Donate to organizations that protect the sport of fishing

I admit it. I’m guilty of not giving back to the sport of fishing as much as I get from it. Yes, I participate in the occasional cleanup or fundraiser, and support organized efforts through donations and memberships, but I could always do more. All of us could always do more. It’s easy to assume that habitat and fish stocks will self-perpetuate, but the reality is that there are numerous forces working against those goals. I won’t get into the politics of it, because that’s a subject for another column, but it’s sufficient to say that if we’re not vigilant and generous then the next generations won’t enjoy the outdoors the way that we do today.

Why Give?

As noted above, the bottom line is that without our substantial support many of the resources we treasure will cease to exist in their current form. Private conservationists and their related organizations have played key roles in both saving and restoring many of our most valuable game species. We saw it recently, when a concerted effort pushed back what seemed to be the inevitable Pebble Mine project in Bristol Bay, which had the potential to decimate the world’s largest run of sockeye salmon.

Many of the people and organizations that work full-time on these efforts operate on a shoestring budget. No one’s getting rich doing conservation work that benefits all of us. They’re in it because it matters. Donations to legit organizations are a lifeline that is often the difference between success and failure. It doesn’t matter why you do it – generosity, selfishness, guilt over not being able to do more, or even a resulting tax benefit – just get it done.

Organizations that Deserve Your Support

If you’re confused by which organization to by making a donation or by purchasing a membership, here’s a non-exhaustive starter list (in alphabetical order):

There are also various programs dedicated to veterans and first responders, both local and national. There have been some grifters in this space in the past, so as with all of these recipients be sure that you’re dealing with a legitimate organizations

If you care about a particular waterway or population of fish, there may also be a hyper-specific organization. For example, through my friend Gene Gilliland I learned about the Mille Lacs Smallmouth Alliance

Do Your Due Diligence

No matter who is the beneficiary of your contribution, it’s critical to do your due diligence. There are organizations out there that contribute only a paltry percentage of donations to the actual advertised effort. Of course administration and staff need to be funded, but you want your money to produce results.

Furthermore, you may want to make sure that the effort is fully aligned with causes that you support. If you are concerned that they are funded by people with whom you do not agree, or otherwise support causes that are antithetical to your own, either hold your nose or find another recipient.

Of course, if you intend to take a tax deduction, make sure that the recipient of your donation makes you eligible do to so. There are a lot of organizations that present themselves as charitable non-profits that do not truly fit that bill. There may be various ways to donate, too – not just cash, but restricted stock and other assets. Consult with your CPA.

Individual Guides and Communities

If you’ve traveled to foreign countries to fish, you know that many of the guides and employees who provide exceptional service do not live extravagant lives. Thus, when they or their family suffer an emergency or tragedy, your donations (usually through the outfitter or lodge) can make a huge difference. While I generally have mixed feelings about GoFundMe contributions (believing I can make more of a difference through other means), in these sorts of cases this can be a direct and meaningful way of giving back.

Companies Who Do Well by Doing Good

Another way to support the sport and related resources is by bringing your business to organizations and companies that give back. Through my role on the board of the Bass Fishing Hall of Fame I’ve seen the good that we can do by granting money to deserving conservation groups. We’re an all-volunteer board and our annual auction produces tens of thousands of dollars that go straight to deserving causes.

Through the BFHOF I’ve also seen the AFTCO machine in action. The Shedd family have made giving back to the sport a primary concern, and regularly donate a portion of profits from specific items to communities and fisheries in need. There are many other companies in the fishing realm that do this – SUPPORT THEM.

You can even benefit conservation by fishing tournaments – last year I attended the Bass Pro Shops US Open, an event that generated a million dollars plus for the winning team, and more than that for habitat restoration.

Sweat Equity

In lieu of, or in addition to, your cash contributions, you can make a direct difference through sweat equity. If there’s a fishery that matters to you, reach out to your local CCA, Trout Unlimited or B.A.S.S. Nation chapter. They’re always looking for people to help out. Even if you don't want to get dirty, everyone has some talent or ability that can help the cause. Don’t be shy about offering that up – and if there doesn’t exist an organization pursuing the cause that matters to you, there’s nothing that says you can’t start one up on your own.