Tuesday Nov. 29 is “Giving Tuesday,” and the Future Angler Foundation is hoping that the recreational fishing industry and anglers of all backgrounds will support the group’s programs. The foundation’s goal is to introduce the public to fishing and boating through educational, promotional and grass-roots efforts to recruit, retain and reactivate anglers and boaters.
“The non-profit world looks at Giving Tuesday as its Super-Bowl,” Patrick Neu, FAF president, said in a statement. “We recognize there are many great causes to choose from in this country, but few have the opportunity to change the lives of the masses that the Future Angler Foundation provides. Creating anglers and boaters is a mission the FAF believes can have a truly positive impact on those who participate in these activities.”
Entry to fishing and boating can be difficult for those who don’t have family ties or mentors to pass along the tradition. The FAF works to bridge the gap by supporting individuals and organizations who volunteer their time and money to teach anglers and families who want to learn more about fishing and boating. The foundation focuses on education and hands-on participation in sportfishing, guided by skilled leaders and backed by content and engaging curriculums. It offers grants for school programs, tournament programs, outreach and education and partner programs.
According to Neu, the FAF’s footprint in the United States has grown in the past 10 years and the organization teamed with Discover Mediaworks in 2018 to bring a digital component to the group.
“Through Getting Families Fishing and Boating television programs that air nationally on our Into the Outdoors Television Network, the Future Angler Foundation now helps expose tens of millions of non-anglers annually to a sport that can change the quality of their life,” DMW CEO Mark Rose said in the statement. “We’re extremely proud to play a role in this partnership that has been funded by the FAF over the past five years and we look forward to expanding the breadth of our influence through the series in the years to come.”
In addition to exposing people to angling and boating, the FAF is using angler/boater education and outreach to oreverse the attrition that has taken place in sportfishing and boating. “We do this through networking and a hands-on grassroots approach that has proven to be extremely effective, combined with digital content we have created that sees millions of impressions,” said Neu. “We believe participation in outdoor activities like fishing are at the core of the American way of life and essential to the future of our nation.
