News Release

FWC suggests taking your dad fishing for Father’s Day

June 12, 2008
Contact: Bob Wattendorf, 850-488-0331

The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) encourage families to enjoy all the pleasures of fishing in Florida.

“Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World,” said Bob Wattendorf, special projects coordinator for the FWC’s Division of Freshwater Fisheries Management. “More people fish here than in any other state, and more tourists come here to fish than anywhere else in the country because of the quality of fishing. Nearly everyone is within a few dozen miles of a place where they can wet a line.”

Father’s Day is a great time to remember the benefits of fishing, and at the top of that list is the opportunity to spend time together as families talking and enjoying nature. Getting back to nature is a national trend that is gaining momentum because of its broad-reaching health and societal benefits. What better time to get back out there than Father’s Day.

With Father’s Day fast approaching, the RBFF (www.TakeMeFishing.org) is offering Anglers’ Legacy Ambassadors a Father’s Day coupon to encourage participation in recreational boating and fishing for the upcoming holiday. This easy-to-print coupon is a reminder to outdoor enthusiasts to share these activities with loved ones and newcomers. Angling dads also can use it as a way to tell someone how they really want to celebrate the holiday – on the water.

“Father’s Day is a great opportunity to pass on the legacy of the sport to the next generation of boaters and anglers,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “Many anglers today learned to fish from their fathers. This is an opportunity for those anglers to do the same with the next generation. And as we introduce newcomers to boating and fishing, we help preserve our waterways and generate funds for conservation.”

The FWC also is offering a special five-year freshwater fishing license bonus program. This promotion provides an extra incentive to anglers, in the form of free tackle, publications and fishing accessories that add to the convenience and cost savings already associated with a five-year license.

Matched with the priceless memories created from family fishing experiences, this makes a great Father’s Day gift. Five-year licenses cost $79, plus convenience fees.

The first 3,000 customers to upgrade to a five-year freshwater fishing license not only save up to $20 in fees, but also receive a free bonus package by mail with samples, magazines and coupons from fishing-related companies. Some of the items offered include free hooks from Daiichi and Owner, lures from Culprit and Berkley, a coupon for free sunglasses from Penn, and a variety of other goodies. Five-year licenses are available online at MyFWC.com/License and via the toll-free phone number, 1-888-347-4356. In addition, they’re available at many retail stores that sell fishing supplies, bait-and-tackle shops or county tax collectors’ offices. The package typically arrives in three to four weeks, without the purchaser or the agent having to do anything else. Details are available at MyFWC.com/Fishing/5yr-2008.html.

For information about local fishing opportunities, visit MyFWC.com/Fishing/Forecasts.