MEMPHIS, Tenn. (localmemphis.com) – Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris is challenging families to put down their digital devices and get outside to discover the joys of fishing.
He kicked off the nationwide “gone fishing“ movement by donating more than 55,000 rods and reels to non-profits and by offering free fishing lessons.
Kids and their parents got to come down to the Bass Pro Pyramid in downtown Memphis this weekend to fish in the catch-and-release ponds and take part in fishing seminars. Kids who donated a video game, got $5 off a new youth start rod and reel combo.
“Studies have shown that if you take a kid fishing before the age of 12, they’ll fish for the rest of their life, and our founder Johnny Morris wants to encourage everybody to put their screens down and take a kid fishing joining the movement and get outdoors,” said Alisa Bradley, Promotions Manager with Bass Pro Pyramid.
Since the program’s inception, Bass Pro Shops has donated 400,000 items to youth-focused nonprofit organizations.
Free lessons continue Sunday at the Bass Pro Pyramid from 1-4pm. If you can’t go this weekend, more free fishing lessons will be offered June 15-16 at the same time.