By Noel Montrey

Two new states have joined ASA's 1-800-ASK-FISH telephone information hotline since Bass Pro Shops of Springfield, Mo., assumed responsibilities for management and operations, said Rob Southwick, administrator of 1-800-ASK-FISH.

Bass Pro Shops successfully completed the transfer of operations on July 1, and in August Iowa and Mississippi joined seven other states taking advantage of the service.

The hotline, which was created in 1993, operates 24 hours a day providing anglers information on where to fish, where to buy fishing licenses, fishing reports, state rules and regulations, boat ramp locations, and other information.

Besides Iowa and Mississippi, 1-800-ASK-FISH currently serves Arkansas, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Michigan, Oklahoma and Utah.

ASA President Mike Hayden said the association is extremely pleased to partner with an ASA member like Bass Pro Shops, which has invested significant amounts of money and manpower to operate and redesign ASK-FISH. "It shows what the association can do when its members get behind an issue," he said.

"Bass Pro Shops is an industry leader in providing anglers with the latest equipment and services," Hayden said. "We are proud they share our vision of a national angler information service and have joined us to help make this vision a reality."

Bass Pro Shops President and Founder John L. Morris said his company plans to expand ASK-FISH to all 50 states and to develop new angler services, such as maps of popular fishing spots and increasing the number of states selling fishing and hunting licenses instantly over the phone.

"Joining the 1-800-ASK-FISH program is a natural way for us to better communicate with sportsmen and women and to help make their outdoor experience simpler and more complete," Morris said. "We look forward to working with ASA and state fishery agencies to expand ASK-FISH nationally and increasing the services ASK FISH offers."

A state joins ASK FISH when its state fisheries agency elects to participate. The agency then provides much of the data for the service, and in most cases, some of the funding.

Kim Erickson, chief of fisheries for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, said the hotline is quick, easy and provides up-to-date information.

"ASK-FISH informs our anglers as to the best fishing spots they can find in the state. The fishing report is probably the most significant item requested," Erickson said. "Anglers can also use it to quickly enter our toll-free license sales program. All together, this program provides a nice
package that makes it easier to enjoy the fun of fishing."

In addition to funding from state fisheries agencies, the hotline has received a series of grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration Program, which is funded by excise tax revenues from sales of fishing tackle, boat fuel and other items. Bass Pro Shops assumed some of the costs of operations on July 1.

For more information on 1-800-ASK-FISH or to join the service, please contact Rob Southwick by telephone at 904-277-9765 or by e-mail at southaso6@pipeline.com.

American Sportfishing Association, Volume 1, Number 10. September 1998.