and call for a meaningful 2026 season, better data and stronger state-led management
WASHINGTON, D.C. — Recreational fishing and boating leaders from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina were in Washington, D.C., last week for a South Atlantic red snapper fly-in hosted by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), Center for Sportfishing Policy (CSP), Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) and National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA).
Fly-in participants met with 30 congressional offices from across the South Atlantic region to discuss the urgent need to secure a meaningful 2026 Atlantic red snapper season and advance longer-term reforms that improve recreational data collection and provide more reasonable access for anglers and fishing-dependent businesses.
The fly-in followed the last-minute disruption of state Exempted Fishing Permits (EFP) that were designed to test improved state-led data collection and management approaches for South Atlantic red snapper under a longer recreational season. However, the EFPs were halted after a judge issued an injunction, creating immediate uncertainty for anglers, charter captains, headboats, tackle shops, marinas and coastal communities that had prepared for the anticipated season.
In recent days, the four South Atlantic states have moved to withdraw the original EFPs to pursue revised proposals that account for the court’s ruling and updated technical guidance. The recreational fishing community is urging NOAA, the states and Congress to work quickly to preserve a meaningful 2026 fishing opportunity while maintaining the core purpose of the EFPs: testing better state-led data systems that can support improved management and access.
“Recreational fishing is a major economic, social and conservation force in communities across the South Atlantic,” said Glenn Hughes, ASA’s president and CEO. “Through years of patience, sacrifice and conservation efforts, anglers have helped rebuild this fishery. They deserve reasonable, predictable access to a healthy and abundant red snapper stock. Congress can play an important role in helping secure a meaningful 2026 season while supporting the long-term management improvements this fishery badly needs.”
During the fly-in, attendees shared firsthand accounts of how abrupt and limited seasons affect fishing businesses and coastal economies. Charter operators, headboats and tackle shops had booked trips, ordered inventory, advertised fishing opportunities and helped customers plan travel based on the announced state seasons. The sudden shutdown created cancellations, refunds, customer confusion and lost business across the region.
“The strong turnout of serious industry leaders punctuates the broad support for modernizing South Atlantic red snapper management,” said Jeff Angers, president of CSP. “We’re encouraged by the momentum in Washington and remain committed to working with the Congress, the Administration and our state partners to secure meaningful fishing opportunities built on better data and better science.”
Atlantic red snapper supports recreational fishing access, tourism and small businesses throughout the South Atlantic. Anglers bottom fishing in the region often find it difficult to avoid red snapper due to their high abundance. In recent years, however, the recreational season has often been limited to just one or two days, largely because of persistent shortcomings in recreational data. The state EFPs were designed to help address those problems by testing more precise, state-led systems that can support better management and better access.
The coalition is calling on Congress to support NOAA and the South Atlantic states in securing a meaningful 2026 season while advancing long-term management improvements that put states in the driver’s seat on recreational data collection and accountability. These improvements are essential to ensuring future decisions reflect both the health of the red snapper stock and the economic importance of recreational fishing to coastal communities.
“We’re committed to finding a solution to the ongoing failures in the federal recreational angling data system,” said Pat Murray, president of Coastal Conservation Association. “The West Coast and Gulf Coast have shown that the states are better able to provide reliable data for the management of our marine resources. Congress, the states, NOAA leadership and recreational anglers are united in the effort to allow the South Atlantic states to follow that same path and enable better management of our fisheries. We are confident we will prevail.”
“Recent red snapper seasons have been only a handful of days, which is incredibly difficult for anglers, boating businesses, marinas, manufacturers, dealers, and coastal communities that depend on access to the fisheries to make a living,” said Frank Hugelmeyer, president and CEO of the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA). “The recreational boating industry reiterates its strong support for improved data collection of this important recreational fishery and the critical opportunity on a short time horizon to pilot state-led management in the southeast region, so that best available science can guide decisions that support small businesses and anglers.”
“The South Atlantic exempted fishing permits represent the first real opportunity to collect accurate, reliable data on recreational catch and discards, providing a stronger scientific foundation for future management decisions and appropriate access for anglers,” said Chris Horton, senior director of fisheries policy for the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation. “Today’s management challenges stem from an imprecise federal recreational data system that was never designed to do what it is being asked to do. These state pilot programs will chart a better path forward, not only for red snapper, but ultimately for the entire snapper-grouper complex.”
ASA, CSP, CCA, CSF and NMMA will continue working with Congress, the Administration, NOAA and state partners to secure near-term fishing opportunities for 2026 and advance lasting improvements to South Atlantic red snapper management.
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About the American Sportfishing Association
The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is the trade association for the sportfishing industry, representing the interests of manufacturers, retailers, outdoor media and recreational anglers. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, ASA drives industry growth, champions science-based conservation and advocates for public access to America’s waterways.
About Coastal Conservation Association
CCA is the largest marine conservation group of its kind, representing over 125,000 recreational anglers nationwide. Founded in 1977, CCA advocates for the preservation of coastal marine resources through scientific research, habitat enhancement, and legislative action.
About the Center for Sportfishing Policy
CSP brings America’s leading advocates for marine recreational fishing and boating to promote good stewardship of our nation’s marine resources under a single umbrella. CSP’s mission is to maximize the opportunity for saltwater anglers by engaging stakeholders to speak with one voice to shape federal fisheries policy.
About the Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
The Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation (CSF) works with lawmakers at both the federal and state levels to shape conservation policy, defend access to public lands and waters, and advance America’s outdoor heritage for hunters, anglers, trappers, and recreational shooters.
About the National Marine Manufacturers Association
NMMA is the leading trade organization for the North American recreational boating industry. Representing thousands of marine manufacturers, the NMMA unifies the industry’s voice and champions initiatives that promote boating safety, environmental stewardship, and sustainable market growth.
The post Recreational Fishing Leaders Visit Capitol Hill to Urge Action on South Atlantic Red Snapper appeared first on ASA.
]]>The testimonials were collected through a survey conducted by Southwick Associates to gain feedback from fishing businesses affected by the closure, which occurred only hours before Florida’s 39-day Atlantic red snapper season was scheduled to begin. The survey responses show that businesses had already booked trips, purchased supplies, ordered tackle, advertised the season and helped customers plan travel around the anticipated fishing opportunity.
“This survey confirms what fishing businesses and coastal communities have been saying since the moment this season was shut down: the economic losses are real, substantial and completely avoidable,” said Martha Guyas, Southeast Fisheries Policy Director for ASA. “The Atlantic red snapper stock is healthy and abundant, yet anglers and businesses were denied meaningful access with almost no warning. ASA calls on federal and state agencies, as well as state and federal lawmakers, to do everything possible to salvage a meaningful 2026 season and prevent this kind of economic harm from happening again.”
For many charter operators, the timing of the closure turned a long-awaited season into immediate cancellations and lost income.
“The State of Florida and NMFS told us in writing that we would have 39 days to fish for Red Snapper. I booked all days as my clients were anticipating the opportunity. Literally 4 hours before the opening day, the federal government said no. My livelihood depends on charter fishing,” one charter operator told Southwick Associates.
Another operator described the effect on a business that had been building bookings for months.
“It completely destroyed my year. The buildup for red snapper season stemming from Nov. 2025 had my calendar filling up very quickly. When the closure happened, people started canceling immediately and started changing plans to travel to the Gulf,” the operator said.
The survey also shows that customers were not simply cancelling fishing trips. In many cases, families had planned larger vacations around the red snapper season.
“Since the closure, we have already experienced customer confusion, cancellations and lost bookings,” one charter operator said. “Many families travel from out of state and plan vacations months in advance expecting to participate in red snapper season. This affects not only charter captains, but also local marinas, bait shops, restaurants, hotels and other coastal businesses that depend on fishing tourism.”
Headboat operators reported similar impacts. One operator said that in the week after the closure, the business refunded nearly $22,000 to 175 customers who cancelled specifically because red snapper was closed. The same business had already purchased a billboard advertising red snapper season, an expense that could not be recovered after the season was abruptly shut down.
Fishing tackle retailers also reported losses and uncertainty after preparing for the expanded season. Many shops had ordered inventory specifically for red snapper fishing and expected increased customer traffic tied to the 39-day season. Instead, retailers described foregone business, customer confusion and ripple effects throughout coastal communities.
“It has impacted us heavily, but also the hotels, gas stations, restaurants and other shops of myriad kinds,” one fishing retailer told Southwick Associates.
Another retailer, who said they had been in the industry for about 30 years, described the late timing of the closure as especially damaging.
“It was ridiculous how late the appeal was made and closure was established; I know there are many businesses that had customers ready to go and had to cancel or try to redirect that business,” the retailer said.
A separate respondent said the sudden change caused “many challenges, foregone business and likely inadvertent violations by unknowing anglers.”
The testimonials show that the last-minute closure affected more than access to a popular fishery. Charter captains lost bookings. Headboats issued refunds. Tackle shops were left with inventory ordered for a season that never opened. Families changed travel plans. Coastal businesses that depend on fishing activity lost customer traffic they had been preparing for months in advance.
“Predictability matters,” added Guyas.“Fishing businesses cannot operate, and anglers cannot plan family trips, when seasons are announced and then eliminated hours before they begin. Agencies and policymakers must act quickly to restore access, support affected businesses and rebuild trust in fisheries management.”
ASA will continue working with federal and state partners to secure a meaningful 2026 Atlantic red snapper season and ensure that future management decisions recognize both the health of the fishery and the economic importance of recreational fishing to Florida’s coastal communities.
The post Florida’s Last-Minute Atlantic Red Snapper Closure Caused Immediate Harm to Fishing Businesses and Coastal Communities appeared first on ASA.
]]>The Court’s decision temporarily blocks implementation of the state-led pilot programs, which were designed to test key recreational data collection improvements and a state-led management approach while providing expanded recreational access to the South Atlantic red snapper stock, similar to previous efforts in the Gulf.
South Atlantic red snapper is not a stock in jeopardy. Anglers and managers have worked for years to rebuild this fishery, and those efforts have been wildly successful. The latest stock assessment confirms what anglers see on the water – the Atlantic red snapper stock is as abundant now as ever. Despite this success, the recreational fishery in recent years has been limited to one- or two-day federal harvest seasons, which has led to excessive discard mortality estimates and a derby-style fishery that results in foregone yield, poses safety risks, and erodes public confidence in South Atlantic federal fisheries management. The EFP pilot programs were specifically designed to collect the science necessary to move beyond these management challenges through partnership with anglers and for-hire businesses.
Economic consequences of this decision will be substantial throughout the South Atlantic region. ASA and CCA are currently working with partners and stakeholders to gather information that demonstrates the full scope of these impacts.
ASA and CCA continue to stand with NOAA Fisheries and the participating states as they evaluate all available options moving forward. We remain committed to advancing science-based recreational fisheries management that supports conservation, improves data collection and provides reasonable public access to healthy fisheries.
The post ASA and CCA Respond to Court Decision Blocking South Atlantic Red Snapper Pilot Programs appeared first on ASA.
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