# Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act of 2023

This bill removes the federal excise tax on fishing equipment and supplies. Currently, when people buy fishing rods, reels, tackle boxes, fishing line, hooks, nets, and similar gear, they pay an extra tax on top of the regular price. This bill would eliminate that tax, making fishing equipment cheaper for anyone who buys it.

The fishing equipment excise tax has been around for decades and generates money that typically goes toward fish and wildlife conservation programs. By removing this tax, the bill would save money for recreational anglers—from casual weekend fishers to serious hobbyists—every time they purchase or replace their gear. A person buying a new fishing rod or tackle box would no longer see that extra tax added to their bill at checkout.

However, removing this tax also means less federal funding for the programs that currently receive that tax money, unless Congress finds another way to fund those conservation efforts. So while individual fishers would save money on their purchases, there could be broader implications for how fish and wildlife programs are financed going forward. The bill essentially trades a small tax on fishing equipment for potentially reduced funding in conservation programs that depend on that revenue.

Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act of 2023

Rubio, Marco

Fishing Equipment Tax Relief Act of 2023 This bill reduces from 10% to 3% the excise tax rate that applies to the sale of portable, electronically-aerated bait containers by the manufacturer, producer, or importer.