Our Industry’s Most Important Benefactor

We don’t acknowledge it enough, but when it comes up for renewal in Congress, but the Sportfish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund may be the most impactful federal program for boating and fishing interests.

Since the fund’s inception, more than $20 billion (unadjusted for inflation) has been collected, distributed and, most important, matched with funds from state agencies to grow boating and fishing. These funds see wide-ranging use for our interests across the country, from boating access to fisheries management. In fact, a minimum of 15% of all the restoration money must be spent on public access, and it’s required that coastal states fund recreational fisheries projects proportionate to those for freshwater areas.

You may recognize some of these programs, including Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation programs, Clean Marinas programs, the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program and the Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Safety program, to note a few.

More specifically, more than 28,000 acres of important habitat has been restored and improved throughout coastal wetland ecosystems; more than 3.5 million students have been educated about the benefits of boating, fishing and conservation; 18,000-plus structures have been built to protect and enhance natural fish habitats; some 27,000-plus sites have been constructed to improve access; and more than 2 billion fish have been stocked in lakes, rivers and streams across the country.

Also known as the Dingell-Johnson Act, the Sportfish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund was first signed into law by President Harry S. Truman in 1950 and authorized the Secretary of the Interior to provide financial assistance for state fish restoration and management plans and projects. It has been amended 11 times, the last in 1992, and the amendments have increased its value and benefits. It comes up for reauthorization in 2026, and the boating and fishing industries can be expected to go all out for reauthorization, as in the past.

The fund does many great things our industry could never to do for itself. But where does the money come from to feed this fund? Recreational boaters contribute the largest single portion with their federal powerboat fuel taxes. But that’s not all. Boaters also contribute a 3% excise tax when they buy electric motors and import duties of 1% to 2.7% on powerboats, sailboats, inflatables and rowing boats.

On the fishing side, manufacturers, producers and importers of angling equipment also provide major funding. For example, sport-angling equipment is taxed at 10% and includes fishing rods (maximum tax of $10) and such components as guides, reel seats, rod blanks and ferrules.

Fishing reels are covered, along with line up to 130-pound test, fishing spears and spear guns. Terminal tackle, artificial baits, lures, hooks, jigs, sinkers and bobbers are also taxed. Add vests, landing nets, gaffs, bait containers, tackle boxes and similar items, along with outriggers, downriggers, rod belts, rod holders, fishing harnesses, ice fishing gear, and on and on.

So when I drop big bucks at the tackle store, I can tell my wife I’m really contributing to great national boating programs!

The the Sportfish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund is administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It’s also important to acknowledge major funds come from the hunting and wildlife side via a Federal Firearms & Ammunition Excise Tax paid by those manufacturers, producers and importers. Similarly, an 11% excise tax is collected on archery equipment covering virtually everything from bows to camouflaged bow covers. And there’s an additional tax of 48 cents per arrow shaft.

As boaters, anglers and dealers, each time we or our customers purchase gas for the boat or fishing tackle (or hunting gear), we are also contributing to a fund that is anything but a household name but steadily sends out millions of dollars to grow and enhance boating and fishing opportunities.

Think about it — with everything that doesn’t get done well in Washington, this is one they’ve really gotten right.