FLORIDA IS THE FISHING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD

• Visit www.fishingcapital.com

No need to be modest about it -- Florida is the hands-down, unchallenged, undisputable Fishing Capital of the World.

With more than 700 world-record fish catches on the books (seven times more than any other state) and recognition as the world's number one recreational fishing destination, Florida is gearing up to start bragging about it. The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) and Visit Florida -- the state's tourism promotional firm -- have hammered out a plan to spread the word that Florida is the best place in the world to fish.

"Florida's abundant freshwater and saltwater fishing opportunities, year-round access to the state's waters, generous bag limits and careful scientific management by the FWC staff entitle the state to claim the Fishing Capital of the World title," said FWC Chairman John Rood. "We think it's high time to tell the world about it."

Florida's most sought-after freshwater fish, largemouth bass, reach legendary sizes in Florida, attracting professional and amateur anglers from all over the world. Peacock bass thrive in southeast Florida canals and offer a thrilling fight for bank fishermen and boaters.

For those who prefer a more laid-back approach to fishing, bream and crappie abound in Florida's waters.

Anglers who want to battle a virtual sea monster can fish offshore for a giant marlin or tarpon or any one of dozens of other marine species around Florida. Near-shore waters offer their own opportunities for snook, sea trout, redfish, snapper, cobia, mackerel and dozens of other species.

"With all that to offer, we can attract even more anglers to Florida," Rood said, "and it's in the best interests of the fisheries that we do so. It's the revenue generated by fishing license sales that funds conservation work involving game and nongame aquatic resources."

Fishing already pours $5.5 billion into Florida's economy and supports 75,000 jobs, but in a state with 1,200 miles of coastline, 12,000 miles of rivers and streams and 7,700 lakes, there's plenty of room for growth.

The plan includes news releases, public service announcements, a Web site, personal appearances on electronic media, magazine articles, bumper stickers and other components. It also includes partnerships with fishing equipment suppliers and manufacturers and celebrity spokespersons.

"This is not a short-term promotion," Rood said. "This will be a permanent effort to position - and maintain -- Florida as the Fishing Capital of the World."

FWC officials plan to fund the project with existing resources.