Florida Fish Busters June 2006 FLORIDAFISHING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD By Bob Wattendorf Numerous Florida cities describe

themselves as the capital of the world for certain fish species. For instance, Palatka - bass; Fort Walton Beach - billfish; Okeechobee - crappie; Stuart - sailfish; and Boca Grande - tarpon. The Florida Sports Foundation also proclaims Florida to be the Sports Capital of the World, but, of them all, perhaps the best-documented is the Florida, Fishing Capital of the World boast that brings them all together. Florida is the Fishing Capital of the World because of great resources and expert management. The diversity of sport fishes, habitats, great year-round fishing weather and a superb tourism and fishing-related business infrastructure is unsurpassed in the United States. The first organized use of the title to recognize these facts for promotional purposes followed the release of the 2001 National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation. This survey is the benchmark by which states can fairly compare the social and economic impact of recreational fishing in their states and is conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service every five years. They document Floridas pre-eminence in recreational fishing. Overall (freshwater and saltwater fishing combined) Florida ranked number one in: In-State Anglers--3.1 million (vs. #2 California with 2.4 million) Days of Fishing in State--48.4 million (vs. #2 Texas with 32.8 million) Days of Fishing by State Residents--43.4 million (vs. #2 Texas with 34.1 million) Days of Fishing by Non-Residents--6.0 million (vs. #2 Wisconsin with 3.7 million) Total expenditures for equipment--$2.5 billion (vs. #2 Minnesota with $1.7 billion) Overall retail sales for fishing--$4.1 billion (vs. #2 Texas $2.2 billion) Non-Resident Economic Output--$1.5 billion (vs. #2 North Carolina with $0.7 billion) Overall Economic Output--$7.5 billion (vs. #2 California with $4.9 billion)

Some other interesting factoids include: Recreational fishing supported an estimated 81,815 jobs in Florida. In Florida, people spend over three times more days fishing than at the Magic Kingdom. Annual spending by Florida anglers is five times greater than the cash receipts from the states orange crop ($4.1 billion vs. $0.8 billion). More Florida residents fish or hunt each year than attend Miami Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars games combined (3.2 million vs. 1.6 million).

Of the 4,549 world record fish catches, 723 are from Florida as listed by the International Game Fish Association far more than any other state (#2 Texas has 92) or country. Florida has the largest number of marinas in the country (2,018). Florida ranks first in the country in boating purchases including: boats ($760 million), outboard motors ($404.5 million), boat trailers ($23.6 million) and miscellaneous marine accessories ($221.5 million). However, to maintain healthy habitats and fish populations and to provide safe and sustainable fishing in the face of human population growth requires an immense effort on the part of the Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). Until the latter part of the 20th century, Floridas outstanding fisheries attracted few anglers and sport fish occurred naturally in phenomenal numbers. Now expert scientific management and law enforcement is necessary to ensure the future of these resources and the opportunity for anglers to enjoy their favorite hobby or sport and pass it on to future generations of happy anglers.

By continuing to focus on habitat improvements, wise-use of management regulations and having a flexible stocking program to respond to changing needs, the FWC can continue to ensure Floridas pre-eminence as the Fishing Capital of the World. That will require an informed citizenry and public support. Individuals or fishing-related businesses and non-profit organizations can log in at www.FWCteam.com to obtain more information and to become part of this grand effort. Organized fishing clubs and conservation groups like SOS Lakes (www.sos-floridalakes.org) are an important component in anglers getting together to speak out for the resource and for their preferred forms of outdoor recreation. In the end, these efforts will help enhance the quality of fisheries habitat and provide safe and sustainable fishing opportunities for residents and tourists to Florida while creating and revitalizing local business opportunities.

Visit www.MyFWC.com or www.FishingCapital.net to learn more about fishing in Florida.