Of the 48.5 million anglers in the United States today, 8.5 million have said they are interested in owning a boat. Respondents were most motivated to buy a boat to gain easier access to better fishing. Other respondents noted that fishing is a “gateway activity” to get youth interested in other outdoor activities, and that fishing is the most popular activity to do while boating.

The study, called The Special Report on Fishing and Boating, was conducted by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation.