Across the country, ASA member businesses, state agencies, schools and community organizations have planned casting contests, fly-tying workshops and a host of other programs for National Fishing Week. This gives us thousands of opportunities to cultivate a love of fishing in young and old alike and to inspire in them a renewed respect and appreciation for our aquatic resources. Most states designate license-free fishing days during National Fishing Week. The broad spectrum of this year's events drives home the inclusive message delivered by the National Fishing Week poster, said NFW director Craig Koch. We wanted to remind people that angling is an activity in which anyone can participate, no matter what his or her skill level, age, gender or finances.
Fishing is accessible to everyone.
This year's poster pictures Utah Jazz forward Karl Malone, honorary chairman of National Fishing Week, and young friend Alexis Smith displaying their day's catch. A lifelong angler, Malone has used his NFW chairmanship to promote fishing as an ideal family activity. La. Today, Malone still fishes with his family for fun and has worked with youth fishing education programs near his home in Salt Lake City. These days, there are a lot of activities that compete for family time, and I want to send a message that it's important to save time for family. Fishing is an inexpensive, clean way to have fun doing it.