Americana Outdoors E-Magazine - July 2018 Edition

Noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris is challenging families everywhere to put down their digital devices and head outside to discover the joys of fishing this summer. Morris, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s are donating more than 50,000 rods and reels to not-for-profit partners that help kids from all backgrounds connect to the great outdoors to kick off Gone Fishing. The nationwide movement is part of an annual call-to-action that aims to introduce the sport to mil- lions of kids. Activities include donations, nonprofit partnerships and a variety of free in-store activities at all Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations across North America on June 9-10 and 16-17. “In a world where kids are increasingly surrounded by screens and digital distractions, it’s more import- ant than ever to help them discover the joy of fishing,” said Bob Ziehmer, Bass Pro Shops Senior Direc- tor of Conservation. Today’s donations underscore our commitment to inspiring the next generation of conservationists, sportsmen and women, and we hope everyone joins us for our free Gone Fishing events in stores this summer.” NATIONAL DONATION DAY Gone Fishing kicked off with a national donation day on Thursday, June 7, with Morris, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s donating more than 50,000 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. With Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s joining forces, this year marks the largest donation in the event’s history. In the last five years, Bass Pro has donated more than 300,000 items to youth-focused nonprofit organizations including Boys and Girls Club and Boy Scouts of America.