The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) has compiled a list of the Best Family-Friendly Places to Fish and Boat. The list of locations is bolstered by endorsements from celebrities and fishing pros, and the help of federal and state representatives.
The full list of Best Family-Friendly Places to Fish and Boat is available at TakeMeFishing.org and highlights include:
- Percy Priest Lake, Tenn. - Country music star Luke Bryan admits "a good fisherman never shares his best spot," but still offers up his favorite place to escape his fast-paced world for some relaxing time on the water. Known for "Huntin', Fishin' and Lovin' Every Day," Bryan's favorite spot near Nashville is a natural addition to this year's list. Bryan has a clothing line of the same name available at Cabela's, and fans can catch the country music megastar on his HFE tour this summer.
- Presque Isle Bay, Pa. - Professional offensive lineman and former Army Ranger, Alejandro "Big Al" Villanueva, picked this popular spot on Lake Erie, and knows a thing or two about the importance of good tackle and a strong line. When he's not protecting the quarterback, Al says, "I spend a lot of my free time fishing and really cherish any time on the water."
- Degray Lake, Ark. - Having grown up in nearby Poyen, Ark., country music singer Justin Moore often frequented Degray Lake as a young boy, and passed down his love of fishing to his own kids. He remembers, "watching my oldest daughter catch her first fish all by herself has to be my favorite moment out there."
- Texas City Dyke, Texas - Professional angler Cindy Nguyen added this spot, noting, "I grew up fishing in Texas City Dyke and the surrounding areas. It's still one of my favorite places to bring the family."
- Central Park, N.Y. - Host of South Bend's Lunkerville, Michael de Avila, better known to his fans as Mike D., picked an unexpected fishing oasis in the middle of the nation's largest city. Central Park offers three unique family-friendly spots at the lake, the pond and the Harlem Meer.
- Webb Lake, Fla. - Women's sportfishing advocate and outdoor writer Debbie Hanson loves the fishing at wildlife at Webb Lake. "Not only is Webb Lake great for numbers of largemouth bass and bluegill, but there are also some fantastic wildlife viewing opportunities. I've spotted sandhill cranes, great blue herons and white-tailed deer on my visits."
- South Padre Island, Texas - Pedro Sors, professional angler and Mexico's most popular fishing TV show host, chose this popular spot for its ability to provide him and his sons with "a sense of freedom and a way to connect with nature and myself."
- Buckeye Creek, Calif. - Chelsea Day of the Someday I'll Learn blog, fondly recalls memories at this picturesque spot in the eastern Sierras. "Our oldest son caught his first fish at this spot, and it was really special to be able to cook it right up and serve it for dinner at the campsite. Such a sense of accomplishment for him!"
"This year we decided to ask some of our friends and partners where they like to go fishing, and the response has been overwhelming," said RBFF President and CEO, Frank Peterson. "While the locations are as diverse as the people who shared them, some key themes emerged. Fishing and boating are easy ways to escape life's tensions, and you're never too far from a quality body of water. So whether you're getting over a stressful week at the office or simply trying to cut back on screen time, this is the year to get out on the water together to help conserve and restore our nation's aquatic natural resources."
