Freshwater Fishing

Value of Freshwater Fishing in Florida

[For the latest agency-wide figures on the scope of Florida's natural resources, the value of fishing, hunting, wildlife-associated recreation, boating and the Florida seafood industry see Fast Facts.]

Although the value of recreational fisheries extends far beyond its economic impact, it is important to note that Florida's famed fisheries continue to be a major job creator and to attract millions of tourists.

Southwick Associates published the "Sportfishing in America: An Economic Force for Conservation, 2013" for the American Sportfishing Association. This report again documents that Florida remains the Fishing Capital of the World. Florida ranked #1 with 3.1 million anglers (#2 New York had 1.9 million), and total expenditures of $5 billion (#1, vs. $2.7 billion for New York). Florida's role as the fishing destination for travelers was also overwhelmingly reaffirmed, with 2 million non-resident anglers visiting the state (#2 Michigan had 347,000). The ripple effect of these dollars was an $8.7 billion economic impact from Florida's recreational fisheries that supported 80,211 jobs.

Specific to freshwater in 2011, Florida had 1.2 million anglers. They enjoyed 25.7 million days fishing (#2 Texas had 22.6 million), spending almost a billion dollars and generating an economic impact of $1.7 billion, which supported more than 14,040 jobs.

The actual reports are available from the U.S. Census Bureau and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service regarding the 2011 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Related Recreation Survey: Preliminary National; Preliminary State; Florida Details, and quick national facts.

No wonder Florida is the "Fishing Capital of the World."

For comparison, the 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau studies are found at: "National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Related Recreation"; state comparisons and Florida report. The Fish and Wildlife Service also provided a summary brochure.