Future Fisherman Foundation Gets New Home With Fishing’s Future
Courtesy of The Fishing Wire
In September, Fishing’s Future, a national leader in family‑centered angling education, announced the acquisition of the Future Fisherman Foundation (F3), an organization whose programs have supported national angler recruitment, educator training and youth fishing initiatives for four decades.
This historic move marks a significant milestone for Fishing’s Future, founded in 2007, as it continues to expand its efforts to serve the mission of connecting families and communities to the joys and stewardship of fishing and fisheries conservation. This acquisition unites two organizations deeply committed to growing participation in fishing, strengthening conservation ethics and supporting the tackle industry’s long‑term angler recruitment, retention and reactivation goals.
Fishing’s Future will carry the legacy of the Foundation forward through expansion of existing programs and integration of F3’s proven educational models into its national network of Fishing’s Future Chapters, First Cast Family Events and Certified Guides. This acquisition will expand educator and volunteer training, increase beginner‑friendly fishing opportunities, support tackle‑industry recruitment goals and deliver scalable, family‑centered programs nationwide.
Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs (HOFNOD), one of the most recognized youth‑fishing programs in the nation, will be transforming into a new effort, with details to be announced soon. Fishing’s Future will ensure the spirit and purpose of HOFNOD continue to inspire youth, families, and communities.
“Fishing and outdoor recreation are incredibly powerful tools for combating substance-abuse,” said Shane Wilson, Fishing’s Future founder and Board Chair. “We are working diligently and are excited to soon share a new effort to strengthen family bonds through fishing while combatting the horrors of substance-abuse.”
The F3 Tackle for Educators program will continue under Fishing’s Future, strengthening the bridge between the fishing industry and the educators who teach angling skills and aquatic stewardship. This program will actively work to help guide anglers to quality gear that they need to get started fishing and gear to support their lifelong relationship with fishing.
The acquisition creates a unified national effort aligned with industry priorities: growing participation, supporting conservation and building lifelong anglers.
“The future of fishing is dependent on all of us, volunteers, non‑profits, state agencies, industry and even everyday anglers working together,” said Tom Lang, Executive Director of Fishing’s Future. “We are excited to share the news of this acquisition as we continue pushing forward, making a difference in the future of fishing.”
For more information, to start a chapter, volunteer or support Fishing’s Future and its mission to strengthen family bonds through fishing, visit www.FishingsFuture.org.
