June 2021
Celebrating Fresh and Saltwater Fishing
As of 2018, 49.4 million Americans fished, spending 883 million days participating in the activity. Freshwater fishing accounted for 39 million participants, while 12.8 million people fished in saltwater, and many fished both.

Anglers spend $49.8 billion on fishing trips, with an average cost per trip of $1,290 in 2016. The biggest costs were bait, boat rental or purchase, and guide and land-use fees. More money was spent on fishing than birdwatching or hunting.

What type of fish are being caught? The top three freshwater fish are trout, catfish, and bass, while the top saltwater fish are American red snapper, mahi-mahi, and scamp grouper.

Want to know WHO is doing all this fishing?
Safety at Sea
Using effective lookout skills can alert you to dangerous situations—which can save lives and limit property damage. Soundingsonline.com suggests the following:

  • Use heightened listening skills while in the fog. You may hear the engine of an oncoming boat that you cannot see and have time to sound your horn or move out of the way.

  • Reduce speeds. If boating or fishing alone, going slower on the water gives you more time to assess situations.

  • Pull up anchor. Don't wait to see if an oncoming boat sees you or if they are distracted.

  • Follow no-wake and passing rules. But don't assume all boaters do. Watch out for skippers that drive too fast and aggressively.

  • Look for channel markers/buoys. Or potential missing markers—especially in shallow water where shoals could be present.
Tuesday, June 8 marked World Ocean Day. The annual celebration highlights the extraordinary and essential nature of our world’s oceans. Thanks to thousands of events and supporting media coverage, this day serves as inspiration for all of us to protect and sustain these natural wonders.

The theme for World Ocean Day 2021 was “The Ocean: Life & Livelihoods.” The aim of the campaign was to "shed light on the wonder of the ocean and how it is a life source, supporting humanity and every other organism on earth.”