CastingKids Championship to Be Decided

The 2002 Bassmaster Classic

BIRMINGHAM, Ala., July 2002 -- Look out, fish! Pro anglers won't be the only ones with lines in area waters when the Classic comes to Birmingham this month. Children ages 7 to 14 will also get the chance to land a lunker at the 13th Kids Classic at Oak Mountain State Park, July 24 from 8 to noon.

    Professional anglers will be on hand to sign autographs and give fishing tips, and everyone at Oak Mountain will get to enjoy clowns, face painting, interactive games and special live entertainment from our friends at Disney.

    The first 1,000 children to register for the Kids Classic will be provided with free Zebco rods and reels. They will also receive free T-shirts and caps to wear along the shoreline as they participate in the supervised fishing derby.

    "The Kids Classic was created to give children and their parents an opportunity to learn about fishing and its great benefits," said Joy George, CastingKids and Kids Classic coordinator. "It's a great way to get kids and families involved in one of America's favorite sports."

    Pre-registration for the Kids Classic is available through July 10 with forms printed in The Birmingham News; children and their parents may also register on site beginning at 7:30 a.m. Space is limited, and spots in the fishing derby will be based on availability.