In honor of America’s 250th birthday, the American Sportfishing Association (ASA) is highlighting 250 great places to fish across all 50 states. Since the nation’s founding, recreational fishing has been woven into the American experience—from chasing striped bass along the Atlantic coast to drifting dry flies for trout in Rocky Mountain streams.
Today, more than 57.7 million anglers take to America’s waters each year. Fishing is more than a pastime—it generates $230 billion in annual economic output and supports 1.1 million jobs nationwide. In Florida alone, saltwater recreational fishing contributes $11.1 billion to the state economy and supports more than 70,000 jobs.
These numbers don't happen by accident. Healthy fisheries, clean water, and expansive public access result from sound policy decisions—many driven by anglers and the sportfishing industry.
The Engine Behind America's Fisheries
No policy has been more integral to America's fishing heritage than the Dingell-Johnson Act. Passed in 1950, it authorized an excise tax of up to 10% on fishing tackle sold in the U.S., with revenues redistributed to states through the Sport Fish Restoration Fund. 2025 marked the 75th anniversary of this landmark legislation.
Since its inception, the Sport Fish Restoration Fund has generated over $12 billion, funded 9,000 public boating and fishing access sites, supported 320 fish hatcheries that stock roughly 1 billion fish annually, and introduced more than 850,000 people to fishing through aquatic education programs. The Dingell-Johnson and Pittman-Robertson Acts collectively allocated more than $1.3 billion in grants in FY 2025 alone.
“For 75 years, our members have supported this user-pay, public-benefit program, which has served as the cornerstone of the American conservation model,” said Mike Leonard, ASA’s Vice President of Government Affairs.
In 2025, ASA supported more than 830 members, held 250+ meetings with elected officials, testified three times before congressional committees, and engaged Congress on 22 priority sportfishing bills. Across the Mid-Atlantic and New England, 2025 management assessments showed strong biomass across summer flounder (83% of target and increasing), scup (323%), and black sea bass (284%), supporting a 20% increase in the recreational harvest limit for black sea bass. Atlantic bluefish were rebuilt in 2025—three years ahead of schedule—leading to increased recreational access for 2026.
The Tackle Shop Connection
Tackle retailers—from big-box stores to independent mom-and-pop shops—are the cornerstone of any great fishery. They provide up-to-date conditions, local knowledge, and a gathering place to swap stories. For every fishery highlighted, ASA has included a local retailer, encouraging anglers to stop by next time they hit the water.
250 Places—and Counting
Compiling 250 locations wasn't easy—not because it's a lot, but because it barely scratches the surface of what the country offers. ASA is releasing 10 new locations each week through the end of 2026 on its social media channels (@keepamericafishing). Anglers are invited to share their own great American fishing spots using the hashtag #FishAmerica250.
State agencies are joining the celebration. Arizona Game & Fish launched its "Fish250 Challenge" to coincide with America250 celebrations. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service launched "Fish250 Free Fishing Night" events tracking toward 250 fish caught before July 4. Bassmaster unveiled its 2026 "100 Best Bass Lakes" rankings, celebrating America's greatest fisheries.
No other country offers the diversity of fisheries, landscapes, and public access found in the United States. Here's to another 250 years.
