Future Angler Foundation

The Future Angler Foundation (FAF) is an incorporated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization formed in April of 2012 by a small group of anglers dedicated to help grow the sport of fishing through education and outreach. Membership is open to any individual, organization or business interested in growing participation in the sport of fishing. The FAF works with individuals and organizations throughout

the United States to expose potential new anglers of all ages to the sport of fishing and educate them on how to catch fish and protect the resource. The educational component of what the FAF does is critical to the future of the sport because equipment alone will not catch fish, each angler must have the knowledge needed to use the equipment effectively. Additionally, with the introduction of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS) in the U.S, anglers must know the part they must play in slowing the spread of AIS if we are to protect our lakes and streams for future generations. As such, the FAF works with state and federal agencies like the U.S. Forest Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service, the Sea Grant Network, and state DNR’s to educate anglers on how to become successful anglers and on the steps they need to take as stewards of the water to slow the spread of AIS. According to the Outdoor Foundations 2010 annual report “Recreational fishing is a quintessential American outdoor experience and the most popular nature-based activity among adults and children alike — attracting more than 48 million participants and including over one billion outings in 2008.” And yet participation in this wholesome family oriented activity is shrinking due in part to; the economic hardships many families face, single parent households, and other activities that divert young people’s attention from the sport like video games. It is the opinion of the FAF directors that we have lost nearly three generations of angler recruitment due to these factors. The FAF uses education and outreach help to reverse the attrition that is currently taking place in the sport. We are able to do so through the use of networking and hands on grassroots approach that has proven to be extremely effective. It is our opinion that participation in outdoor activities like fishing are at the core of the American way of life and essential to the future of our nation as we know it. Specifically the FAF works to:
• Educate volunteers on how to host events designed to educate anglers on how to catch fish and utilize the fish they have caught as food.
• Support events that volunteers host by providing written material, fishing equipment and items that will support an increase in participation in the sport.
• Create an infrastructure that will allow accomplished angler volunteers to educate anglers of all experience levels at venues like National Parks, National Forests, State Parks, State Forests, and Federal/State Wildlife areas.
• Develop programs with school systems to bring angling into the schools as part of the curriculum. FAF Members volunteer time to train the teachers and FAF will assist in the funding of the equipment needed for these programs.
• Provide individuals and organizations funding and equipment to support programs those individuals and organizations are currently using to grow participation in the sport.
• FAF hosts a website designed to educate anglers of all ages. Additionally the site shares the passion our Members have for the sport through video and images of our Members participating in the events we are funding.
• With the fishing industry in a manner that will garner support for the FAF’s mission to educate anglers of all ages. The Future Angler Foundation is an all-volunteer organization, having no paid staff. Funding is provided by partner contributions, donations from the general public, donations from businesses, grants from government agencies and grants from other nonprofit organizations. FAF seed money came in 2012 from a contribution made by Lowe Manufacturing Company Incorporated a company owned by Richard Lowe, who is an avid angler. All of our current funds and our future funds are allocated to operations. The FAF activities are summarized below, with estimated percentages of resource (cost and volunteers’ time) allocation:

• 80% - Equipment/support materials given to attendees of volunteer hosted FAF educational events
• 5% -futureangler.org web site (webmaster functions, content, email blast)
• 5% - Administration (meetings, correspondence, accounting, records keeping)
• 10% - Annual meetings and other networking events

Ultimately our success depends upon our ability to garner support from key individuals in the fishing world. 501c3 status has been granted and we currently have directors in place who are opinion leaders in areas such as: AIS prevention (Dr. Robert Schmal FAF Executive Director, retired U.S. Forest Service Aquatic Biologist. Dr. Phil Moy former U.W. Sea Grant Director); angler education (Al Lindner, Lindner’s Angling Edge); youth oriented outdoor literature (Kristine Houtman, Fish on Kids Books); pro angler/opinion leader development (Patrick Neu-NPAA Exec. Director); sportfishing industry relations (Jeff Marble, former ASA Board Member). Our passion for the sport and our desire to share this life changing activity with future anglers through education and outreach is the driving force behind the formation of this organization. We truly believe that if we share this passion with people who don’t participate in the sport we will solidify a place for this sport in the lives of individuals for generations to come.