2019 Sportfishing Summit Brings Recreational Fishing Industry Leaders Together
Category: article
Oct 25th, 2019 by Keith Worrall
Modified Oct 25th, 2019 at 10:06 AM
2019 Sportfishing Summit Brings Recreational Fishing Industry Leaders Together
Alexandria, VA – October 21, 2019 – The American Sportfishing Association’s (ASA) 2019 Sportfishing Summit, the sportfishing industry’s premier networking and business management event, brought together more than 220 fishing and boating industry and community leaders to discuss the issues impacting recreational fishing. For 40 industry members, this was their first time attending the Summit.
This year’s Summit theme centered around what 20/20 vision means for our industry. From opening remarks to our keynote speakers, ASA’s goal was to provide information and useful tactics to help our industry see what’s in front of us and how to respond in a strategic, focused manner.
Glenn Hughes, ASA President
During his opening remarks, ASA President Glenn Hughes said there are five challenges that currently impact the recreational fishing industry: weather is a constant variable; the imposition of tariffs on products imported from China; turbulence in government; trade and commerce issues and policy issues surrounding water, fisheries management and public access to public waters.
Hughes also noted that although fishing participation was up for the fifth year in a row – 49.1. million to 49.4 million – the rate of those dropping out – the churn rate – is largely equal to new or returning anglers. Retention continues to be an industry-wide issue.
Using the 20/20 vision as a driver, the board of directors unanimously voted to support a long-range planning initiative that will involve board members and staff.
“This new comprehensive, strategic planning initiative is an important step to build upon the association’s strengths and create a framework to guide us in the coming years,” said Hughes. “With a fresh vision, we can continue to be the best resource to our members and the entire recreational fishing community.”
New Retail Committee
During the Summit, the new Retail Committee met for the first time. The committee’s Chairman is Patrick Gill, owner of TackleDirect, who also sits on ASA’s board of directors.
The Retail Committee is charged with understanding the challenges facing the independent retail sector with respect to the regional fisheries conservation and access issues that impact their business.
Chris Megan, ASA BOD Chairman
ASA board of directors Chairman Chris Megan, publisher, On The Water, LLC, noted in his remarks that small businesses, such as independent retailers, continue to be the lifeblood our industry.
The board charged the committee and ASA staff with developing a region-by-region strategic plan, focusing on communications, to let retailers know we are developing assets for them and that we want to know their business issues and concerns.
The 2020 Sportfishing Summit will be held October 12-15 at the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club in Naples, Fla.
Thank You 2019 Sportfishing Summit Sponsors
The American Sportfishing Association extends its thanks to the following companies and agencies for their generous support of the 2019 Sportfishing Summit.
NOAA Fisheries
U.S. Forest Service
Bass Pro Shops
Costa
RBFF
Southwick Associates
St. Croix Rods
TRCP
Yamaha
AFWA
Center for Sportfishing Policy
CSF
Engel Coolers
Freeman
NMEA
NMMA
Wired2Fish