During 1996, an estimated 2.9 million anglers fished in Florida. Next highest was California with 2.7 million then Texas with 2.6 million. Not bad for a state that is only 40 percent as big as California and less than a quarter of Texas’ size. There were 45.5 million days of fishing fun provided in the Sunshine State. Of recreational anglers in Florida, 43 percent fished in fresh water. Fishing generated, in direct expenditures, $2.8 billion for Florida’s economy. In California $3.7 billion was spent and in Texas $3.2 billion, both by fewer anglers, indicating that fishing in Florida is much less expensive.

Compared to 1991, that is a 26 percent increase in days spent fishing in Florida. Ironically, during that same period Florida resident fishing license sales have declined 8 percent, and over 40 percent of anglers are legally exempt from fishing licenses. License revenue is one of the primary sources of funding for all of the Division of Fisheries (Fisheries) programs that manage the state’s 3 million acres of lakes and ponds and 12,000 miles of rivers and streams. So declining license sales will have a direct impact on fisheries habitat and quality fishing, at a time when more people are fishing. The Fisheries budget to manage this billion dollar plus resource is barely $10 million, less than one percent of its value.

The "Outdoor Recreation in America--1996 Survey" showed that twice as many people fish as golf, with 22 percent of the national population participating in fishing. So why are fishing license sales on the decline, and what can be done? A survey conducted by Fisheries in 1995 indicated primary reasons for the decline were: "not enough time" (45%), "poor fishing" (34%), and "license cost too high" (29%). Limited local access was another issue.

So what’s being done? Well, we can’t generate more time, but we have been working on making fishing better and providing more convenient access. For instance, in 1991 and 1992 no 10-pound or larger bass were reported to Florida Sportsman magazine as having been caught in tournaments. In the first half of 1997, there have already been 17 such bass reported. Similar signs that the end of the drought is near come from the huge increase in "Big Catch" program fishes being recorded from all around the state, not only for bass but also for bluegill, redear, specks, stripers, peacock bass, flathead catfish and other species. Fisheries currently manages over 200 boat ramps around the state, and soon the detailed directions to them will be available at the web site listed below. We are also expanding efforts to provide fishing piers, and bank access to make quick, fun fishing trips available to everyone.

What can you do to help? Keep your fishing license up-to-date. It only takes a phone call to 1-888-FISH-FLORIDA to instantly renew your license, or buy a five-year license. Buy a Florida Bass Specialty Plate for your car; $25 of the cost will go to fish and wildlife conservation. For a little extra joy in your day, contact a Commission office and offer to volunteer to help teach youths to fish and help conserve our resources.