B y the numbers That is $48 billion, the estimated amount of money the nation’s nearly 60 million anglers spent in 2011 on fishing equipment, transportation, lodging and other expenses associated with their sport. That is according to a new study by the American Sportfishing Association, the trade association that represents the sportfishing industry. With a total annual economic impact of $115 billion, the study said fishing supports more than 828,000 jobs and generates $35 billion in wages and $15 billion in federal and state taxes. The study, “Sportfishing in America: An Economic Force for Conservation,” said the total amount spent on sportfishing, including tackle, travel and other equipment, has grown 5 percent since 2006.