Des Moines — The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and Iowa Tourism Office are calling on families to put down the screens and make lasting memories fishing in a new joint marketing campaign launched today.
The all-digital “Gone Fishing” campaign will educate families about fishing opportunities throughout the state and promote the sale of fishing licenses. The campaign is enabled by a $25,000 grant secured from the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing participation in recreational fishing and boating. Iowa was one of only a five states to receive funding from the organization in 2016.
“Promoting Iowa as a fishing destination is a shared mission of the DNR and the Iowa Tourism Office,” said Joe Larscheid, DNR Fisheries Bureau chief. “By working together on this campaign we were able to successfully secure an outside grant. This partnership allows us to strategically allocate our marketing dollars to best reach Iowa families.”
Fishing presents an opportunity for families to build closer bonds and is an excellent way to interest children in other healthy outdoor activities. More than 76 percent of fishing participants in the United States also run, bike, camp or hike, according to RBFF data. Iowa is home to some of the best fishing in the Midwest, with thousands of lakes and ponds and hundreds of streams and rivers.
“This summer, get your family, get out of the house and get in touch with Iowa’s beautiful outdoors through fishing,” said Shawna Lode, manager of the Iowa Tourism Office. “You can fill countless Facebook albums with photos of the memories you’ll make fishing with your family in Iowa.”
Iowa fishing licenses are available from the DNR for just $19 annually for Iowa residents. Children 15 years and younger can fish without a license. Additional fees apply for trout fishing. The DNR sold 370,160 licenses in 2015, generating revenues of more than $8 million.
About the Iowa Department of Natural Resources
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is the state agency responsible for conserving and enhancing Iowa’s natural resources. The DNR also encourages the enjoyment and stewardship of natural resources among Iowans through outreach and education. For more information visit www.iowadnr.gov and connect with DNR on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter and YouTube.
About the Iowa Tourism Office
The Iowa Tourism Office is part of the Iowa Economic Development Authority. For more information about Iowa tourism, visit traveliowa.com, call 800.345.IOWA or stop at any Iowa Welcome Center. Travelers can find additional Iowa travel inspiration on the Iowa Tourism Office blog, Facebook page, Twitter feed, Pinterest boards, Google+ page, Instagram, or YouTube channel.