Taxes On Taxes On Taxes...The Fishing Excise Tax

The newest episode of Finding Demo Surf Fishing has dropped and we are talking about taxes.

Audio:  https://share.transistor.fm/s/b201486a

Episode Title: Taxes on Taxes on Taxes

Summary:

In this eye-opening episode, we dig into the fishing excise tax—the hidden fee built into nearly every piece of fishing gear you buy.

While it’s meant to fund conservation, access, and habitat restoration, we ask the tough questions:
Where does that money actually go?
Who decides how it’s spent?
Are surf anglers getting shortchanged compared to boaters and other user groups?

We explore the history of the tax, how it's structured, and why most anglers don't even realize they're paying it. You'll hear real examples of mismanagement, underfunded coastal access, and political gridlock—but also the success stories, like the Chesapeake Bay restoration effort, that prove this system can work when done right.

Whether you're knee-deep in the surf or casting from a pier, if you fish—you fund this. It’s time to understand how it works and what needs to change.

What You’ll Learn:
The origin and intent of the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act
Why surf and shore anglers often get less benefit from the taxes they pay
How tax revenue is distributed—and how that could be improved
Success stories: where the tax is working as intended
Simple ways anglers can get involved and push for change

Resources & Mentions:
The Dingell-Johnson Act
The Wallop-Breaux Amendment
Chesapeake Bay Restoration Project
Your state fish and wildlife agency (for checking access project allocations)

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Available now wherever you get your podcasts.

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This Episode Is Sponsored By:  DS Custom Tackle: Tackle Supply for all anglers.  Floats, rigs, jigs, bait, and more

Bait Check:  Ninja Tackle: Ninja Dagger, 7' Travel Rod, Bummy Stick, Akios reels, rigs, bait, and firearm accessories (optics, Glock parts, attachments, and more)

Bait Check:  Kids Can Fish Foundation: Kids Can Fish is a state and federally-recognized 501(c)(3) charitable foundation.  Their mission is to teach kids fishing fundamentals and, most importantly, HAVE FUN!!   

Theme Song Dirty Rock by Twisterium

Mentions:
Frisky Fins
Salty's Pompano Rigs
The Sinker Guy
Fishbites
Penn Fishing
ASA Fishing
THE IRS!  No tag for you
The Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund
Congressional Sportsmen’s Foundation
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

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