ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Despite the sluggish economy and cutbacks in consumer spending, there are strong indications that recreational angling remains one of the largest outdoor recreational activities in the nation, as well as one of the most solid industries in the United States.

Annually, nearly 40 million anglers generate over $45 billion in retail sales with a $125 billion impact on the nation's economy, creating employment for more than a million people.

"People want a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively, and from what we're being told, anglers are heading outdoors and putting a line in the water," said American Sportfishing Association (ASA) President and CEO Mike Nussman. "Although anglers, just as the general public, seem to be deferring higher-end purchases, it's clear that people are going fishing and purchasing tackle."

According to Tom Mackin, president of RapalaUSA, an international tackle manufacturing company with U.S. operations in Minnesota, business continues to be good.

"I'm pleased to say that Rapala reports a double-digit sales increase in North America for the first quarter of 2009," said Mackin. "Business is looking very strong for us."

Gary Remensnyder, executive vice president of sales and marketing for Pure Fishing, Inc., a global company with multiple tackle brands headquartered in Columbia, S.C., commented, "What we're seeing in the outdoor marketplace points to an increase in family fishing. Fishing is an inexpensive way for families to enjoy quality time together outdoors. We're seeing an increase in sales, particularly in products for children and women, as well as for the avid recreational angler. Our brands, especially Shakespeare and Berkley, benefit from this trend because of a wide product assortment ranging from beginners to the most dedicated angler."

Going hand in hand with strong tackle sales are increases in fishing license sales. A sample survey of state fish and wildlife agencies indicates that 2009 fishing license sales are up 11 percent in the first quarter (January through March) compared with the first quarter of 2008. Additionally, there are strong indications that sales in the second quarter will be stronger in 2009 than in 2008, with some state agencies reporting increases which continued through the Memorial Day weekend.

"An 11-percent overall increase in state fishing license sales is significant," said Nussman, "particularly during the first quarter of the year when license sales tend to hold steady. In fact, these are the best numbers we've seen in several years."

According to Dennis Schenborn from the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the economy does affect license sales.

"We've been collecting license sales data for 35 years and we know that during tough economic times, Wisconsin's fishing license sales increase. We've experienced an 8-percent increase in fishing license sales up through Memorial Day weekend compared with 2008. This year, we expect to sell more than 1.5 million fishing licenses."

"In times of economic stress, many people turn to simple, outdoor pursuits that are easy to do, are close to home, are not expensive and can be enjoyed by everyone in the family," said Jeff Pontius, president of ZEBCO Brands and ASA's Board of Directors chairman. "Recreational fishing certainly fits that description. We know from past experience that in recessionary times, fishing retains, and even increases, in its popularity."