Sport Fishing

An Undeniable Presence in the LESMD Region

Geography set the course for Sport Fishing to become a significant sub-sector in the LESMD travel, tourism & leisure industry. Thirty-seven miles of Atlantic coast, approximately one thousand miles of Chesapeake shoreline and hundreds of miles of rivers and estuaries combine with barrier island-protected bays to create an unparalleled asset for this sub-sector of the economy.

In addition, the distribution of waterways throughout every corner of the LESMD has deeply imbedded this subsector in the regional economy, drawing both full-time and part-time residents. A significant number of anglers are attracted from other states, providing stimulus to the hospitality industry. Sponsored events such as the White Marlin Open inject result in a total economic impact in the tens of millions of dollars.

Predictably an extensive network of marinas has developed to deliver the services necessary to the sport fishing industry. Other support-related aspects of the industry, such as equipment and outfitting, repair and boat construction, further affect the LESMD regional economy. The benefits to the marine construction industry provides a further nexus to yet another LESMD Economic Engine.

Some of the Marinas in the LESMD Region