Census Bureau Rates Florida top Fishing Destination

Every five years the U.S. Census Bureau conducts the National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation which compares outdoor recreational activities between states. The 2006 results proved Florida is the numero uno fishing destination.

Here are some lofty stats that Florida anglers may take for granted. Florida provided 46.3 million days of recreational fishing in 2006 to its many residents and tourists, first in the nation. Florida also ranked first in number of fishing participants age 16 and older with 2.77 million. And fishers in Florida spent $4.4 billion in 2006, making Florida the No. 1 place for anglers to spend their money. Texas generally came in second in most categories, showing states with large populations and year-round saltwater and freshwater fishing opportunities will come out on top.

Here are some not-so-lofty stats from the survey about the general state of fishing. There has been an overall decrease in fishermen in the last few years; in Florida, an 11 percent decline over the last 5 years. (Yet Florida still has higher participation rates than the national average.) In 2001, Florida had 3.10 million anglers, but in 2006 there were only 2.77 million people fishing in Florida. All that being said, Florida is still faring better than most states dealing with the same issues. And the future looks bright. With the huge variety of fish, fishing waters and fishing styles to choose from year-round—and the facts to prove it—no one can deny Florida is still king when it comes to fishing.