The Recreation Roundtable and its annual survey provide very important information for administrators and staff to use in developing and refining fisheries marketing programs. It is clear that outdoor recreation is still very important in the United States and that parents want their children to have the same enjoyment and appreciation of nature as they had when they were growing up. Fishing meets all of the motivational needs of outdoor recreationists—fun, relaxing, stress release, experiencing nature, and exercise. With a well-developed marketing program that provides information on how and where to go fishing, it is quite possible for fishing to move from the fifth most popular outdoor activity, measured by the 1998 Recreation Roundtable Report at 22% participation, up to the next tier with picnicking, swimming, and driving for pleasure (all in the 30% range). According to the 1998 Roundtable report, only walking for fitness and recreation was more popular, scoring 47%.
