With summer just around the corner, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is encouraging kids and families to get outside during National Fishing and Boating Week, June 5 – 13. To help plan the perfect day on the water, outdoor enthusiasts can visit TakeMeFishing.org to find local events, search for free fishing days and learn about the impact boaters and anglers have on the environment. And, with kids spending more and more time indoors, now is the perfect time to introduce them to nature.

According to a study done by the Kaiser Family Foundation, kids are absorbing more than 10 hours of media content per day, a number up from just five years ago. Not only are kids spending more time in front of screens, they are also coming up with more excuses not to go outside. According to the Outdoor Foundation those excuses include a lack of time, the risk of danger and the high cost of participation.

“After looking at the research, we want to show kids that there are many easy and free activities available for them,” said RBFF President & CEO Frank Peterson. “That’s why we’re encouraging families to get outside and connect with nature, starting with National Fishing and Boating Week. We hope to motivate everyone, young and old, to check out their local waterways and to give boating and fishing a try.”

Looking to get out on the water but don’t know where to begin? Visit TakeMeFishing.org to find a local event during National Fishing and Boating Week. New this year - 10 marinas across the country will offer consumers the opportunity to participate in boating and fishing demonstrations, educational activities, boat test drives and more. Boat.Fish.Live. At National Marina Day on Saturday, June 12 is the perfect event for those interested in boating and fishing to test out the waters.

National Fishing and Boating Week is also the perfect time to grab a rod and start reeling, with free fishing days taking place in more than 35 states. During designated free fishing days, anglers can try their hand at fishing without purchasing a license.

National Fishing and Boating Week isn’t just a great opportunity to get back to nature, it’s also a great
opportunity to give back to nature. Some of the most simple and even enjoyable activities can make a difference in local conservation efforts. For example, when an angler buys fishing tackle or a boater buys fuel, a portion of those funds are distributed to states by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service through the Sport Fish Restoration Program. Projects supported by these sales include improving fish habitats, fisheries research, boat ramp construction and aquatic resource education opportunities.

For a listing of more than 12,000 places to boat and fish, local events taking place during National Fishing and Boating Week and information about free fishing days, visit TakeMeFishing.org. Whether it’s a freshwater pond or a saltwater paradise, the site has all the information families need to make the most of their day on the water.