RBFF Programs & Materials: Increasing Participation in Boating and Fishing

RBFF uses marketing, outreach and education strategies to grow participation in boating and fishing, and offers a variety of tools to its stakeholders to help them more strategically and effectively focus on their angler/boater recruitment and retention efforts.

Take Me Fishing™

Take Me Fishing is the boating and fishing community's national advertising campaign, and is all about capturing the excitement and memories associated with boating and fishing. Through this campaign, RBFF utilizes a comprehensive approach to reach boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels in order to help increase participation in boating and fishing and fulfill its mission.

Stakeholders can use the Take Me Fishing materials and images in their own promotional efforts and leverage the momentum of a major national consumer campaign. The following materials are available:

  • TakeMeFishing.org: This one‐of‐a‐kind Web site is supported by the Take Me Fishing national advertising campaign and media outreach efforts. The site serves as a one‐stop‐shop for those seeking boating and fishing resources, links to each state's license and registration information and safety and conservation tips. Stakeholders can:
    • List their boating and fishing events. Use our event submission form to let the Take Me Fishing community know about it
    • Submit links to their own online boating and fishing resources
  • Marketing Guide: Customizable marketing materials to help with boating and fishing outreach initiatives, including magazine and newspaper ads, radio & print PSAs, Web banners, posters, event banners and more.
  • Take Me Fishing Television PSA: Professionally produced 30-second PSA that communicates the link between fishing license sales and boat registrations to conservation.
  • Photo Library: Professional boating and fishing images to help with outreach efforts.
  • Fishington.com: Fishington ‐ The Fishing & Boating Capital of the Internet ‐is an online community tailored specifically to boating and fishing enthusiasts. Fishington allows stakeholders to create a profile, map their location and related bodies of water, share photos and videos, build fans of their facility or service and allow for feedback. Create a profile and start connecting today!
    • Fishington Web Banners are available for your Web site.

Anglers' Legacy™

Anglers' Legacy asks avid anglers to share their passion for boating and fishing and "Take the Pledge" - a promise to introduce at least one newcomer to the sport each year. Anglers' Legacy Program Supporters (manufacturers, retailers, fishing clubs and state organizations) can use the following resources to encourage outdoor enthusiasts to introduce someone new to the sport through retail, event or Web promotions, in‐store signage and more. Anglers' Legacy Pledge drives provide the opportunity to partner - and build relationships with - local businesses, retailers, manufacturers or clubs.

  • Print Public Service Announcements (PSAs): Our PSAs reflect the program's increased efforts to encourage anglers to "make a promise that's easy to keep" and introduce a newcomer to fishing.
  • Television PSAs: The Anglers' Legacy TV PSAs feature many top fishing pros.
  • Web Banners: Place one of our animated Web banners on your Web site and show your support of the Anglers' Legacy program.
  • Logos: Display an Anglers' Legacy logo to let others know you support the program.

Education & Event Planning

RBFF provides several tools to help aquatic educators and event planners host successful boating and fishing events.

  • Event Planning: A step-by-step guide to planning, promoting, and hosting successful fishing, boating and aquatic stewardship events. 
  • Passport to Fishing & Boating: An introduction to a lifetime of recreation for families with little or no previous fishing and boating experience.
  • Best Practices: Provides the tools and insights into how to deliver better programming.
  • Explore the Blue: An online initiative from RBFF and Discovery Education that encourages youth to discover on-the-water activities and learn about the importance of conservation efforts.
  • Education Grants: RBFF's National Youth Fishing & Boating Initiative offers boating and fishing education grants to youth-focused boating, fishing and conservation organizations.
  • Scouting Patch Program: RBFF offers three patches for Cub Scouts and Scouts to earn while sharing their love of fishing.
  • Tip Sheets: Provide details on how to be a successful and safe angler or boater.

State Direct Mail Marketing Program

RBFF works with 33 state agencies on a Direct Mail Marketing Program aimed at increasing fishing license sales across the United States. Designed to reel in lapsed anglers and keep them hooked, the program is directed at increasing participation in the sport and generating awareness of the connection between fishing license sales and conservation efforts. Participating states receive:

Research

RBFF has commissioned primary research and compiled secondary research related to recreational boating and fishing, aquatic resource stewardship and program evaluation.

RBFF encourages businesses and organizations to share their own results to help inform others and advance our understanding of what works.

  • RBFF Research: Primary research commissioned by RBFF and secondary research compiled for RBFF.
  • RBFF Program Evaluation: Primary research commissioned by RBFF in order to evaluate its programs.
  • Related Research: Other secondary research compiled by various organizations.