Today marks the official launch of National Take a Friend Fishing Month™, a new annual celebration created by Fishing’s Future and presented by Visit South Padre Island. Throughout June, anglers across America are encouraged to introduce someone new to fishing and share the gift that once shaped their own lives.
For nearly 20 years, Fishing’s Future has taught families how to fish together, emphasizing the social bonds that keep people engaged in the sport for life. Although more than 90% of Americans support recreational fishing, only about 19% participate. National Take a Friend Fishing Month aims to close that gap by motivating anglers to share their time, knowledge, equipment, and passion with someone who has never fished before.
“Someone once took each of us fishing,” said Fishing’s Future Executive Director Tom Lang. “National Take a Friend Fishing Month is about paying that gift forward.”
This year’s launch is powered by the National Take a Friend Fishing Month Coalition, a powerhouse group of 18 legendary anglers and outdoor personalities. Coalition members include eight Bass Fishing Hall of Fame inductees, two Texas Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame members, and multiple generations of professional anglers. Collectively, they have won eight Bassmaster Classic Championships, 26 Bassmaster Angler of the Year titles, taught millions to fish and hunt, and developed lure innovations that have caught millions of fish.
Coalition members will share personal stories, family memories, and National Take a Friend Fishing Month messages across their social channels throughout June.
Two National Tournaments Begin Today
Anglers nationwide can participate in two virtual tournaments on the free Fishing Chaos app:
• National Take a Friend Fishing Tournament — earn points for taking new people fishing.
• National Take Your Family Fishing Tournament — earn points for taking your family fishing and compete for the title of “The Most Fishing Family in America.”
Prizes include a weeklong South Padre Island fishing vacation, gear from AFTCO, Bubba, Waggle, and Zebco, and gift cards from Bass Pro Shops and Yum Baits. All participants receive exclusive discounts from event sponsors including Academy Sports & Outdoors, Bass Forecast, Big Bite Baits, Livingston Lures, Rapala, Tackle Warehouse, TFO Temple Fork Outfitters, Yum Baits, and Waggle.
Resources for New Anglers
Participants are encouraged to visit takeafriendfishing.org for resources to help ensure a great first experience. The site includes:
• Zebco Academy skill building videos
• Bass Forecast fishing conditions and recommended baits
• Fishing’s Future online courses
• Take Me Fishing beginner videos and family friendly tips
Share the Experience
Anglers are encouraged to share their June fishing experiences using #FishingsFuture and #TakeAFriendFishing, and to support Fishing’s Future through tax deductible donations.
National Take a Friend Fishing Month is presented by Visit South Padre Island and supported by the National Take a Friend Fishing Month Coalition and industry partners including South Padre Island Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, Bass Forecast, Bass Pro Shops, Academy Sports & Outdoors, AFTCO, Big Bite Baits, Bubba, GSM Outdoors, Livingston Lures, Pradco, Rapala, Rather Outdoors, Tackle Warehouse, TFO Temple Fork Outfitters, Yum Baits, Waggle, and Zebco.
For more information, visit takeafriendfishing.org. To support Fishing’s Future and its mission to strengthen family bonds through fishing, visit fishingsfuture.org.
