CHICAGO, Ill. - The BASS Masters Classic will determine the sport's world champion angler on Lake Michigan, but there also are plenty of fun activities planned for families.
The Kids Klassic, sponsored by the Chicago Tribune and Zebco, is one such event planned for Jackson Park on July 19 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. An autograph session with the 46 Classic contenders, youth casting exhibition, boat rides, and a fishing tournament just for kids are all on tap. Best of all, there is no admission charge.
Before the Kids Klassic begins, fishing fans will have the chance to pose for pictures with and get autographs from their favorite pros; from defending Classic champ Davy Hite to Michigan's own Kevin VanDam and other big name anglers. They will also be able to mingle with the Classic sponsors and see up close much of the equipment being used by the anglers, including the Ranger Boats 520 DVX Classic rig.
The Kids Klassic is for boys and girls age 7-14. Events include a CASTINGKIDS casting contest and the fishing tournament on the park's lake. Each child will receive a free Zebco rod and reel combo as well as a cap and tee shirt.
"Zebco's tradition of introducing kids to fishing for the past four decades will continue at this year's Kids Klassic," said Zebco's Gary Dollahon. "It thrills us to know when a youngster who has never fished before gets the chance to pick up one of our rods and reels and catch his or her first fish."
Dollahon's excitement is echoed by Al Smith, director of the B.A.S.S. Federation, a global network of bass clubs affiliated with the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society. "The Kids Klassic is an excellent opportunity to expose kids to fishing, especially those who have never had the chance. Best of all, it's held in an environment that requires nothing of them except for their participation."
A special treat and a Kids Klassic first will be free boat rides in the Mercury WaterMouse boats. "For any kid who's never been to Disney World, then this will be special," said Smith. The boats, specially designed by Classic sponsor Mercury Marine and outfitted with 15 hp outboards, have been used in recent years at the Disney theme park in Orlando. They will soon be used by the American Power Boat Association for its APBA/Mercury Marine Mouse Boat Racing Program.
Anyone wishing to participate in the 2000 Kids Klassic can look for registration forms in the Chicago Tribune and Chicago Sun-Times. There is a $3.00 registration fee for each child.