The national research study “Casting a Wide Net: Identifying New Anglers and Boaters and Determining Tactics for Retention” co-sponsored by the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) and global market-research firm IPSOS, projects millions of new and returning anglers and boaters thanks to a surge in interest during COVID-19.

Key findings from the report include:

• New anglers and boaters are younger, more urban and more diverse. They are also highly socially connected.
• Three key elements of fishing and boating are main motivators to these new anglers and boaters: social connection with loved ones, the challenge of the activities and the connection to nature they offer.
• The biggest barriers faced by new participants include balancing other priorities, not having the proper equipment or not knowing about affordable options, not having enough experience and not having a fishing or boating companion.
• 90% of new anglers and 94% of new boaters wish to continue these activities in the future. Necessary actions that fishing and boating organizations can take to retain this new audience include reminding newcomers of the great fishing and boating experiences they had in 2020, highlighting convenient water access, providing beginner educational resources, emphasizing the social aspects of fishing and boating, and recommending cost-effective equipment.

To see the full report, visit www.takemefishing.org/WhosOnBoard.