SFC Joins Forces with RBFF to Increase Participation in Fishing and Boating

(Dallas, TX, April 2, 2024) – Sport Fishing Championship (SFC) today announced an integrated partnership with the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), whose mission is to increase participation in recreational fishing and boating, along with its consumer brand, Take Me Fishing™. The alliance is designed to bring awareness to sportfishing fans and educate them on where, how, and when to fish and boat. 

TakeMeFishing.org will be highlighted as a resource for SFC fans via season-long promotions on social media and branded content during TV broadcasts. A series of instructional vignettes featuring SFC talent will showcase offshore fishing tips and angler experiences as a focal point of the joint storytelling.

The partnership was inspired by results from the 2023 “Fishing’s Emerging Fan Base” study conducted by Wasserman and SFC. 

“One of our more interesting data points recognizes that about half of SFC fans don’t fish,” said Mark Neifeld, CEO and Commissioner of Sport Fishing Championship. “They just love how we showcase the sport. SFC is the perfect platform for RBFF to encourage and grow fishing, and we are humbled to lock arms with one of our industry’s most influential voices.”

“We saw an opportunity to engage all SFC fans, including those who don’t currently fish, with educational content to help them start their fishing journey,” said Rachel Auslander, RBFF Director of Partnerships & Development. “Even though sportfishing is still aspirational for many, most Americans have places to fish, either in fresh or saltwater, within 30 minutes of their homes. Together with SFC, we are creating educational vignettes - a great first step for those looking to learn, plan, and equip for a successful day on the water.”

In an additional collaboration, SFC will emcee and sponsor RBFF’s “Women’s Engagement Breakfast,” a sold-out annual event at ICAST, the leading fishing industry trade show. The breakfast highlights the latest research and information about women in fishing and boating, and their continued barriers to participation. It also showcases real-life examples of industry brands engaging successfully with women, and new initiatives from Take Me Fishing’s female focused “Find Your Best Self on the Water” campaign. 

About Sport Fishing Championship

SFC is the world’s largest owner and media rights holder of saltwater fishing tournaments, found on network television, SFC Digital Network, YouTube and more. In 2024, SFC’s Billfish Championship (professional offshore fishing league) will feature 13 tournaments from April through August across destinations in the Gulf of Mexico, up the Atlantic seaboard, and in the Bahamas. On April 20, 2024 SFC will debut the second annual edition of The Catch, an offshore fishing competition that pairs current NFL greats with SFC star anglers. The two-hour event is broadcast live on network television.

About RBFF

RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase recreational angling and boating participation, thereby protecting, and restoring the nation's aquatic natural resources. To help recruit, retain, and reactivate participants, RBFF developed the award-winning Take Me Fishing™ campaign to build awareness of boating, fishing, and conservation and educate people about the benefits of participation.

The campaign websites feature how-to-videos and an interactive state-by-state map that allows visitors to find local boating and fishing spots, helping boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels learn, plan, and equip for a successful day on the water.

RBFF also offers its industry stakeholders many tools, including a Fishing License & Boat Registration Plugin to connect their customers with the information they need in just one click and an embeddable Places to Fish & Boat Map to help their customers discover places to fish and boat near them.

For Media Inquires, Please Contact:
Courtney Hueston
Director of Marketing
305-335-2613
courtney@sportfishingchampionship.com