American Sportfishing Association Urges Florida Senate to Enshrine Right to Hunt and Fish in Florida Constitution

Statement by Martha Guyas, Southeast Fisheries Policy Director, American Sportfishing Association

“Today, we applaud the Florida House for passing legislation that would enshrine the Right to Hunt and Fish into the Florida state constitution and urge our state Senators to do the same.

Florida is an incredibly important state for the sportfishing industry and is considered the Fishing Capital of the World. Our state attracts more than 4.3 million anglers, who help make fishing in Florida an economic engine that contributes nearly $14 billion in economic output and supports more than 120,000 jobs. Roughly 25% of all fishing manufacturers’ business occurs right here in Florida and because of that, Florida is home to ICAST, the world’s largest sportfishing tackle trade show. The importance of Florida to fishing, and the importance of fishing to Florida cannot be overstated.

We thank Senator Jason Brodeur (R-Sanford) and Representative Lauren Melo (R-Naples) for leading this legislation and urge the Florida Senate to pass this joint resolution that will help protect the right of Florida’s current and future outdoorsmen and women to fish and hunt.”