In February, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation’s Take Me Fishing brand will sponsor the Progressive Miami International Boat Show where an estimated 100,000 boating enthusiasts will gather.
RBFF is looking to capitalize on the increase in fishing boat sales in 2016 by getting its brand and messaging in front of consumers who are considering purchasing a boat at what is shaping up to be the biggest show yet.
“Boating participation continues to rise, and the Miami Boat Show is a prime spot for capturing a new audience,” said RBFF president and CEO Frank Peterson in a statement. “With fishing being the most popular boating activity, a strong boating community is critical to the future of our entire industry. We are excited to have a presence at the show, reaching out to new audiences who are eager to get on the water and helping to push our 60 in 60 goal.”
Peterson will present the latest consumer trends for young, multicultural and novice boaters and anglers, and share how the 60 in 60 effort increases fishing participation at the annual National Marine Manufacturers Association Industry Breakfast on Feb. 16.
The meeting convenes leaders within the fishing and boating community to discuss the state of the industry and recognize the contributions of individuals and companies with Innovation Awards. As a co-presenting sponsor, RBFF and Take Me Fishing will be featured throughout the show on banners, displays and video ads.
Just as the boating market continues to grow — 17 million people boated for the first time in 2016, 36 percent of whom were Hispanic — the Progressive Miami International Boat Show works to attract a diverse audience from all over the country.
A majority of participants cited their intent to purchase a boat as their main motivation for attending the show, and 74 percent of participants either made or arranged to make a purchase at the show.
Fishing-boat sales are a major driver of the industry’s sustained momentum, and 95 percent of powerboats, personal watercraft and sailboats in the U.S. are vessels less than 26 feet long that can be trailered to local waterways.
