Please select your home edition
Edition
Palm Beach Motor Yachts

Governor announces investment in marine infrastructure to support recovery through the disaster fund

by Rob Shane 4 Nov 2024 22:46 UTC
Keep Florida Fishing © American Sportfishing Association

Vote Yes on Florida's Amendment 2 this election day - By Phil Lillo

Not many people get to turn their favorite hobby into a full-time job. Thankfully, I'm one of the lucky few. Thirty-five years ago, I joined the Don Coffey Company, a sales agency representing brands in the fishing industry. In 2009, I was fortunate enough to purchase the company and still own it today and we're proud to call Orlando home.

I was also fortunate to serve as Chair of the Board for the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade association for fishing tackle manufacturers, retailers, and media, from 2022-24.

In both roles and my more than 30 years of experience in the industry, I've seen the value that fishing provides not just to those directly involved in the sport but to entire communities that rely on anglers spending their time and money on the opportunity for a catch of a lifetime or to just enjoy a day on the water. Many of these communities are right here in our home state, which boasts the largest fishing economy in the country according to research from Southwick Associates.

In 2023 alone, 4.3 million anglers spent over $8 billion and supported 120,000 Florida jobs. In total, the fishing industry contributed almost $14 billion to our state's economy through tackle sales, fishing charters, hotel stays, dining, and fuel, among other purchases. Florida's fisheries have also produced more International Game Fish Association world records than any other state. None of these feats are a coincidence but instead the result of thoughtful conservation efforts, habitat protection, vast public access, and promotion of the state's diverse aquatic resources.

Thankfully, the Florida legislature has recognized the importance of protecting the many values fishing provides and voters have the chance this November to enshrine the right to fish and hunt in our state's constitution. By voting yes on Amendment 2, anglers can make their voice heard and cement Florida's title as the fishing capital of the world.

If passed, Amendment 2 will preserve forever fishing and hunting as a public right to be enjoyed by all. While some states are proposing bans on fishing, Florida is hoping to join 25 other states, including Texas, Alabama, and Mississippi, in supporting our robust sportfishing economy and protecting the rights of anglers.

Fishing in Florida is worth more than just dollars and cents, though. It's the memories of time shared with loved ones, a new adventure, or simply a way to relax outside and unwind.

When I was four years old, my father visited Florida on vacation and caught two sailfish on a charter trip. Our whole family moved down from New Jersey the following week and I've called it home ever since. Now, as a father of two, an avid angler, and someone who has made a living in the fishing industry, I feel an obligation to protect the rights of my children and future generations to enjoy these same opportunities. For this reason, I am casting my vote yes on Florida's Amendment 2 this election day and I hope you will join me.

Phil Lillo is the CEO and Owner of Don Coffey Company and Immediate Past Board Chair of the American Sportfishing Association. Phil moved to Florida at the age of four and has lived in Windermere for more than 20 years.

Related Articles

Florida announces longest Gulf Red Snapper Season
Opening on Memorial Day Weekend, then reopening from June 1st-July 31st This morning, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced the dates for Florida's Gulf Red Snapper recreational season, marking the longest red snapper season in the history of state management. Posted on 29 Apr
Canada imposes 25% Tariff on U.S. Fishing Products
Including fishing rods, hooks, nets, lines, and other tackle Effective March 13, 2025, the Government of Canada is imposing 25 percent tariffs on $29.8 billion in products imported from the U.S., including fishing rods, hooks, nets, lines, and other tackle. Posted on 17 Mar
ASA releases new online Trade & Commerce Hub
Dedicated information for decisions which impact the sportfishing industry Given the rapid developments on trade, tariffs and commerce from the Trump administration, ASA has released our new trade and commerce webpage. Posted on 11 Mar
Speak up for Florida Recreational Fishing Access
NOAA will hear from stakeholders at two public events Next week, NOAA will hear from stakeholders at two public events in Florida on their proposed bottomfishing closure off the Northeast coast of Florida. Posted on 19 Feb
Sportfishing industry tracking trade developments
President Trump announced various tariff actions on Canada, Mexico and China Over the past week, President Trump announced various tariff actions on Canada, Mexico and China. Posted on 11 Feb
House of Representatives passes Sportfishing Bills
Two bipartisan bills that will deliver positive results for the sportfishing community Yesterday evening, the U.S. House of Representatives passed two bipartisan bills that will deliver positive results for the sportfishing industry and recreational fishing community. Posted on 27 Jan
NOAA proposes fishing closure for 55 species
Releasing Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan NOAA Fisheries released Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic that would prohibit bottomfishing for 55 species, including red snapper, off much of the Florida Atlantic coast. Posted on 22 Jan
Pleased with withdrawal of vessel speed rule
Sportfishing Industry pleased, but more work to be done NOAA Fisheries formally withdrew a proposed rule that would have had dire consequences on public access to fishing along much of the eastern seaboard. Posted on 16 Jan
NOAA proposes fishing closure for 55 species
This proposed Secretarial Amendment was prepared by NOAA Fisheries as part of a legal agreement Today, NOAA Fisheries released Amendment 59 to the Fishery Management Plan for the Snapper-Grouper Fishery of the South Atlantic. The Amendment would prohibit bottomfishing for 55 species, including red snapper, off much of the Florida Atlantic coast. Posted on 15 Jan
Outdoor Recreation Package passes
The Senate passed the EXPLORE Act in the final days of 118th Congress Last week, the Senate passed the Expanding Public Lands Outdoor Recreation Experiences (EXPLORE) Act. Posted on 23 Dec 2024
Palm Beach Motor YachtsMaritimo 2023 M600 FOOTER