Advancing Fishing, Conservation, and Competitive Angling Across the United States
USAngling is the national organization dedicated to advancing competitive angling, fishing education, conservation, and outdoor leadership throughout the United States. As the official U.S. federation for international sport fishing competition, USAngling supports American anglers competing in World Championship events around the world while promoting ethical angling, environmental stewardship, and responsible outdoor recreation.
At USAngling, we believe fishing is more than a sport. Fishing creates opportunities for education, youth development, conservation, community connection, and lifelong outdoor experience. Through freshwater fishing, saltwater fishing, fly fishing, and competitive angling programs, USAngling helps individuals of all ages build skills, confidence, leadership, and respect for nature.
Our mission is to support anglers, protect waterways, strengthen communities, and create pathways for lifelong participation in fishing and outdoor recreation.
Our Purpose
Connecting Fishing, Education, and Outdoor Experience
USAngling exists to elevate angling as both a world-class competitive sport and a lifelong connection to nature, conservation, and community. We bring together athletes, coaches, volunteers, educators, conservation leaders, and community partners who believe fishing should promote responsibility, sportsmanship, outdoor ethics, and environmental stewardship.
Through fishing education, athlete development, mentorship, and community engagement, USAngling helps anglers grow both on and off the water. Our programs encourage safe fishing practices, conservation awareness, leadership development, and respect for clean waters, fish habitats, and aquatic ecosystems.
USAngling believes success in fishing and competition should always be connected to integrity, environmental responsibility, and positive outdoor experiences.
Fishing Beyond Competition
Education, Conservation, and Community Impact
While international competition is an important part of our mission, USAngling’s work extends far beyond tournament fishing and World Championship events. Our programs help introduce youth, families, schools, and communities to fishing through hands-on learning, outdoor education, and experiential programs.
USAngling supports:
- Youth fishing and angling education
- Family fishing experiences and introductory programs
- Freshwater fishing, fly fishing, and saltwater fishing development
- Conservation and environmental stewardship education
- Safe fishing and outdoor ethics instruction
- Leadership, mentorship, and volunteer development
- Community fishing and outdoor recreation programs
These programs help participants build fishing skills while developing respect for nature, wildlife, waterways, and responsible outdoor recreation.
Conservation and Environmental Stewardship
Protecting Clean Waters for Future Generations
Conservation is a core part of USAngling’s mission and identity. Healthy lakes, rivers, streams, and coastal waters are essential to the future of fishing and outdoor recreation. USAngling works to promote environmental stewardship, conservation education, and sustainable fishing practices across all programs and competitive disciplines.
USAngling programs teach:
- Conservation-minded fishing practices
- Catch-and-release education
- Respect for fish habitats and aquatic ecosystems
- Outdoor ethics and environmental responsibility
- Clean water awareness and stewardship
- Protection of public waterways and natural resources
By combining fishing education with conservation learning, USAngling helps develop anglers who understand the importance of protecting the environment for future generations.
Youth Development and Outdoor Education
Inspiring the Next Generation of Anglers
USAngling is committed to helping young people discover fishing, outdoor recreation, and conservation through safe, educational, and engaging experiences. Youth programs introduce participants to angling while helping them build confidence, leadership skills, teamwork, and environmental awareness.
Our youth and education programs focus on:
- Beginner fishing education and skill development
- Age and skill-based outdoor learning opportunities
- Water safety and responsible fishing practices
- Mentorship and positive outdoor experiences
- Conservation and stewardship education
- Leadership development through fishing and community involvement
These experiences help create lifelong connections to fishing, nature, and outdoor recreation.
Trusted Partnerships and Community Collaboration
Working Together to Expand Fishing Education and Stewardship
USAngling partners with respected national organizations, conservation groups, schools, youth organizations, and community programs to expand access to fishing education and outdoor experiences across the country.
Our partnerships support:
- Conservation and environmental education
- Youth development and outdoor leadership
- Community fishing programs and events
- Safe fishing education and mentorship
- Environmental stewardship initiatives
- Inclusive access to outdoor recreation opportunities
Formal partnerships, including collaborations with organizations such as the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and Scouting America, help strengthen USAngling’s ability to deliver meaningful educational and conservation impact nationwide.
International Leadership in Competitive Angling
Representing the United States on the World Stage
USAngling proudly serves as the official U.S. representative to the Confédération Internationale de la Pêche Sportive (CIPS), the international governing body for competitive sport fishing recognized by SportAccord.
Through CIPS, USAngling supports American participation in international World Championship competition across multiple fishing disciplines, including:
- Freshwater fishing
- Fly fishing
- Saltwater fishing
- Casting competition disciplines
USAngling currently supports U.S. National Fishing Teams competing in:
- 8 Freshwater disciplines
- 5 Fly Fishing disciplines
- 4 Saltwater disciplines
- 1 Casting discipline
These programs help American anglers compete internationally while promoting sportsmanship, conservation, outdoor ethics, and responsible leadership.
Building the Future of Fishing and Angling
A Long-Term Commitment to Education, Stewardship, and Excellence
USAngling is committed to building a future where fishing, conservation, education, and outdoor leadership continue to grow together. Through athlete development, youth education, community engagement, environmental stewardship, and international competition, USAngling helps strengthen the future of angling in the United States and around the world.
Our mission is to create responsible anglers, stronger communities, healthy waterways, and lifelong outdoor experiences that inspire future generations.
Together, we are advancing fishing, conservation, and competitive angling through education, stewardship, and shared outdoor experience.