Since the inception of 'Gone Fishing,' Morris, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have donated more than 500,000 products to youth-focused nonprofit organizations across North America. (Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops)
June 10, 2021
By Game & Fish Staff
Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris wants American families to put down their smartphones and go fishing this summer.
Morris, also a noted conservationist, is helping to make that happen. Morris, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are once again donating 40,000 rods and reels to kids of all backgrounds to introduce them to the outdoors.
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The outdoors-goods retailer is partnering with hundreds of non-profit groups, many of which engage with underprivileged, minority and urban youth who might otherwise not have a chance to be introduced to the sport of fishing.
"If there was a bright spot from this past year, it was the unprecedented interest of families wanting to get outside and go fishing," Morris said. "The most special memories in life come from spending time in nature with those you care about. For me, it all started with fishing, which is why we’re proud to donate thousands of fishing poles to help kids discover the joys of fishing this summer."
The movement kicks off "Gone Fishing ," an annual call-to-action that aims to introduce the sport to millions of kids. In addition to donating tens of thousands of rods and reels, all Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s stores will host free in-store fishing and casting activities during the weekends of June 12-13 and 19-20.
Since the program’s inception, Johnny, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s have donated more than 500,000 products to youth-focused nonprofit organizations across North America and helped millions of families catch their first fish, with over 150,000 kids participating in free events.
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's are once again donating 40,000 rods and reels to kids of all backgrounds to introduce them to the outdoors. (Photo courtesy of Bass Pro Shops) More from a news release:
National Donation Day
"Gone Fishing" kicks off with a national donation day on Thursday, June 10, with Morris, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s donating more than 40,000 rods and reels to nonprofit organizations that connect kids to the outdoors and help get more kids outside. Customers brought in gently used rods and reels this spring in exchange for discounts on new gear; each piece is refurbished to ensure they are fish-ready for kids.
Free Family Activities
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations across the U.S. and Canada are hosting free activities and special giveaways during Gone Fishing designed for anglers of all ages and skill levels. Family-friendly events hosted on these consecutive June weekends (June 12-13 and 19-20) include:
Free Catch-And-Release Ponds : Kids can experience the excitement of fishing at in-store catch-and-release ponds and earn a free "First Fish Certificate" from FLW (Fishing League Worldwide) to celebrate their achievement (11 a.m.-4 p.m. local time).Free Fishing 101 Guide: Free copies of Nibbles & Bites teach the fundamentals of fishing. The informational guide is available while supplies last.Free Giveaways & Take-Home Crafts: After completing the catch-and-release pond, kids will receive free take- home crafts and giveaways while supplies last.
Get Involved & Win
To encourage everyone to take a kid fishing this summer, anglers of all ages can post a photo or video fishing to social media using the hashtag #gonefishing and tag @bassproshops or @cabelas. Tag and challenge three friends or family members to take a kid fishing for a chance to win a Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s gift card. For dates and more details, visit basspro.com/gonefishing .
