Fishing’s Future has officially launched a nationwide search to find “The Most Fishing Family in America,” as two national virtual tournaments kick off today in celebration of National Take a Friend Fishing Month™. The month-long initiative, created by Fishing’s Future and presented by Visit South Padre Island, encourages anglers across the country to introduce someone new to fishing and strengthen family bonds on the water.
For nearly 20 years, Fishing’s Future has taught families how to fish together, emphasizing the social connections 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. “These tournaments are a fun way to pay that gift forward — and maybe even earn the title of America’s Most Fishing Family.”
Two National Tournaments Begin Today
Both tournaments are hosted on the free Fishing Chaos app and are open to anglers nationwide. All proceeds go to support Fishing’s Future’s efforts to take more families fishing across America.
1. National Take Your Family Fishing Tournament
Designed to identify “The Most Fishing Family in America.”
Families earn points simply by taking their family fishing throughout June, catching is just a bonus.
2. National Take a Friend Fishing Tournament
Focused on introducing new people to the sport.
Anglers earn points for taking friends, coworkers, neighbors, or anyone new to fishing.
Both tournaments reward participation, not fish size or skill level.
Prizes and Exclusive Discounts
• Participants in both tournaments are eligible for prizes including:
• A week-long South Padre Island fishing vacation
• Gear from AFTCO, Bubba, Waggle, and Zebco
• Gift cards from Bass Pro Shops and Yum Baits
• All participants also 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.
A Coalition of Legends Supporting the Search
The National Take a Friend Fishing Month Coalition includes 18 legendary anglers and outdoor personalities, among them:
Bill Dance, Davy Hite, Jimmy Houston, Alton Jones Sr., Alton Jones Jr., Kelly Jordon, Gary Klein, Wally “Mr. Crappie” Marshall, Hilary Martin, Justin Martin, Roland Martin, Scott Martin, Wade Middleton, Hank Parker, Brian Robison, Jeff Sprague, Kevin VanDam, and Mark Zona.
Collectively, Coalition members 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. Throughout June, they will share personal stories and National Take a Friend Fishing Month messages across their social channels.
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, #TakeAFriendFishing, #FirstTimeFishing 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.
