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 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

National Fishing and Boating Week 2012 Kicks Off June 2
RBFF's Take Me FishingT Campaign Encourages Participation, Offers Resources

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (June 1, 2012) -The Recreational Boating & Fishing
Foundation's (RBFF) Take Me Fishing
<http://www.mmsend52.com/link.cfm?r=22160067&sid=19194980&m=2022975&u=...
sh&j=10465261&s=http://www.takemefishing.org/> T campaign is encouraging
families, kids and outdoor adventurers alike to experience the joys of
boating and fishing right in their own backyard during National Fishing and
Boating Week
<http://www.mmsend52.com/link.cfm?r=22160067&sid=19195669&m=2022975&u=...
sh&j=10465261&s=http://www.takemefishing.org/community/events-and-attraction
s/national-celebrations/national-fishing-and-boating-week>  (NFBW), June 2 -
10, 2012.  

NFBW highlights the importance of recreational boating and fishing in
enhancing peoples' quality of life and preserving our country's natural
beauty. It offers boaters and anglers of all ages and skill levels a great
reason to spend quality time together, enjoying and appreciating the great
outdoors whether in their local community or on a vacation. This year,
nearly 40 out of the 50 states are offering Free Fishing Days
<http://www.mmsend52.com/link.cfm?r=22160067&sid=19194981&m=2022975&u=...
sh&j=10465261&s=http://www.takemefishing.org/assets/downloads/FreeFishingDay
s.pdf>  during NFBW, providing a chance for current participants to
introduce the sport to newcomers, especially children.

According to the Outdoor Foundation, the average child spends 35 hours a
week in front of the television, and less than 25 percent of school-aged
children participate in some form of daily physical activity. In turn, RBFF
research has shown that fishing is a top "gateway" activity, spurring
involvement in other outdoor interests which may lead to an active, healthy
lifestyle.

"Boating and fishing are the kinds of activities that get families and kids
outdoors and reconnecting with each other - and with nature," said RBFF
President and CEO Frank Peterson. "With hundreds of thousands of places to
boat and fish across the country, families likely have access to a boating
and fishing location very close to home."

During NFBW, RBFF will be promoting its TakeMeFishing.org resources, such as
the Places to Boat and Fish
<http://www.mmsend52.com/link.cfm?r=22160067&sid=19194982&m=2022975&u=...
sh&j=10465261&s=http://www.takemefishing.org/fishing/select-a-state>  Map
<http://www.mmsend52.com/link.cfm?r=22160067&sid=19194983&m=2022975&u=...
sh&j=10465261&s=http://www.takemefishing.org/fishing/select-a-state> , Boat
Ramp App
<http://www.mmsend52.com/link.cfm?r=22160067&sid=19194984&m=2022975&u=...
sh&j=10465261&s=http://www.takemefishing.org/general/contact-us/mobile-optio
ns> , along with the mission-based 'conservation through participation'
message, to remind Americans that they can make a big impact on the waters
they enjoy when they purchase a fishing license or fishing equipment,
purchase boating supplies or register their boat. This year's NFBW, in
particular, marks the 75 Anniversary of the Wildlife and Sport Fish
Restoration Program
<http://www.mmsend52.com/link.cfm?r=22160067&sid=19194985&m=2022975&u=...
sh&j=10465261&s=http://www.fishwildlife.org/index.php?section=wsfr-75-about&
activator=64> (WSFR), celebrating the 75 years of partnership to restore
America's fish and wildlife through conservation.

Stay tuned during NFBW for the launch of a Facebook
<http://www.mmsend52.com/link.cfm?r=22160067&sid=19194986&m=2022975&u=...
sh&j=10465261&s=http://www.facebook.com/takemefishing>  campaign which will
invite avid anglers and outdoor adventurers alike to highlight their
favorite state parks for boating, fishing and family fun. Those who enter
will be eligible to win a family getaway to one of the parks that achieves
"Top 8" status as a fan favorite.

###

Attend the 2012 Annual Meeting: secure.fisheries.org/afsevent/Login.aspx

Check out the latest AFS books at www.afsbooks.org

Join AFS or renew for 2012 at
<http://www.fisheries.org/afs/membership.html>
www.fisheries.org/afs/membership.html

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