Getting Families Fishing & Boating

Getting Families Fishing & Boating Initiative

The Fishing & Boating Initiative is dedicated to increasing participation in fishing and boating across the U.S. through education and outreach. Founded in 2012, the Initiative collaborates with individuals, organizations, and government agencies to introduce people of all ages to fishing and boating, emphasizing skills, safety, and stewardship of aquatic ecosystems.

Key Initiatives:

  1. Event Support: Providing free fishing gear, educational materials, and T-shirts to volunteers and organizations hosting angling events, engaging approximately 20,000 participants annually.
  2. Digital Education: In partnership with “Into the Outdoors” and other funding partners, videos and educational materials are created on fishing and boating safety, reaching millions of viewers each year. This content, designed for schools and the public, is accessible at no charge.
  3. Community & School Programs: The Initiative trains volunteers to teach fishing and boating skills in community settings like parks and schools. They also offer free curriculum resources for educators.
  4. AIS Awareness: To protect lakes and rivers, the Initiative educates anglers and boaters on preventing the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS).

Through these efforts, the Initiative supports the R3 (Recruitment, Retention, Reactivation) movement, aiming to build the next generation of anglers and boaters while preserving America’s natural resources for future generations.

Providing Fishing Tools and Merchandise

The Getting Families Fishing & Boating Initiative provides materials, such as rod/reel combos, conservation themed t-shirts, and boating safety and conservation literature to engage youth in angling at various youth-focused and new angler/boater events. Organizations can request these materials by submitting a grant application for specific fishing or boating events. These events typically fall into one of three categories: Outreach and Education Events, Fishing Tournament Programs, and School-Oriented Events.

Click Here to Apply for Event Materials

Getting Families Fishing: Education & Involvement

Launched in 2018 in partnership with the Into the Outdoors Education Network, this initiative creates high-quality educational content through television and classroom videos to inspire youth and families to explore nature, take up fishing, and learn about boating safety.

View the Classroom Videos

Simply telling a kid to “try fishing” or “go boating” isn’t enough to spark long-term interest. Recruitment into these activities requires a multi-step educational approach, where youth use their own values to decide that fishing and boating are fun, safe, and rewarding activities to try with friends or family.

Key Educational Tools Provided:

  1. Peer-hosted media: Youth engage with entertaining and educational content, influenced by peers.
  2. Classroom curriculum: Peer-driven discovery processes allow for shared learning and self-expression.

Thank You Partners