Fishing News - 7/19/00
Classic Update
From BASS
Chicago Kids Catch Fun, Fish, Excitement at B.A.S.S. Kids Klassic
CHICAGO, July 19, 2000-This was a day of "firsts" for hundreds of Chicago
area kids who participated in the Kids Klassic being held in conjunction
with the BASS Masters Classic.
For many of the more than 1,000 kids on hand for the free event, it was the
first time they'd been fishing. The event, sponsored by Zebco, has been
held for the past 11 years and is one of many events held during bass
fishing's world championship. It is held annually to introduce youths to
fishing in a fun, entertaining atmosphere.
Zebco, the rod-and-reel maker whose name is synonymous with youth fishing,
provided its namesake products to each participant in the Kids Klassic.
"For more than 50 years, our rod-and-reel combos have formed the memory of
that first fish catch," said the company's Gary Dollohan. "It's always
gratifying to us when we're a part of a child's first fishing experience.
Here, it was especially rewarding since so many of these kids caught their
first fish here. Now they can take their rod and reel home and take more
trips with friends and family."
The informal contest was held at the city park's lake. It is one of many in
the area managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as part of
its statewide Urban Fishing Program. "This program is one of the most
important projects we do," said Mike Conlin, fisheries director for the
state. "Kids in urban areas don't have much of a chance to go fishing so we
take the fishing to them." City park lakes participating in the program are
stocked during summer with tackle available on loan from libraries and
other sites.
Fishing was only one of the many activities held at Jackson Park during the
Kids Klassic. Clowns, face painting, and Mercury WaterMouse boat rides left
an indelible mark in the minds of the participants. "We just wanted these
kids to have fun, and tie it to fishing," added Dollohan. "If they have
fun, then they'll want to go fishing again, and these city lakes are a
great platform for promoting fishing as a fun, wholesome activity."
Bass fishing's top 46 anglers will weigh their catches tomorrow, Friday and
Saturday at Soldier Field, home to the NFL's Chicago Bears. Weigh-ins are
free to the public and begin at 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday. The world
champion is crowned on Saturday with a special effects extravaganza
beginning at 3:50 p.m. A free concert with country music star Tricia
Yearwood follows the crowning of the sport's world champion.
The 32-year-old BASSMASTER Tournament Trail is the oldest and most
prestigious bass fishing tournament circuit in the country. It has set the
standard for credibility, professionalism and sportsmanship for more than
three decades.
Sponsors of the 30th BASS Masters Classic: Ranger Boats, RangerTrail
Trailers, Mercury Outboards, Chevrolet Trucks, ACDelco Voyager Batteries,
Worldwaters.com, Humminbird/Zercom electronics, Pennzoil Marine, Flowmaster
Exhaust Systems, First USA Visa Card, MotorGuide Trolling Motors, Gore-Tex
Outerwear, GMAC Insurance, State of Illinois, City of Chicago, and the Bass
Anglers Sportsman Society.
B.A.S.S. Web site: http://www.bassmaster.com.
