Writers who promote recreational fishing are eligible for cash awards and national recognition through the American Sportfishing Association’s new Angling Awareness Awards.
ASA created the awards, which recognize writers who inspire people to fish, to support the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s industrywide“60 in 60” campaign to increase the current 49.1 million U.S. anglers to 60 million in 60 months, or by 2021.
St. Croix Rods, a family-owned business headquartered in Park Falls, Wis., and a longtime ASA member, is the sponsor of the awards. “For over 70 years, St. Croix Rods has been committed to growing participation in fishing at all levels — weekenders, families, competitive anglers and folks who pack a rod to bank-fish after work,” said marketing director Jesse Simpkins in a statement. “When we heard that ASA was going to promote the 60 in 60 program through a writer’s contest, St. Croix absolutely wanted to be part of it. It’s through their passionate words that current anglers, people returning to the sport and newcomers get motivated to hit the water.”
The awards recognize consumer-facing content that focuses on:
- recruitment of new anglers
- retention of current anglers
- reactivation or re-engagement of lapsed anglers
Up to six prizes will be given, with up to five writers each receiving $300 cash awards, plaques and a custom St. Croix rod.
The Grand Prize winner will receive $1,000, a plaque, a custom St. Croix rod and an invitation to attend ASA’s Sportfishing Summit, including registration and housing. The summit is scheduled for Oct. 8-11, at Skamania Lodge in Stevenson, Wash. The award will be presented Oct. 10 during ASA’s annual awards dinner.
Click here for more information and a submission form.
