Cast a line and join anglers across the country in celebrating National Fishing and Boating Week. All week long, we'll be sharing how NOAA supports sustainable recreational fisheries for the benefit and enjoyment of the nation. Check out the recreational fishing features below.
Recreational Fishing: An Important National Pastime
As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, and the Magnuson-Stevens Act turns 50 years old, we can’t help but think about how important recreational fishing is to our nation. Even our first president, George Washington, was an avid angler from a young age—he loved fishing the Potomac River near Mount Vernon. National Fishing and Boating Week is the perfect time to celebrate this cherished outdoor tradition! It’s an opportunity to recognize the millions of saltwater anglers who serve as stewards of our marine resources and coastal ecosystems.
Celebrating the national pastime of recreational fishing
New Scientific Study Tracks the Trends in 100 Years of Shark Depredation in Recreational Fisheries
Scientists studied Atlantic recreational fishery data to better understand this complex human-wildlife conflict.
Tracking the trends in 100 years of shark depredation in recreational fisheries
Updates from Partners on Engaging the Recreational Fishing Community to Restore Habitat through the National Fish Habitat Partnership
Here how we're advancing progress of habitat restoration and angler engagement projects with partners in Maryland, Alaska, and Hawai’i.
NOAA and U.S. Military Veterans: a Force to be Reckoned With
NOAA and Force Blue visited Gray’s Reef National Marine Sanctuary to enjoy fishing and time on the water, while learning new skills. The outing was designed to introduce veterans to recreational fishing, teach them fishing techniques and fisheries science, and thank them for their service.
Learn more about the vets and their fishing trip
Future of the Catch: the Modernization of Recreational Red Snapper Data Collection
NOAA Fisheries and partners are using innovative methods to modernize Gulf of America recreational red snapper data collection. These projects are working to deliver faster, more efficient science.
More on the modernization of recreational red snapper data collection
New Requirements for Halibut Charter Fishing in Alaska
Anglers charter fishing for halibut in Alaska will need a stamp if they plan to retain the fish they catch.
Read more about halibut charter fishing stamps
Fishing for the Future: How West Coast Anglers Contribute Science that Helps Sustain Sportfishing
NOAA Fisheries collaborates with anglers and other partners in California to monitor and collect data on fishing populations.
How West Coast anglers contribute science that helps sustain sportfishing
Fishing Fun, Tradition, and Competition
Shedding light on a few of the most unique fishing tournaments and champions in Hawai‘i.
Check out some of the most unique fishing tournaments and champions in Hawai‘i
Beyond the Can: Why We’re Filling Coolers with SPAM for Science
The Sampling Program for Atlantic Mackerel seeks to bridge the data gap by partnering with recreational and commercial fishermen.
More about the Sampling Program for Atlantic Mackerel
Empowering Anglers: A New Era for Recreational Fishing Management
A cloud-based Decision Support Tool is transforming the recreational fishing regulations process by putting cutting-edge science and decision-making power directly into the hands of recreational fishing advisors and managers.
How a cloud-based decision support tool is transforming the recreational fishing regulations process
Celebrating our Top Taggers
Since 1954, NOAA Fisheries’ Cooperative Tagging Center has collaborated with charter captains, anglers, and commercial fishermen to study highly migratory fish species. More than 10,000 volunteers have been involved in tagging and releasing fish species of interest. The information they collect helps scientists learn more about their movements, seasonal patterns, and more. All of this information supports management of more sustainable fisheries.
Find out more about our 2025 top taggers
NOAA Fisheries Certifies Two State Recreational Fishing Surveys to Improve Catch Estimates
Alabama and Mississippi creel surveys certified as valid sources of data to inform recreational fishery management.
Learn more about these certified creel surveys
Recreational Fishing Best Practices
Catch and Release
Every angler will encounter a time where they have to or choose to return the fish they caught back to the water due to regulations or personal preference. It’s your responsibility to know the catch limits and minimum sizes for the fish you may encounter. If you don’t know, let it go!
Things to keep in mind to ensure released fish survive
Responsible Fishing
Part of the excitement of recreational fishing is not knowing what you will encounter. That’s why it is important to be prepared—being a responsible angler doesn’t end with knowing regulations.
Best practices for responsible fishing
See a Spout: A Free Course on Boating Safely Around Whales
We have expanded a free boater safety course for New England and the Mid-Atlantic to include the West Coast and Hawaiʻi. The See a Spout? Watch Out! program’s course offers tips on safely navigating waters shared with protected marine species like whales.
Learn more about the See a Spout? Watch Out! Course
Catch and Click: Six Tips for the Perfect Fish Photo
Tips for capturing your fishing memories, taking the best fish selfies and shots holding fish—using just your smartphone.
Tips for capturing your memorable fishing moments
