Looking at Our History
Advocating for more fish, more anglers and more business
In 2008, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) celebrated 75 years of serving the sportfishing industry.
The trade association was created in 1933 as a result of government pressure to create a body to oversee the industry. Since then the association has evolved from representing the interests of just tackle manufacturers to championing the entire sportfishing community.
As the nation’s leading recreational fishing trade association, ASA supports the interests of hundreds of businesses, agencies and organizations and is the resource for protecting the sportfishing industry. ASA’s members include sportfishing and boating manufacturers and their representatives, independent and chain outdoor retail stores, state fish and wildlife agencies, conservation organizations, federal land and water management agencies, angler advocacy groups, outdoor media groups and journalists.
Through advocacy, outreach and special programs and events, ASA, and its conservation and habitat restoration arm, the FishAmerica Foundation, safeguards and promotes the economic and conservation values of sportfishing, keeping the nation’s fisheries and waterways healthy and accessible to America’s most popular outdoor activity.
ASA also represents the nation’s 60 million anglers who generate more than $45 billion in retail sales with a $25 billion impact on the nation’s economy creating employment for 1 million people.
This history below covers the time period from 1933-2008, ASA's 75th anniversary.
A History of the American Sportfishing Association
Government Affairs History
The Association's Conservation Efforts
Encouraging People to Fish
A History of the World's Largest Sportfishing Trade Show
