eAngler.com Launched As 'World's Ultimate Online Fishing Resource'

Market Wire, 20050229

eAngler Inc. announced today the launch of eAngler.com, "The World's Ultimate On-line Fishing Resource," to provide the vast fishing market with comprehensive information for all types of fishing, user-friendly services and the latest fishing-related products.

eAngler.com is the first website to provide such a complete combination of "content," e-commerce and breakthrough features related to sportfishing - one of the nation's largest recreational industries. To date, the company has raised $2.5 million, with a percentage earmarked for a national advertising campaign launching January 1.

"Sportfishing is one of the most popular activities in the nation. But from a business standpoint, it has been quite fragmented by factors such as geography, varying types of products and services, freshwater versus saltwater fishing, even angling for distinct types of fish," said Michael Davis, president and co-founder of eAngler. "While recognizing and serving the wide diversity of specific angling interests, we are bringing together all these segments in one 'virtual' community."

Twice as popular as golf, fishing is a passion for 50 million Americans and has an economic impact of approximately $110 billion annually - including nearly $40 billion directly in purchases of goods and services. And this spending has been growing rapidly, according to industry reports.

"Combining these numbers with the general boom in e-commerce, and the fact that the key fishing demographic closely matches that of internet users, gives us a huge and attractive market base," Davis said. "We have created a truly unique destination with many exciting and proprietary components to attract and serve this vast market."

As a content provider, eAngler.com features the internet's most comprehensive and easy-to-navigate body of angling information. Exclusive agreements with leading fishing magazines and experts provide the site with in-depth articles, tips and a complete range of other fishing news and facts. Advanced technology and other exclusive contracts allow users to view detailed global weather and tide forecasts, research and secure guides and obtain licenses. The site also has special interest sections such as the "Conservation Arena," "Kids Korner," and much more.

eAngler.com e-commerce and special services include: The eAngler Pro Shop offering the latest sportfishing products and accessories from leading manufacturers such as Daiwa, Shimano, Aqua Design Clothing, Penn, Berkley, Columbia Sportwear and many others. The eAngler Pro Shop also will build and sell custom-made rods and equipment for shoppers.eAngler Travel allows anglers to research and book travel packages to some of the world's top fishing destinations. eAngler GuideNetÔ is a one-of-a-kind network to help eAngler users book trips with leading professional fishing guides across North America. The eAngler LicenseNetÔ allows anglers to conveniently purchase fishing licenses over the internet for a growing number of states. Information on everything fishing that is updated every single day.

To support the website's launch and establish awareness that it is the world's leading fishing resource, eAngler.com will implement a multi-million dollar promotional campaign. This will include advertisements and sponsorships with national media outlets such as ESPN, CNBC, CNN, TNN, FOX; numerous fishing magazines; and top sportfishing tournaments and events.

"We're committed to making a big splash because we know eAngler.com can't be matched in its own breadth, and in serving the vast angling community," Davis said. eAngler Inc. is based in Tampa, Florida, the nation's leading state with 2.9 million anglers. For more information, visit www.eAngler.com.