In December 2007, the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) conducted an online survey of 3,000 people, ages 25–54, who had fished or boated within the past three years. Statistical testing was done at a 95-percent confidence level.

Helping the environment

• Boaters and anglers are more likely to recycle, compost trash, use Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs), carpool and donate money to an environmental organization than non-boaters and anglers.
• Boaters and anglers are significantly more conscious of, and actively try to reduce, their carbon footprint.
• Boaters and anglers are significantly more likely to vote than non-boaters and anglers.

Finding success

• Boaters and anglers report that fishing has had a positive impact on their career.
• More boaters and anglers consider themselves a leader at work than non-boaters and anglers.
• Boaters and anglers perceive themselves as more successful than non-boaters and anglers perceive themselves.
• Boaters and anglers report that their best ideas come to them while they are fishing.

Building strong relationships

• Boaters and anglers are significantly more satisfied with their marriages, relationships and friendships than non-boaters and anglers.
• Boaters and anglers are significantly more satisfied with their mental health than non-boaters and anglers.
• Boaters and anglers are more likely to have a close relationship with their children than non-boaters and anglers.

The benefits of boating and fishing (perceived by those who participated) last for at least a few days — if not longer.  You can’t say that about the average movie, football game or night on the town!