BigBendFishing.Net

The federal government says recreational saltwater fishermen pumped more than $31 billion into the U.S. economy in 2006, with Florida leading the pack.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says in a report released Monday that saltwater anglers spent $5.8 billion nationwide on expenses related to their fishing trips, such as ice and bait. Another $25.6 billion was spent on fishing equipment.

Florida anglers led the nation by spending more than $16 billion. Texas fishermen came in second with just over $3 billion spent, followed by California, Louisiana and North Carolina.

The report says the money spent nationally supported nearly 534,000 jobs. Officials say those figures will likely drop for 2007 and 2008 because of current economic woes.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/01/ ... 09408.html

Good job everyone.

I wonder how that compares to the commercial fishing industry in Florida. I would guess they pump a lot more into the economy because they have all the lobbyist and control of the regulations.

Then why does the recreational angler continue to be pushed aside and regulated off of the water?
$16 billion will buy at least 4 Senators, a couple of Congressman and maybe a VP or 1 extra red grouper, makes sense doesn't it?

jsuber wrote:
The report says the money spent nationally supported nearly 534,000 jobs. Officials say those figures will likely drop for 2007 and 2008 because of current economic woes.

http://www.forbes.com/feeds/ap/2009/01/ ... 09408.html

It had little to nothing to do with the economic woes ..it had a lot do do with the lowered limits and season closures ..it is almost not worth the trouble. People will spend money to be able to catch fish to eat even if they don't have it because it is a justifyed expense. Most people won't spend money to catch fish take a picture of and throw back just to watch the dolphins eat the out of season fish.
IMHO