Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops donate more than 40,000 rods and reels in challenge to get more kids fishing

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. – Johnny Morris, angler, conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops, is challenging families everywhere to get outside and enjoy the wonders of fishing and the great outdoors this summer with the Gone Fishing event.

To kick off this annual event, Morris and Bass Pro Shops are donating more than 40,000 rods and reels to not-for-profit partners that help kids connect to the great outdoors. 

The 10th celebration of the Gone Fishing event includes gear donations, dozens of nonprofit partnerships and a variety of free in-store fishing and casting activities at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations on the weekends of June 6-8 and June 13-15. 

Since the program’s inception, nearly 500,000 rods and reels have been donated to youth-focused nonprofit organizations across North America.

“Some of my most happy experiences in life have been spent fishing and enjoying the great outdoors with family, friends and loved ones,” said Johnny, who spent his summers as a youngster fishing with his family on the beautiful waters of the Missouri Ozarks. “Gone Fishing is a perfect opportunity to share those experiences and help future generations discover the joys of fishing, while inspiring families to get out and enjoy all that nature has to offer.” 

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National Donation Day festivities

Gone Fishing kicks off with National Donation Day on Thursday, June 5, with Johnny and Bass Pro Shops donating more than 40,000 rods and reels to non-profit organizations that connect kids to the outdoors.

Bass Pro Shops across the U.S. will host a special donation presentation with their selected youth non-profit partners and local wildlife and conservation agents.

This event is made possible in part by customers who brought in gently used rods and reels earlier this spring, exchanging them for discounts on new gear, and each piece was refurbished to ensure they are fish-ready for budding young anglers.

Show off your catch

Share your kids’ favorite fishin’ photos for a chance to be featured on the Kids’ Braggin’ Board. Entries have a chance to be included for the world to see. It’s a great way to keep a record of a memorable day on the water and share with family, friends and loved ones that great catch that didn’t get away.

For more details, visit basspro.com/bragginboard.

Free kids’ fishing events, giveaways

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations across the U.S. will be hosting free activities and special giveaways during Gone Fishing, designed for anglers of all ages and experience levels. Family-friendly events hosted on the weekends of June 6-8 and June 13-15 (Father’s Day Weekend) include:

• Free Catch-And-Release Fishing Events: Kids can experience the excitement of fishing at in-store catch-and-release ponds and get a free photo digital download to document their catch and celebrate their achievement (11 a.m. – 2 p.m. on June 6 and June 13; 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on June 7-8 and June 14-15). 
• Free Knot-Tying Kits: To help young anglers hone their skills and get ready for their next fishing adventures. Available while supplies last.

For more information about Gone Fishing, visit basspro.com/gonefishing.