This week, a 20-page proposal containing recommendations from 17 organizations representing more than 3,000 businesses and the nation’s 57.7 million anglers was distributed by the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade association for the sportfishing industry. Its recommendations could play a key role in keeping angler access and fisheries management an ongoing priority in the White House and the next Congress.

Titled THE FUTURE OF SPORTFISHING: Policy Recommendations from the Recreational Fishing Community, the proposal was a collaborative effort aimed at guiding science-based conservation, growth in trade and commerce, increasing access and education, and advocating for the rights of the American angler. The recommendations are divided into three categories: federal funding requests, marine policy proposals, and freshwater policy proposals.

“This is the first time in memory that such a diverse group of recreational fishing community organizations have come together in support of a suite of policies like this,” said Mike Leonard, Vice President of Government Affairs at ASA. “It shows the breadth and opportunity that the next Administration and Congress has to prioritize recreational angling in their agenda, and we’re excited to see these recommendations come to fruition.”

Among the groups that joined ASA in signing the report were Major League Fishing, B.A.S.S., Trout Unlimited, Coastal Conservation Association, Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation, Marine Retailers Association of the America’s, and National Marine Manufacturers Association. Click here to hear from more of the supporters.

For the recreational fishing community, the recommendations come at a pivotal moment for angler access and fisheries conservation. Both fisheries’ health and angler access are affected deeply by federal policies—and those policies can face varying levels of support as presidential administration and congressional representation change.

Sportfishing Issues for the Next Administration

Sportfishing leaders say that no matter the outcome of the presidential election, the next Administration will play a critical role in a wide swath of issues affecting both saltwater and freshwater anglers. Let’s look at the highlights:

• Dedicated Funding for Federal Agencies – Federal land management agencies are charged with conserving and restoring our waterways and fisheries. While outdoor recreation, fishing included, contributes 2.2% of the U.S. GDP, the agencies tasked with managing this sector only receive .16% of the total federal spending. Agencies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, and NOAA Fisheries rely on adequate funding to support critical resource management efforts, restoration programs, and data collection.
• The Sportfish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund – One of the most successful “user pay, user benefit” programs in the nation, this program reallocates tax dollars to support habitat restoration and improvements in all 50 U.S. states as well as tribal nations and territories. The fund is up for reauthorization in 2026. Without reauthorization and dedicated funding, state and tribal fisheries management agencies will lose the critical funding needed to protect America’s shared resources.
• Improve Data Collection – NOAA Fisheries’Marine Recreational Information Program tracks recreational harvest, which fisheries managers then compare to allowable catch. Improvements in data collection are long overdue, as the current measurement system is thought to overestimate fishing effort by up to 40%, resulting in lost opportunities and harm to businesses.
• North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule – Industry leaders support the implementation of real-time whale detection technology that would keep whales safe while keep anglers and boaters on the water. The report asks the administration to withdraw 2022 amendments to this rule that would limit angler access to waters on the East Coast.
• Aquatic Invasive Species – Invasive species like zebra mussels and invasive carp are wreaking havoc on aquatic ecosystems across the nation. The next administration will have an opportunity to modernize existing legislation such as the Lacey Act and the Nonindigenous Aquatic Nuisance Species Prevention and Control Act to engage, educate, and recruit recreational users to prevent and lessen the spread of invasive species. Additionally, Congress must reauthorize the Aquatic Nuisance Species Task Force and provide increased funding and grants for AIS control and prevention.
• SHARKED Act – A 2024 act passed by the House of Representatives that would make headway in studying the prevalence of shark depredation and seek to find solutions to a growing problem for saltwater anglers. Industry leaders are pushing for the SHARKED Act to become law.
• Farm Bill Reauthorization – Industry leaders are pushing for a $6 billion Conservation Title in the upcoming Farm Bill Reauthorization. The Conservation Title is the single largest investment in private land and water conservation by the federal government, supporting a wide range of programs that incentivize farmers, ranchers and landowners to restore critical habitat for fisheries and prevent downstream impacts of pollution to our waterways.
• Traditional Tackle – Sportfishing industry leaders are asking to continue efforts to improve angler access while keeping fishing tackle flowing off store shelves. This includes a request to avoid restricting traditional tackle such as lead sinkers and jigs on public lands and waters. The restriction of lead tackle would reduce access and put an unreasonable burden on the sportfishing industry and anglers, particularly those of low income.

“Recreational fishing generates $148 billion for the U.S. economy each year and it is important for our elected officials to understand what issues our constituency cares about. These recommendations give them a roadmap for how they can best support us” added Leonard.

Fishing and conservation have long received bipartisan support, and many previous occupants of the Oval Office were also avid anglers. The Bush’s enjoyed chasing striped bass at their Maine retreat while Jimmy Carter was known to frequent Pennsylvania’s famous spring creeks. President Hoover even built his own fishing camp on the Rapidan River within the boundary of what is now Shenandoah National Park. The close relationship between the angling community and the federal government is crucial to ensuring the growth of this wholesome, traditional activity and the success of conservation endeavors.

Regardless of the outcome of this November’s election, the sportfishing industry and the recreational fishing community are ready to work with the incoming administration and Congress to ensure a healthy future for our sport.