R3 Initiatives – Securing Sportfishing’s Future

Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation—known as R3—is a nationwide movement to grow and sustain participation in recreational fishing.

Fishing has long been a cornerstone of the American outdoor experience, supporting a multi-billion-dollar industry while also fueling conservation through license sales, excise taxes, and direct contributions to state agencies. Just as importantly, angling enriches lives—bringing people together, connecting us to nature, and passing down traditions from one generation to the next.

At its core, R3 seeks to:

• Support and retain current anglers.
• Introduce fishing to new participants from all backgrounds.
• Ensure that recreational fishing remains relevant across all segments of society.

Over time, R3 has evolved from individual programs into a broad strategy embraced by state and federal agencies, nonprofit organizations, and industry partners. Today, it goes far beyond traditional “learn-to-fish” efforts. R3 initiatives include expanding access to water and information, simplifying rules and regulations, reaching new and diverse audiences, and enhancing the overall experience for current anglers.

These three simple Rs are vital to the future of fishing, conservation, and the continuation of America’s sportfishing traditions. Your involvement in the R3 movement helps secure the future of recreational fishing for generations to come.

The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) and its 501c3 FishAmerica Foundation, is driving a new strategy to grow and retain participation in recreational fishing through its new R3 Grant Program.

According to the 2025 Recreational Fishing and Boating Foundation’s Special Report on Fishing, the sportfishing industry lost 16.6 million anglers in 2024, which equates to a $41.4 billion economic impact on the US economy. This initiative is essential to ensuring the long-term health and growth of recreational fishing by directly targeting what is widely seen as the sport’s most pressing challenge.

The grant program will be administered through ASA’s FishAmerica Foundation and will provide up to $2 million from the Foundation budget to invest in Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation programs to increase participation in fishing. Grant recipients will be selected from an online grant application and interview process.

The program is designed to encourage retailers and manufacturers to offer their customers successful R3 programs and guide development of best practices with measurable metrics for future initiatives targeting the broader sportfishing community. Not only does the program address the need to promote and engage America’s youth, it provides the opportunity for the industry to sell more product and grow revenue.

The grant program will open each year in the fall and awards will be made early in the new year.  The most successful programs will be showcased annually at ICAST and promoted industry-wide.

Only those applicants that meet the established criteria and whom the grant manager and the R3 Grant Review Committee believe possess a high probability of success and replicability will be funded. Once the grant application period is open, an online application will be available on the FishAmerica Foundation website.

You can play an active role in supporting R3 initiatives by helping others discover the joy of fishing. Invite a friend, neighbor, or child on their first fishing trip, share your knowledge with someone just getting started, or volunteer with a local program that introduces new anglers to the sport. By mentoring new participants and creating positive first experiences, you help ensure fishing remains accessible, enjoyable, and relevant for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Beyond introducing new anglers, you can also support broader R3 efforts by applying for or promoting conservation and access grants, partnering with community organizations, and advocating for policies that expand fishing opportunities. Every action—from mentoring on the water to engaging in industry initiatives—contributes to a stronger future for recreational fishing and conservation.

When the grant application is available, we’ll add that here.