Fishing
It is no surprise that Florida is often called “The Fishing Capital of the World.” The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates that over four million anglers a year fish in the state and contribute approximately four billion dollars to the economy. Deep sea fishermen seeking the thrill of hooking one of over 1,000 species of fish have vacationed in the "sportsman’s paradise." Fishermen have visited Florida solely for the purpose of catching tarpon because of their colossal size, enduring fight and photogenic leaping abilities. The small towns of Cedar Key, Apalachicola and Tarpon Springs welcome thousands of visitors a year for fishing tournaments in the bountiful estuaries and reefs of the Gulf. More importantly, fishing for small bream, bluegill and other small pan fish takes little equipment and is found to be the "gateway" activity that connects youths to the great outdoors, which encourages children to learn about conservation and the environment.