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  • ICAST 2026 Plays Host to a Bevy of New Opportunities & Experiences for the Sportfishing Industry

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Join Us for the Sportfishing Summit!

October 20-23, 2026 in Point Clear, Alabama

ASA’s premier membership meeting where we celebrate our “spirit of community” and discuss our collective future.

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The Sport Fish Restoration Fund has generated $12 billion for fisheries conservation, habitat restoration and access since 1950.

Source: USFWS
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Ensure a Vibrant Future for Sportfishing

Working for YOU

We take care of the politics so you can concentrate on growing your business.

  • R3

    R3 Initiatives – Securing Sportfishing’s Future

    Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation—known as R3—is a nationwide movement to grow and sustain participation in recreational fishing.

  • Trade & Commerce

    Since taking office, the Trump Administration is taking many actions on tariffs that impact the sportfishing industry, ASA is monitoring, weighing in with the Administration & Congress.

  • SHARKED Act 

    New legislation focuses on addressing sharks eating anglers’ catch.  

  • Protect the Use of Traditional Tackle

    Efforts are underway to prevent the use of lead tackle for fishing despite scant evidence that using lead has a harmful impact on wildlife populations.

  • Aquatic Invasive Species

    Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) present one of the biggest threats and challenges to sportfishing today as their continued spread has a multitude of negative impacts on fisheries, ecosystems, and local economies.

  • Protect the Use of Traditional Tackle

    Efforts are underway to prevent the use of lead tackle for fishing despite scant evidence that using lead has a harmful impact on wildlife populations.

  • SHARKED Act 

    New legislation focuses on addressing sharks eating anglers’ catch.  

  • Trade & Commerce

    Since taking office, the Trump Administration is taking many actions on tariffs that impact the sportfishing industry, ASA is monitoring, weighing in with the Administration & Congress.

  • R3 Initiatives – Securing Sportfishing’s Future

    Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation—known as R3—is a nationwide movement to grow and sustain participation in recreational fishing.

  • Striped Bass

    Striped bass are one of the most important fisheries on the Atlantic coast. In fact, striped bass are the most caught saltwater fish in terms of pounds by recreational anglers.

view all the issues the ASA team is currently Tackling >>

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Hear from Our Members

Fishe Wear

Founded by Linda Leary, Fishe Wear is a women’s clothing brand designed to provide female anglers with fun and functional gear. Living in Alaska, it’s easy for Leary to miss [...]

On The Water Magazine

Chris Megan started On the Water Media Group 30 years ago. These days, On the Water publishes the largest regional fishing magazine in the northeast; showcasing the anglers, locations, and [...]

Wired2Fish

When Todd Hammill first entered the sportfishing industry he worked for Gemini Sport Marketing, designing jerseys for pro fishermen. Now, he helps run Wired2Fish, a fishing website that has grown [...]

Fishing Tackle Retailer Magazine

Fishing Tackle Retailer Magazine chose ASA membership to connect them with their audience, publisher Angie Thompson said. The magazine reaches tackle shops, small and large, across the country, which are [...]

Missile Baits

John Crews of Missile Baits has been attending ICAST since 2000 when he became a professional bass fisherman. To be a legitimate company in the fishing industry, you must be [...]

Hobie Eyewear

Following in the spirit of the late Hobie Alter, Hobie Eyewear is dedicated to crafting the best polarized sunglasses for being on the water, Dylan Coates said. Whether you’re fishing, [...]

Fish USA

Dan Pastore started FishUSA in his garage. 25 years later, the E-Commerce company has grown into a leading online retailer of fishing tackle. FishUSA headquarters are located in Fairview, PA, [...]

Fishe Wear

Founded by Linda Leary, Fishe Wear is a women’s clothing brand designed to provide female anglers with fun and functional gear. Living in Alaska, it’s easy for Leary to miss [...]

On The Water Magazine

Chris Megan started On the Water Media Group 30 years ago. These days, On the Water publishes the largest regional fishing magazine in the northeast; showcasing the anglers, locations, and [...]

Wired2Fish

When Todd Hammill first entered the sportfishing industry he worked for Gemini Sport Marketing, designing jerseys for pro fishermen. Now, he helps run Wired2Fish, a fishing website that has grown [...]

Fishing Tackle Retailer Magazine

Fishing Tackle Retailer Magazine chose ASA membership to connect them with their audience, publisher Angie Thompson said. The magazine reaches tackle shops, small and large, across the country, which are [...]

Missile Baits

John Crews of Missile Baits has been attending ICAST since 2000 when he became a professional bass fisherman. To be a legitimate company in the fishing industry, you must be [...]

Hobie Eyewear

Following in the spirit of the late Hobie Alter, Hobie Eyewear is dedicated to crafting the best polarized sunglasses for being on the water, Dylan Coates said. Whether you’re fishing, [...]

Fish USA

Dan Pastore started FishUSA in his garage. 25 years later, the E-Commerce company has grown into a leading online retailer of fishing tackle. FishUSA headquarters are located in Fairview, PA, [...]

Check Out the Latest…

Join us on Instagram for the latest updates and information.

Whether you’re chasing trout, bass, walleye or saltwater giants, America’s waters offer something for every angler. Here’s the next group of destinations featured in #FishAmerica250. 📸Fisheries: 2 - Wikimedia Commons 3 - Wikimedia Commons 4 - Wikimedia Commons 5 - Wikimedia Commons 7 - Northup, via Flickr
Florida's coastal habitats support world-class fishing, incredible marine life, and coastal communities across the state. Florida's Coastal Corridor is a new statewide initiative focused on creating marine habitat through artificial reefs and related coastal projects. By investing in Florida's waters today, we're helping ensure future generations can enjoy the fishing, wildlife, and outdoor traditions that make our state unique. #FloridasCoastalCorridor #BuiltForLife #ArtificialReefRealFish
Every fishery has a story, and these 10 are part of America’s 250 greatest places to fish. Have you checked one off your list? Tell us where you’ve been or where you’re headed next. #FishAmerica250 📸 Fisheries: 2 - Wikimedia Commons 3 - Wikimedia Commons 5 - Bureau of Land Management Oregon and Washington, via Flickr 6 - Nakrnsm, via Flickr 7 - Wikimedia Commons 9 - Wikimedia Commons 10 - Mr. T in DC, via Flickr
More than 7 million hatchery salmon and the future of Columbia River recreational fishing are at risk. The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) plans to end funding for the Select Area Fisheries Enhancement (SAFE) Program, a decision that would reduce fishing opportunities, impact local communities and set a troubling precedent for future fishery mitigation efforts across the Columbia River Basin. Now is the time to speak up. Tell Bonneville Power urge BPA to immediately restore SAFE funding and honor its legal obligation to protect, mitigate, and enhance fish and wildlife affected by the Federal Columbia River Power System. 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐊 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐈𝐎
Aquatic invasive species (AIS) pose one of the most significant threats to sportfishing. From invasive Asian carp to zebra and quagga mussels to sea lamprey, AIS damage fish habitat, harm recreational fisheries and result in lost fishing and boating access. However, the bipartisan Aquatic Invasive Species Control and Prevention Act – introduced by @repwalberg (R-MI) and @repsarahelfreth (D-MD) – presents one of the strongest legislative opportunities to address AIS in decades. By modernizing outdated federal policy, supporting state-led management, and improving coordination across federal, state, and regional programs, this bill would combat AIS to keep fisheries healthy and accessible. Please urge your Representative to cosponsor H.R. 8876 and help protect America’s fisheries, waterways and access for anglers and boaters. 𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐊 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐈𝐎
From legendary bass waters to scenic rivers and coastal favorites, today’s featured fisheries showcase the incredible variety of fishing opportunities across America. 🇺🇸 Which one tops your bucket list? #FishAmerica250 📸 : Fisheries 2 - Wikimedia Commons 3 - 59936771@N00, via Flickr 4 - Wikimedia Commons  5 - Cseeman, via Flickr. 7 - Wikimedia Commons 9 - Wikimedia Commons 10 - PublicDomainPictures.net (CC0 Public Domain)
In honor of America’s 250th birthday, ASA is highlighting 250 great places to fish in the U.S.A. Since our nation’s founding, recreational fishing has been an integral part of the American experience. From chasing striped bass to walleye, fishing large reservoirs to coastal marshes, or casting live bait to drifting a dry fly, more than 57 million anglers take to America’s waters each year. Fishing is more than just a hobby, it’s a powerful economic driver and a cornerstone of many communities, particularly in rural and coastal areas. Our industry contributes $230 billion to the nation’s economy each year and supports over 1.1 million jobs. This in addition to the proven mental and physical benefits our sport provides. 🇺🇸 Follow along each week as we spotlight some of the nation's most iconic fisheries, celebrate America's rich fishing heritage and maybe even inspire your next adventure on the water. Which fishery are you hoping makes the list? Share your favorite spots by tagging us and using #FishAmerica250.
Today we celebrate the freedoms that define our nation and commemorate 250 years of American independence, including the opportunity to enjoy America’s waters, public lands and the outdoor traditions that connect generations. At the American Sportfishing Association, we’re proud to advocate for the anglers, businesses and communities that make recreational fishing possible. As we celebrate this historic milestone, we’re reminded that protecting access, conserving our fisheries and strengthening our industry helps ensure these traditions endure for generations to come. Wishing you a safe, memorable and happy Fourth of July. 🇺🇸

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