Whether you want to make someone fall in love with you for the first time, or all over again, the answer may be closer than you think: a date on the water.

Image by TakeMeFishing.org (Click to Enlarge)

A new survey conducted among men and women currently in relationships on behalf of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) Take Me Fishing campaign reveals that two-thirds of couples have gone fishing or boating with their spouse or significant other. Those who have been out on the water together describe their experience as relaxing, exciting, playful and romantic. Of the one-third of couples who have never been fishing or boating on a date, 60 percent of women and 50 percent of men would be game to try.

“We like to say that couples who fish and boat together stay together. The survey also confirmed what we have been taking note of – that women are more interested than ever in fishing and boating,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson.

According to the results, half of both men and women consider it important that their significant other shows interest in outdoor activities. Approximately a third of men and women prefer non-traditional dates that involve outdoor activity or adventure, like fishing or boating, due to the excitement and spontaneity they create. They also reported that getting outdoors allows them to disconnect from technology.

The Thrill of the Catch:

•   38% of men are impressed by a woman who can bait a hook
•   One-third of people in a relationship prefer non-traditional dates such as hiking and fishing
•   60% of women and 58% of men would be game for going fishing on a date
•   70% of women and 68% of men would go on a boating date
•   The top five outdoor dates are boating, hiking, camping, fishing and biking

In addition, overall fishing participation is on the rise, with 33.1 million Americans picking up a rod in 2012. Of this, more than a quarter were female. Americans who went boating in 2012 was also up, with 88 million hitting the water.

“We are very excited to see more people drawn to go fishing and exploring the outdoors in general. More couples fishing and boating means more funds for protecting, conserving and restoring our nation’s aquatic natural resources from fishing license sales and boat registrations,” said Peterson.

About The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF)
Celebrating 15 years in 2013, RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. RBFF developed the award-winning Take Me Fishing™ campaign to create awareness around boating, fishing and conservation, and educate people about the benefits of participation. Take Me Fishing helps boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels learn, plan and equip for a day on the water. The campaign website, TakeMeFishing.org, features tips and how-to’s that can be used all over the country, tools to compare different styles of boats, information on how to get a fishing license and boat registration, and an interactive state-by-state map that allows visitors to find local boating and fishing spots.