Local Fishing Events Lure Families Outdoors

MIKE MOTZ

Sidney Sun-Telegraph

SIDNEY – In honor of Father's Day and the 'Gone Fishing' movement, Sidney's Cabelas restocked The Kidz Korner Daycare Center with fishing poles, tackle, and other items to encourage local youth to get out and go fishing.

Last week, Bass Pro Shops/Cabela's kicked off an annual nationwide movement to get kids and youth outdoors this summer by holding a National Donation Day event at each Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's across the nation.

Cabela's store manager Lee Wiegand said, "Bass Pro Shops has donated over 500,000 rods and reels to kids around the country. We are so proud of taking part in such an important endeavor. Getting kids to enjoy the outdoors and fishing will last them a lifetime."

"The 'Gone Fishing' movement challenges families to step away from their screens, discover the joys of fishing, and connect with nature in an age of technology and fast-paced environments," Sidney Cabela's Spokesman Wiegand wrote in a press release before the event. "To receive their local donation, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's retail stores have intentionally selected youth organizations that help kids from all backgrounds connect with the great outdoors."

On Friday, June 7, Sidney Cabelas donated an assortment of rods, reels, tackle, and various fishing items to the Cheyenne County Community Center for youth and community center members to use in the local city pond.

The community catch-and-release pond was restocked with catfish, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, and largemouth bass.

In addition to donating to the local daycare center, restocking the pond, and encouraging local youth to get out and fish, Cabela's also hosted a free, family-friendly, in-store fishing event on Father's Day weekend, June 14 through 16.

"Kids of all ages were invited to catch their first fish at the store's free catch-and-release ponds and take home a certificate to commemorate the moment," Wiegand explained. "Kids also received a free digital photo download with their catch of the day."

"Since the 'Gone Fishing' program's inception, Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's have donated more than 500,000 items to youth-focused nonprofit organizations across North America.

The Kidz Korner said they appreciate Cabela's donation and said the donation will go to foster a love of fishing for the county's youngest citizens.