Take Me Fishing™ Fans to Select the Top Natural Waterparks in America

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 5, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation's (RBFF) Take Me Fishing™ campaign is encouraging families, kids and outdoor adventurers alike to spend more time in 'Mother Nature's Waterpark' this summer. Local fishing and boating hotspots across the country offer great outdoor activities -- both on and off the water -- no tickets necessary! That's why Take Me Fishing announced today the launch of a Facebook campaign, Nature's Waterpark Showdown, where fans will help determine the eight most popular state parks, or natural "waterparks," in America. The Showdown will put 24 pre-determined watering holes to the test, and offer Facebook fans the chance to win weekly giveaways and a fishing and boating vacation for a family of four.

According to the national Let's Move! initiative, young people ages eight to 18 spend more than seven hours a day with an electronic device: watching TV, playing video games, talking on a cell phone. As a result, only one-third of high school students exercise as much as they should. 

"Fishing and boating are just two ways to inspire a new generation of healthy kids, and engagement in these sports can foster a lifetime of outdoor activity," said Frank Peterson, RBFF President and CEO. "Many families are looking for more affordable getaways this year. The launch of Nature's Waterpark Showdown will get our fans talking about the best fishing and boating hotspots in the country, sharing their favorite outdoor memories, and inspiring others to start planning their next trip on the water -- at the parks and waterways that are right in their own back yard."

During the eight-week long campaign fans can vote by "liking" their favorite state parks based on fishing, boating and family fun. The park with the most "likes" each week will make it to the final showdown. Fans can also enter to win weekly prizes, including Bass Pro Shop gift cards. One lucky fan will win the grand prize: A trip for a family of four to a top-rated state park of their choice. The campaign will begin June 4 and will run through July.

Nature's Waterpark Showdown will launch during National Fishing & Boating Week (June 2 - 10) -- a celebration of the joys of fishing and boating, and a time when active participants are encouraged to share the sport with newcomers. Nearly 40 out of the 50 states offer free fishing days during National Fishing & Boating Week and plenty of opportunities to take out a boat or toss in a line.  The parks showcased in the campaign are just a fraction of the many outdoor opportunities available throughout the nation.     

"Many may not recognize that as they participate in enjoyable and affordable outdoor activities like recreational boating and fishing, they are also supporting vital aquatic conservation efforts," said Peterson. "A portion of fishing tackle and license sales, as well as boat supply and registration sales, go back to conservation of our nation's waterways."

Since 2007, the Take Me Fishing campaign has played a critical role in introducing 3.6 million youth and newcomers to boating and fishing and has generated nearly $30 million for state conservation efforts. The campaign increases awareness of the need to protect, conserve and restore the nation's aquatic resources by encouraging participation in recreational boating and fishing.

For a full list of places to boat and fish, local events taking place during National Fishing & Boating Week and information about free fishing days, visit TakeMeFishing.org.  To learn more about Nature's Waterpark Showdown or to vote on your favorite parks, find Take Me Fishing™ at www.facebook.com/takemefishing.

About RBFF

RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation's aquatic natural resources. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Anglers' Legacy™. 

"Like" us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/TakeMeFishing.

Follow us on Twitter at www.Twitter.com/Take_Me_Fishing.

SOURCE Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation