The American Sportfishing Association's (ASA) 2013 Sportfishing Summit held its annual meeting October 16-18 at the Sanibel Harbour Marriott Resort located just outside Fort Myers, FL.
The meeting brought together more than 100 industry leaders with other sportfishing community members in a number of different forums to discuss the issues impacting recreational fishing.
The 2013 Sportfishing Summit program agenda focused on:
The state of the industry and how the association has changed and adapted over the past 80 years.
The challenges and opportunities in fisheries management from a state natural resource agency perspective.
The latest trends and customer insights regarding recreational fishing
A new effort speared by the sportfishing industry and the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation to engage the Hispanic population in recreational fishing.
“As the number one fishing state in the country, Florida was a natural choice for our annual business meeting,” said ASA President and CEO Mike Nussman. “Fishing is big business not only in Florida but in the United States as well. According to the latest U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service national study, America’s anglers spend $48 billion per year on fishing equipment, transportation, lodging and other expenses associated with fishing.”
“And it’s not just the economy,” said Nussman.
“America’s anglers are the nation’s most powerful force for conserving our nation’s fisheries and waters investing more than $1 billion each year in fisheries management and conservation through taxes on fishing equipment and state fishing license sales.”
At the event, ASA recognized individuals who have given generously of their time and company resources in support of the industry and fisheries conservation.
Lifetime Achievement Award – Peter F. Foley President Boone Bait Company
Future of Fishing Award – David Pfeiffer President
Shimano American Corporation
Outstanding Industry Leader Award John Jilling
Wright & McGill, Co.
Outstanding Fisheries Conservation Award Noreen Clough U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and B.A.S.S.
The 2014 Sportfishing Summit is scheduled for October 15 – 17, in San Antonio, Texas. Texas is second only to Florida as the state where the most recreational fishing takes place.
