The Recreational Fishing EcoSystem

[JonDevin]

Someone should do a graphic of this. It would look great on a poster board for the march. Unfortunately I am no graphic artist. But I started to write down all of the things that I spend money on as a fisherman and who it supports and what the results are:

Things that I spend money on
Rods
Reels
Line
Leader
Hooks
Sinkers
Terminal Tackle
Bait
Lures
Bibs
Boots
Coveralls
Waders
Dry Suit
Kayak
Radio
GPS
Sonar
Drift Sock
Anchor
Tackle Boxes and Bags
Smelter
Mask
Powder Paint
Powder Paint Fluid Bed
Torch
Molds
Bucktail
Flashing
Eyes
Glue
Engine
Boat
Oil
Gas
Maintenance
Storage
Launch Fees
Registration
Insurance
Coolers
Car Rack
Trailer
Trailer Registration
Tournament Fees
Party Boat Fares
Charter Boat Fares
TIPS
Automobile Gas
Automobile Tolls
Food & Drink
Expo Admissions

Who it supports
Party Boats
Charter Boats
Tackle Shops
Kayak Shops
State Registrations & Tolls
Insurance Industry
Charities
Conservation
Equipment Manufacturers

What it results in
Wonderful time spent with family and friends.

I'm sure you guys could add a hundred things to this list. Any graphic artists out there up to this challenge?

[MartyS]

I'm thinking that the sign that Washington needs to see is the total dollar value that recreational fishing contributes to the economy.

Also, how many jobs do we support across many sectors...manufacturing, hospitality, etc?

[Reel Class]

Jon, maybe one of our computer gurus can create a "web" of sorts. GREAT Job, and its so damn true!!!! With a damaged economy, there's nothing like KEEPING successful businesses in good shape!!!

[Pete]

Right you are Jon,

Economics are exactly the thing that the pols understand. Think of the billions a year that are pumped into the local, state and federal economies.

Add to the list all the taxes paid, fuel, income, state purchases, boat registration, permits and the like. If they think times are hard now, shut down the fishing machine, talk about hard times!

A couple other items, ice, how many billions of pounds of ice are purchased a year? Lodging, with the attached taxes. I'm certain there are many more items that could be added to the list, and will.

Money does talk. And the decibel level, shoild be deafening to the pols in DC, on march day.

I'd be remiss if this one little gem weren't added. A day out on the water fishing with your dad/kids: PRICELESS! The most absolute damaging effect of any shutdown.

Great post.

Pete

[High low]

Economics are exactly the thing that the pols understand. Think of the billions a year that are pumped into the local, state and federal economies.
Pete

As of '06, how does $1.6 billion in direct sales, $830 million in economic multipliers, and 9,814 jobs all from the tiny Garden State.

http://blogs.courierpostonline.com/fishhead/2009/01/12/nj-anglers-lead-region-in-economic-impact/

Here are some links for some insightful facts. Sad that even the sites that track the economic impact of the oceanic resources are looking for funding before they go black.

www.oceaneconomics.org
www.marineeconomics.noaa.gov