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June3–11

National Fishing and Boating Week – June 3-11, 2023

National Fishing and Boating Week is in the first full week of June — beginning on June 3 and ending on June 11 this year — and brings together all fishing and boating enthusiasts to learn about new spots and destinations to plan their next trip. In recent years, this week is used to raise awareness about sustainable fishing and keeping our recreational water spots clean. Spend this week learning about our great rivers and lakes and how we can protect them.

History of National Fishing and Boating Week

The U.S. is blessed with countless lakes and rivers. These water sources allow locals to enjoy recreational activities like boating and fishing. Each year, hundreds of Americans indulge in these fun water activities. Apart from being a great form of outdoor activity, fishing and boating have a key role in building the nation’s economy.

The fishing and boating industry in the U.S. provides hundreds of jobs to the locals and generates a great amount of revenue, which is used by the government to save the sea animals and their habitats.

In the year 1950, the state was able to collect around $4 billion through its Sport Fish Restoration Program. The funds were used for fish production and to create awareness about the local fishing industry among the general public.

This week was founded by former American president George W. Bush in 2002.
The locals were encouraged to take part in the events organized by local communities for families to enjoy recreational activities like fishing and boating.

Even before the government made it a national week in 2002, National Fishing and Boating Week was still celebrated as an unofficial fishing and boating holiday among the locals. Today, it is organized by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF). Professional anglers connect with aspiring anglers and enjoy catching fish at the lake.

Ever since its inception, the main goal of the National Fishing and Boating Week has been to collect funds through arranging recreational activities for locals. The funds are used to protect the national waterways and support the local fisheries.

National Fishing and Boating Week timeline

1871
Fishery Science

America's first fisheries research center is built at Woods Hole.

1897
Book on Fish Culture

A complete guide on fish culture is released by the U.S. Commission of Fisheries

1918
The Rise of Fish Preservation

A laboratory in Washington, D.C., is made for preserving fish.

1944
Women and Fisheries

U.S. fish processing facilities hire females for the first time.

National Fishing and Boating Week FAQs

Why is fishing bad?

Fishing is not exactly bad for the marine environment. However, overfishing can harm sea life. The term ‘overfishing’ means catching too many stocks of fish in a particular area so that the species are unable to replenish and recover.

What are the rules of fishing?

Recreational fishing has its own sets of rules and licensing prerequisites. One is only legally allowed to catch a particular amount of fish. The use of a fishing net is also not allowed. 

Is boating a hobby?

Boating is a great recreational activity that can be pursued by anyone looking for an interesting outdoor hobby. All it takes is investing in the right size boat within a planned budget.

How to Celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week

  1. Participate in local fishing events

    During this week, the local hatcheries organize special events for families such as fishing derbies. You can either participate in groups or go solo. Not only will you have a great time but you will also be proud of the fact that you are an active participant in a society that works for the betterment of local waterways and fisheries.

  2. Go boating!

    Boating is a therapeutic activity and one of the best recreational activities you can enjoy outdoors. Whether you want to catch some exotic fish or party with your friends in a chauffeured boat, National Fishing and Boating Week is the best time to take a break and enjoy the local rivers.

  3. Catch and cook

    There's no better feeling than cooking a freshly caught fish. If you are a newbie, make sure to bleed out your fish and discard the innards. Next, scrape off the scales with a sharp knife. You can either bake your fish in an oven, fry it in a pan, or grill it on a hot griddle.

5 Facts About Boats That Will Blow Your Mind

  1. Boats are as popular as cars

    More than 18 million commercial and recreational boats are owned by U.S. citizens.

  2. Boats don't last forever

    Sailboats can't last for more than 40 years.

  3. Boats can bring you bad luck

    Keeping bananas and whistling on a boat is believed to bring bad luck.

  4. The Netherland owns the world's oldest boat

    The world's oldest boat is the Pesse canoe, which is kept at a museum in the Netherlands.

  5. Old-fashioned boats were ridiculously slow

    Boats in the 1800s could only cover a distance of 140 miles in a day.

Why we love National Fishing and Boating Week

  1. It brings people and communities closer

    Fishing is a sport that gets you connected with some amazing groups of people that are equally passionate about it. And the best part is that people of all ages and backgrounds can become a member of these groups. It doesn't matter if you are a veteran angler or have just developed an interest in fishing, these communities are for anyone and everyone who enjoys fishing and boating.

  2. It helps in the collection of funds for marine conservation

    The government needs funds to protect the country's local waterways and marine life. And the country's fish industry alone provides enough revenue for the government to spend on the development of local rivers and prevent rare species of fish from becoming extinct. The funds collected from all the competitions and events that take place on National Fishing and Boating Week also help with the conservation of local lakes and rivers.

  3. It promotes a healthy lifestyle

    Fishing is a great way to relieve stress and unwind. If you are someone who feels stressed about everything, then boating could be great your mental health. Any sport that involves water has been proven to have therapeutic benefits. Moreover, if you are a fan of fishing and love to cook the fish you have caught, then it will surely improve your overall diet. Fish is a great source of protein for those who are trying to lose weight. Plus, it is good for your eyes and bone health as it is rich in both vitamin A and calcium.

National Fishing and Boating Week dates

YearDateDay
2022June 4Saturday
2023June 3Saturday
2024June 1Saturday

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