Gearing Up For 1998 - Take a Kid Fishing

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Hooked on Fishing International

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DISNEY, OK. --- In 1998, the Kids All-American Fishing Derby, the largest program of its kind in the world, will be in its 12th year of providing fishing information and fun across the nation. During the history of the program, nearly 4.5 million kids and family members have participated in events locally hosted by nearly 25,000 volunteers each year from parks and recreation departments, service organizations and state and federal agencies, including the U. S. Forest Service.

The majority of the 1,300-plus annual, events will take place in large- and small-town America during national Fishing Week, June 1-7, 1998. Included in the local derby format are the "world's largest Kids' Casting Contest" and a nationwide "Big Fish" Contest where youngsters have an opportunity to win incredible prizes.

"Our derby package allows the host group or organization to stage a professionally-run kids' fishing derby without prior experience," said Gordon Holland, co-founder of the derby program, "because we provide all the tools and know-how. All the hosts have to do is follow our lead, and they'll have the whole community joining in. And there's no better sport to teach our youngsters than fishing!"

Each organization participating in the program is sent a "derby kit" which contains everything needed to help conduct an event, including reel and rod combos for the casting contest, instruction booklet, prizes, free "Good Luck" fish hooks, souvenir vinyl decals, plastic carry-bags, posters, a 10' site banner and lots of surprises.

Sponsors of the 1997 program were Bass Pro Shops Outdoor World, Berkley, Inc., Johnson Fishing/JWA, Plano Molding Company, Southwest Airlines, TNN Outdoors and Tracker Marine.

Throughout its history, the philosophy and goal of the Kids All-American Fishing Derby program has remained the same: To expose youngsters and their families to an appreciation and respect for the environment, through conservation measures encouraged by means of hands-on participation in the outdoors and the sport of fishing.

CONTACT:
The program is offered free of charge to recognized organizations and agencies. Derby kits are reserved on a first-come first-served basis. Groups interested in hosting a derby event in 1998 should contact Hooked on Fishing International, P. O. Box 249, Disney, OK 74340, or FAX to (918) 782-4324, prior to December 1, 1997.