Join The Clean Earth Challenge

The following blog post was authored by ASA influencer Aaron Benzrihem in celebration of the Keep America Fishing Inaugural Fishing Tournament and subsequent Clean Earth Challenge. Aaron runs the popular social media account Abenz Fishing and is a contributor to Florida Sportsman Magazine. Aaron resides in Florida with his wife, Bruna.

Johnson Outdoors has partnered with the National Wildlife Federation to create the Clean Earth Challenge. The mission of the challenge is to collect 1 million pieces of trash and debris. Many marine estuaries and habitats are unfortunately littered with pollution, debris and trash, and the angling community needs to work collectively and band together to help create change. Next time you are going out on a fishing mission, take some time to join the “clean earth challenge.”  Learn more on how you can participate here.

The more we work together to make a difference the bigger the impact. All too often when fishing on beaches, off bridges and piers or on rivers and lakes, we see tons of pollution from our fellow anglers. Items from fishing that can easily become pollution include monofilament, braided lines, soft plastics, hooks, packaging, lures and so much more. Whether or not you join the “Clean Earth Challenge,” still take the time and initiative to help keep your local waterways clean. One piece of trash a day goes a long way.

When you see that piece of line dangling on the floor, pick it up, when your soft plastic lure breaks or rips after catching a fish, make sure to pick it up, if you open a new lure, don’t leave the plastic behind. Plastic, monofilament and other wastes from everyday fishing items contribute to the pollution we see in our waterways, both fresh and salt. As anglers, we need to be leaders in making a difference.

The more fishing grows in popularity the more we need to make sure the community understands how vital it is to avoid littering and help clean up! Imagine if every time someone went fishing, they just picked up a few pieces of trash. Be the change you want to see and join the Johnson Outdoors and National Wildlife Federation Clean Earth Challenge today!