We had the chance to ask Stephanie Vatalaro, of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation, a few questions about their newest campaign and the other efforts RBFF is taking in order to increase the number of people getting out on the water and participating in outdoor recreation.
To get started, we would love to hear about you and what you do at the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation.
I am the Senior Vice President of Marketing & Communications at the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF), where I lead the organization’s outreach strategy to recruit new participants to fishing and boating through our Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ brand campaigns.
The RBFF is currently working to increase the number of fishing participants from the existing 49.1 million to 60 million by 2021. What efforts are you taking in order to reach the goal in the next two years?
We’re working to achieve 60 in 60 using a three-pronged approach – recruitment, retention and reactivation (R3). The main focus for RBFF is on recruitment, but we also work with industry and state agencies on retention and reactivation. We offer many tools and programs for our stakeholders to get involved. The latest – our Fishing License & Boat Registration Website Plugin – connects your customers with fishing license and boat registration information in just one click. With the plugin on your website, you’ll lower the barriers to participation by facilitating license sales, increasing the number of fishing trips and anglers, and positioning your business as a trusted resource for the items needed to fish.
Not only is RBFF focusing on increasing the number of anglers in general, but also it is working to increase the number of women who participate in the sport. Tell us about the Women’s Initiative and how MRAA readers can get involved.
Nearly half of all newcomers to fishing last year were female, and today, Moms are fishing with their kids more than Dads. But only 19% of women see themselves in the sport, and women drop out of fishing at really high rates. That’s why we launched the #WomenMakingWaves campaign last year to empower women in fishing and boating. We are encouraging all women to go out and create unforgettable memories on the water. If you’re a beginner, we’ve got everything you need to get started. If you’re an avid participant, you can help us spread the word. The marine industry can do its part to support Women Making Waves by featuring women in their advertisements and social media campaigns, learning how to better engage women in the sales process and hosting female-focused events.
Access to water is an issue that affects all aspects of the marine industry. In addition to the License + Registration PlugIn, RBFF offers other plugins that help lessen the hurdles to boating. How can the Places to Boat & Fish embeddable map help retailers get people out on the water?
Having easy access to the water is critical for a successful day of fishing. Our embeddable Places to Boat & Fish Map is a free, interactive tool that makes it easy for boaters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts to find bodies of water, specific types of fish and various destinations including camp sites, restaurants, picnic areas and other outdoor retailers.
Thank you, Stephanie, for all of your time and talking us through the offerings that RBFF is delivering to the marine industry.
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation continues to create resources that support the growth and participation in boating and fishing. Click to access free resources to help grow boating and fishing on from the RBFF Resource Center.
