A study by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Fisheries Service confirmed the major boost the Florida economy receives from recreational fishing each year.

The study highlighted recreational fishing expenses and sales from 2006; Recreational saltwater anglers pumped more than $31 billion into the U.S. economy that year. The leading states were Florida ($16.7 billion), Texas ($3.2 billion), California ($3.0 billion), Louisiana ($2.9 billion) and North Carolina ($2.0 billion).

According to the study, saltwater anglers across the nation were estimated to have spent $5.8 billion on trip-based expenses, such as ice, bait and fuel. Another $25.6 billion was spent on fishing equipment such as fishing rods, tackle and boats.