Industries rally to support right to fish in US state

This week 127 companies within the recreational fishing industry in the US joined a letter of support of a bill that would establish a constitutional right to fish and hunt in the state of Colorado.

In addition to establishing that right, Amendment 83 would also establish the sports as the preferred means of responsibly managing fish and wildlife populations.

“Protecting fishing opportunities matters not just to Colorado anglers, but to the nationwide sportfishing industry,” said Glenn Hughes, President and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association. “Our businesses depend on people having the freedom and opportunity to fish, and on states recognising the value fishing brings to their communities. Amendment 83 is an important statement about the place fishing should continue to hold in Colorado and across the country.”

“Fishing is often not about the catch. It’s early mornings on the water, time with family and friends and a meaningful way to connect to the outdoors that becomes a part of who you are,” said Casey Shedd, President of AFTCO. “Amendment 83 recognises the place fishing holds in Colorado’s outdoor culture and helps ensure that future generations have the opportunity to build those same connections. That’s a future worth protecting.”

The letter’s signatories include manufacturers, retailers, media companies and other businesses from across the recreational fishing industry, reflecting the industry’s significant economic impact in Colorado. In 2022 alone, anglers spent more than $2 billion fishing in the state, supporting more than 15,000 jobs and more than $860 million in salaries and wages. More than 680,000 resident and non-resident anglers fish its waters annually, from world-class trout streams to large reservoirs and warm-water fisheries.

“Fishing is an important part of America’s outdoor heritage, and Colorado offers some of the best fishing opportunities in the country,” said Travis Tuma, President of Rapala VMC USA. “At Rapala, we’ve spent generations helping anglers pursue the fish that ‘swim like a Rapala,’ and we believe those opportunities should be protected for generations to come. Amendment 83 recognises the importance of fishing in Colorado while preserving the state’s ability to responsibly manage its fish and wildlife. We’re proud to support it.”

“Anglers have a direct stake in the health of the waters and fish populations they enjoy, and they’ve helped fund fisheries conservation for generations,” said Frank-Paul King, President of Temple Fork Outfitters. “Amendment 83 recognises that fishing and conservation go hand in hand. TFO is proud to support a measure that helps ensure both remain part of Colorado’s future.”

Click here to read the full sportfishing industry letter supporting Amendment 83.