According to www.fishingtackleretailer.com, Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris challenged families everywhere to get off the couch and head outdoors to discover the fun of fishing this summer. The donation of 40,000 rods and reels to nonprofit organizations help kids from all backgrounds connect to the outdoors. The effort is part of Gone Fishing, a nationwide movement that aims to introduce the sport to families everywhere through donations, nonprofit partnerships, and free catch-and-release ponds at Bass Pro Shops locations across North America.
“The most special memories in life come from spending time in nature with those you care about. For me, it all started with fishing,” said Morris, who spent his boyhood summers fishing with his family on the beautiful rivers in Missouri’s Ozark Mountains. “We want to help as many kids as we can discover the joy of fishing- on the ocean, in a lake, or on a stream- so we’re donating thousands of fishing poles, inviting families to catch their first fish and take someone they love fishing .”
Customers brought in their used rods and reels in exchange for discounts on new gear. Bass Pro Shops refurbished each piece to ensure it was fish-ready for kids. In the last five years, the company has donated more than 250,000 items to youth-focused nonprofit organizations including boy Scouts of America and Boys and Girls Clubs.
