Youth News from IGFA

Courtesy Johnson Communications Inc.


IGFA Education News
Outreach Program at Palm Beach, Fla., Kid’s Fitness Festival
On July 16-17 the IGFA’s Outreach Program will be among 40 different sports clinics at the Palm Beach County Kid’s Fitness Festival at the South Florida Fairgrounds in West Palm Beach.

“Each July, over 6,000 South Florida youth gather at the South Florida Fairgrounds for two days of fitness and fun,” said IGFA Education Director David Matagiese.
“The two days are filled with excitement and energy, festival participants have the opportunity to get hands-on experience and develop skills in over 40 different sports clinics.
“The IGFA will have knot tying and spin casting target practice as its activities.
Each clinic is conducted by a professional from that sports area sharing techniques, enhancing skills and providing an introduction to the sport. The weekend event also features mascots, autograph sessions, special guests, demonstrations and a midway with a bounce house, rock-wall and mist tent, and much more,” said Matagiese.
Open to groups and individuals, space at the Kids Fitness Festival is limited so early sign-up reservations are recommended.

For more information please contact George Linley at 561-233-3178 or via email at glinley@palmbeachsports.com. And for more information on the IGFA Outreach Program call Matagiese at 954-924-4247 or via email at dmatagiese@igfa.org.

Weekly IGFA Junior Angler Summer Camps in full fun mode
For hands-on activities and lots of fishing for youngsters, nothing beats the IGFA’s annual Junior Angler Summer Camps and there’s still a chance to sign-up.
Presented in 10 weekly sessions they are now underway till August 14th.

In its 10th year and held at the IGFA Fishing Hall of Fame & Museum in Dania Beach, Fla., the association offers the weeklong camp adventures for children ages 8 – 13.

IGFA Education Director Dave Matagiese said. “We’ve revamped some of the activities so that each camper will spend more time each day fishing both here on-site at the museum and on field trips. In addition the camp instructors are also teaching them about the in-and-outs of fish anatomy through dissections, fish biology, plus conservation techniques and environmentally themed topics.

He said they also learn about tying flies and jigs, how to tie fishing knots and participate in simulated fishing tournaments. And the campers take field trips on a variety of fresh and salt water adventures: drift boat, pier and shore fishing, wetlands exploration and much more.

“These camps give children the opportunity to have fun while being educated on local habitats and ethical practices,” Matagiese said. “During each week-long experience, campers will discover the importance of the different fresh and salt water habitats for sport fishing.”

For much more information, please call Veronica Woods 954-924-4309, email reservations@igfa.org, or visit www.igfa.org/summercamp.asp .

2009 BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship Announces Largest Collegiate Bass Fishing Event Ever Held

NEWS From BoatU.S.
Boat Owners Association of The United States

LAKE LEWISVILLE, TX, May 20, 2009 -- With 286 student anglers representing 73 universities registered for the 2009 BoatU.S. National Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship , it will easily surpass last year's record field of 194 by over 90 anglers making it the largest collegiate bass fishing tournament ever held. Officials for the event this year had to expand the field to accommodate the record number of registrants.

"The explosive growth that club fishing has had among America's colleges over the past few years is a testament to the quality of this event, which is the premier collegiate fishing tournament. The participating anglers are the future of our sport, and we are proud to support them in their quest to be successful - and safe, tournament anglers," stated Chris Edmonston of BoatU.S.

Every two-person team attending Cabela's College Day at the Cabela's retail store in Fort Worth, Texas on May 25 will be treated to a $100 shopping spree complements of Cabela's. Seminars will also be provided by several top bass fishing pros such as Clark Wendlandt, Kelly Jordon, Dave Smith, Sean Hornke, Mike Hawkes and Jeff Kriet.

The collegiate anglers will enjoy numerous incentive and discount purchasing programs provided by BoatU.S. Angler, Cabela's, Pure Fishing, Costa Del Mar, Sperry Top-Sider and Gemini Sport Marketing, as well as product samples provided by all the sponsors on site at the event. Contestants will also receive travel stipends and complementary meals to further offset costs. Scholarships and merchandise awards will be made to the top finishers - all designed to promote the growth of collegiate bass fishing.

"We continue to be impressed by the rapid growth of this tournament and collegiate bass fishing as a whole, but we're most proud to be here to provide these students the support they need both on and off the water. The dedication and can-do attitude that they bring to the table is so encouraging for the future of tournament angling and the sport of recreational fishing," said Mike Pellerin of BoatU.S. Angler .

All of the action and excitement during this event will be captured by Careco Multimedia's camera teams and will be featured on the television series airing on the Versus network starting this August on Saturdays at 12:30PM EST.

"This field size this year is amazing. This event features some of the anglers who participated in our very first event in 2006. As seniors this year, they will be transitioning into the business world and will be ambassadors of the sport of fishing based on their experiences at this event and others," stated Wade Middleton, Tournament Director.

All tournament activities will take place at Sneaky Pete's, located on Lake Lewisville in Lewisville, Texas. The official practice period is May 26 and 27. Registration and the pre-tournament banquet will take place on the evening of May 27. Competition days are May 28 and 29. For updates on the event, visit http://www.CollegiateBassChampionship.com .

The 73 schools that will be represented include: Arizona State University, Arkansas Tech University, Auburn University, Baylor University, Boise State University, Clemson University, Drury University, East Carolina University, Eastern Kentucky University, Eastern Oklahoma State College, Faulkner University, Florida Gulf Coast University, Freed-Hardeman University, Friends University, Georgia College and State University, Henderson State University, Indiana University, Kansas State University, Lamar University, Louisiana State University - Shreveport, Louisiana Tech University, Metro State College of Denver, Midwestern State University, Murray State University, North Carolina State, Northeastern AM College, Northwestern State University, Oklahoma State University, Penn State University, Purdue University, Radford University, Sam Houston State University, Southeast Missouri State University, Southern Illinois University - Carbondale, Stephen F. Austin State University, Tarleton State University, Tennessee Tech University, Texas AM Galveston, Texas AM Kingsville, Texas AM University, Texas State University, Texas Tech University, University of Alabama, University of Alabama - Birmingham, University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas - Little Rock, University of Arkansas - Monticello, University of Central Arkansas, University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Iowa, University of Kentucky, University of Louisiana Lafayette, University of Louisville, University of Mississippi, University of Montevallo, University of Nebraska - Lincoln, University of Nevada - Reno, University of North Alabama, University of North Texas, University of Oklahoma, University of Oregon, University of South Alabama, University of Tennessee - Chattanooga, University of Tennessee - Knoxville, University of Tennessee - Martin, University of Texas - Arlington, University of Texas - Austin, University of Texas - Tyler, University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point, Virginia Tech University, Wabash College, and Western Kentucky University.

National supporters of the BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship and Association of Collegiate Anglers events include: BoatU.S., Cabela's, BoatU.S. Angler, Ranger Boats, TruckVault, Costa Del Mar, Berkley, Aviva Fishin Buddy, Sperry Top-Sider, Sebile Lures, Frogg Toggs, Columbia Sportswear, Yamaha, Plano, Garmin, Power Pole, All Star Rod, Abu Garcia, Gemini Custom Apparel, Columbia Sportswear, Power Pole, Activision's Rapala Fishing Frenzy, American Rodsmith, Lago Vista Lodge, City of Lewisville, Dodge, Sneaky Pete's and The Bass Federation.

Future Fisherman Foundation Releases You Tube Video

The Future Fishermen Foundation has recently released their first You Tube video titled C. A.T.C.H.-Caring Anglers Teaching Children How. This short clip demonstrates how adults that give a little of their time can make a big impact on the next generation of anglers.

The video was filmed in Buffalo, NY. in early August at the Bassmaster Elite Series Tournament where the Future Fisherman Foundation, BASS, and professional staff and youth from 20 Boys & Girls Club’s across the country met for a day of fishing with the pro anglers.

The two young anglers from each club were chosen based on their participation in the Hooked on Fishing-Not on Drugs program implemented in each club during the year through a grant from the Department of Justice Youth Partnership for Crime Prevention which targets increasing opportunities for youth to get mentoring from adults in the community such as police officers-to assist in character development and responsible decision making.

The program uses skill development and exposure to “lifetime” recreation activities such as fishing to set the stage for the experiences that can spark changes that last a lifetime.

We’d like to share this good news with you to share the excitement of “catching” youth and hooking them on an activity they can participate in for a lifetime.



Go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=54rpAY3l12s to enjoy the CATCH clip.

Are you inspired to help create more opportunities like this to get our youth outdoors experiencing lifetime sports? Contact the Future Fisherman Foundation to see how you can get involved and make a difference!



Teresa Rodriguez

Manager of Education

Future Fisherman Foundation

225 Reinekers Lane Suite 420

Alexandria, VA 22314

703.519.9691 ext. 224

Fax: 703.519.1872

www.futurefisherman.org



The Future Fisherman Foundation: Ensuring the FUTURE of fishing.

Bassmaster Juniors and Pros Paired for New York

2008 Junior Bassmaster World Championship Pairs Youth with Bassmaster Elite Series Pros on New York's Onondaga Lake


As the 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series season comes to a close with the climactic Trail to the Trophy and the crowning of the 2008 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year at this week’s Champion’s Choice on Oneida Lake out of Syracuse, N.Y., one more round of thrills will be added to the tournament mix as the Junior Bassmaster World Championship takes place Sunday, Aug. 10, just down the road at Onondaga Lake out of Liverpool, N.Y.
On Friday, Aug. 8, at 8 p.m. ET, kids from two divisions of junior anglers will be paired with Elite Series pros at the Bassmaster Elite Series weigh-in stage at Oneida Shores County Park in Syracuse. The teams will then spend a day having fun on the water and practicing Saturday, Aug. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Ninety-three junior anglers will compete in the World Championship in two age groups: 11-14 and 15-18. Along with the amazing experience of being able to fish with a professional, the junior anglers will compete for a piece of a scholarship prize pool totaling $23,000.
In 2007, South Africa’s Jeffrey Toplis, 14, and Kentucky’s Kalem Tippett, 17, persevered through chilly temperatures and gusting winds on Alabama's Logan Martin Lake to win the fourth annual Junior World Bassmaster Championship in their respective age divisions.
Onondaga Lake is located on the outskirts of Syracuse, N.Y., and is 5 miles long and 1 mile wide. Just south of Lake Ontario, Onondaga has an area of 4.6 square miles and plenty of smallmouth bass for the taking. Many locals consider the lake a secret “hot spot.”
Fourteen-year-old Junior Bassmaster World Championship competitor Justin Rollans of Little Rock, Ark., fished the lake in June.
“I hope to have very good results,” Rollans said. “I’m hoping to get my limit on the smallmouth in the morning and then later on in the afternoon find some largemouth to increase my weight.”
Rollans’ strategy will be to use worms in the morning and then change to jigs in the afternoon.
Rollans isn’t the only junior angler with a carefully crafted plan for the championship – 16-year-old Christian Johnson of Iron Station, N.C., said he’ll use a jig or something slow, and promises that he’ll be “going for the largemouth!”
What Johnson and the rest of the field are most looking forward to, however, is the experience. Johnson has been fishing for seven years and said he can’t wait to just take in the 2008 Junior Bassmaster World Championship.
“I’m excited to fish with an Elite pro,” Johnson said. “It’s just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
About BASSFor 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 525,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.-30-Media contact: Doug Grassian, (407) 566-2216 or doug.grassian@espn.com or Anthony Bartkowski, (407) 566-2135 or anthony.a.bartkowski@espn.com Age group: 11-14
Josh Abernathy, Estacada, Ore.
Wesley Allensworth, Hannibal, Mo.
Cole Bowen, Colony, Kan.
Drew Brantley, Gaston, S.C.
Max Brovarney, Wauwatosa, Wis.
William Brown, Wetumpka, Ala.
Nick Deering, Portland, Maine
Dean DeWet, Kirstenhof, South Africa
Nicky Diamandas, Oak Ridge, N.J.
Nick Dietrich, Fork, Md.
Ryan Edwards, Stuart, Fla.
Brett Ellis, Hattiesburg, Miss.
Alec Engleman, Milton, Pa.
Michael Evers, Innisfil, Ontario, Canada
Chase Frechette, Flushing, Mich.
Garath Fulks, San Angelo, Texas
Hunter Gaines, Wittman, Ariz.
Noah Garnica, Potomac, Ill.
Bryan Golding, Pleasant Valley, N.Y.
Justin Isaacs, Moorseville, N.C.
Dakota Jones, Mead, Wash.
Robert Jones, Battle Mountain, Nev.
Lane Kemper, Olive Branch, Miss.
Logan Latuso, Gonzales, La.
Jacob Lorea, Magnolia, Del.
Jordan McMorris, Bloomfield, N.M.
Brody McWilliams, Greenwood, Ind.
Ryan Mezenen, Clinton, Utah
Dakota Nelson, Anamosa, Iowa
Blaine Newman, Kalispell, Mont.
Chris Pottts, Carmichael, Calif.
Dylan Pounds, Houston, W.Va.
Dylan Ralph, Thornton, Colo.
Jared Raymer, Brandenburg, Ky.
Travis Rockett, Intervale, N.H.
Justin Rollans, Little Rock, Ariz.
Zach Rubendall, Sioux Falls, S.D.
Brad Schaefer, Omaha, Neb.
Lowell Turner, Bradford, R.I.
Richard Vespa, Millis, Mass.
Mitchell Willis, Lincoln, Va.
Benjamin Winge, Chaska, Minn.
Zach Zeno, Southbury, Conn.
Age group: 15-18
Zach Alexander, Salt Lake City, Utah
Chaz Antos, Wickenburg, Ariz.
Joshua Bender, Lakewood, Colo.
Bryce Breslin, Dunedin, Fla.
Zach Brooks, St. Joseph, Ill.
Sam Chavez-Strickler, Castleford, Idaho
Seth Davis, Decatur, Tenn.
Jordan Decker, Clarkson, Ky.
Tyler Dennis, Shawnee, Okla.
William Dionisio, New Fairfield, Conn.
Jacob Dugan, Townsend, Del.
Charl Engelbrecht, Auckland Park, South Africa
Blake Gillispie, Cascade, Va.
Brett Glodfelter, Nescopeck, Pa.
Jordan Graham, Center Point, Iowa
Matthew Gray, Bryant, Ark.
Justin Hamner, Northport, Ala.
Kyle Harrigan, Bradley Beach, N.J.
Daniel Hoffman, Chester, N.Y.
Ryan Jimenez, Elko, Nev.
Christopher Johnson, Ocean Springs, Miss.
Christian Johnson, Iron Station, N.C.
Frank King, Summerville, S.C.
Nate King, Dayton, Maine
Derek Kuntz, Inver Grove Heights, Minn.
Eddie Levin, Westerville, Ohio
Steven Littlefield, Abington, Mass.
Andrew Loberg, Rocklin, Calif.
Douglas McClung, Gramercy, La.
Colt McMahan, Tecumseh, Okla.
Sam Nelson, Hutchinson, Kan.
John Newman, Oregon City, Ore.
Colton Nichols, Howard, Ohio
Joseph Parker, Commerce Township, Mich.
Matt Peed, Tyndall, S.D.
Aaron Pounds, Houston, W.Va.
Jacob Pyzer, North Platte, Neb.
Robert Rahm, Bloomfield, N.M.
James Richardson, Alton, N.H.
Ryan Rogers, Bowmanville, Ontario, Canada
Brad Rutherford, Lavonia, Ga.
Branson Schmidt, Greenacres, Wash.
Benjamin Sharpton, Hartwell, Ga.
Halden Smith, Missoula, Mont.
William Staley, Smithsburg, Md.
Austin Terry, San Angelo, Texas
Daniel Tuite, Pawtucket, R.I.
John Weber, Hampshire, Ill.
Jacob Wheeler, Indianapolis, Ind.
Dalton Wilson, Houston, Mo.

Juniors and Pros Paired for Bassmaster NY Event

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 4, 2008
2008 Junior Bassmaster World Championship Pairs Youth with Bassmaster Elite Series Pros on New York's Onondaga Lake

As the 2008 Bassmaster Elite Series season comes to a close with the climactic Trail to the Trophy and the crowning of the 2008 Toyota Tundra Bassmaster Angler of the Year at this week’s Champion’s Choice on Oneida Lake out of Syracuse, N.Y., one more round of thrills will be added to the tournament mix as the Junior Bassmaster World Championship takes place Sunday, Aug. 10, just down the road at Onondaga Lake out of Liverpool, N.Y.

On Friday, Aug. 8, at 8 p.m. ET, kids from two divisions of junior anglers will be paired with Elite Series pros at the Bassmaster Elite Series weigh-in stage at Oneida Shores County Park in Syracuse. The teams will then spend a day having fun on the water and practicing Saturday, Aug. 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Ninety-three junior anglers will compete in the World Championship in two age groups: 11-14 and 15-18. Along with the amazing experience of being able to fish with a professional, the junior anglers will compete for a piece of a scholarship prize pool totaling $23,000.

In 2007, South Africa’s Jeffrey Toplis, 14, and Kentucky’s Kalem Tippett, 17, persevered through chilly temperatures and gusting winds on Alabama's Logan Martin Lake to win the fourth annual Junior World Bassmaster Championship in their respective age divisions.
Onondaga Lake is located on the outskirts of Syracuse, N.Y., and is 5 miles long and 1 mile wide. Just south of Lake Ontario, Onondaga has an area of 4.6 square miles and plenty of smallmouth bass for the taking. Many locals consider the lake a secret “hot spot.”

Fourteen-year-old Junior Bassmaster World Championship competitor Justin Rollans of Little Rock, Ark., fished the lake in June.

“I hope to have very good results,” Rollans said. “I’m hoping to get my limit on the smallmouth in the morning and then later on in the afternoon find some largemouth to increase my weight.”
Rollans’ strategy will be to use worms in the morning and then change to jigs in the afternoon.
Rollans isn’t the only junior angler with a carefully crafted plan for the championship – 16-year-old Christian Johnson of Iron Station, N.C., said he’ll use a jig or something slow, and promises that he’ll be “going for the largemouth!”

What Johnson and the rest of the field are most looking forward to, however, is the experience. Johnson has been fishing for seven years and said he can’t wait to just take in the 2008 Junior Bassmaster World Championship.

“I’m excited to fish with an Elite pro,” Johnson said. “It’s just a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

About BASSFor 40 years, BASS has served as the authority on bass fishing. With its considerable multi-media platforms and expansive tournament trail, BASS is guided by its mission to serve all fishing fans. Through its industry-leading publications Bassmaster Magazine, BASS Times and Fishing Tackle Retailer and comprehensive Web properties in Bassmaster.com and ESPNOutdoors.com, the organization is committed to delivering content true to the lifestyle. Additionally, television programming on ESPN2 continues to provide relevant content – from tips and techniques to in-depth tournament coverage – to passionate audiences.The organization oversees the prestigious Bassmaster tournament trail, which includes the Bassmaster Elite Series, Bassmaster Opens, Women’s Bassmaster Tour and the Bassmaster Classic, the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing. Through its grassroots network, the BASS Federation Nation, BASS sanctions more than 20,000 events annually.BASS also offers an array of services to its more than 525,000 members while spearheading progressive, positive change on issues related to conservation and water access. The organization is headquartered in Celebration, Fla.-