CHICAGO, July 19, 2000 -- This was a day of "firsts" for hundreds of Chicago area kids who participated in the Kids Klassic being held in conjunction with the BASS Masters Classic.
For many of the more than 1,000 kids on hand for the free event, it was the first time they'd been fishing. The event, sponsored by Zebco, has been held for the past 11 years and is one of many events held during bass fishing's world championship. It is held annually to introduce youths to fishing in a fun, entertaining atmosphere.
Zebco, the rod-and-reel maker whose name is synonymous with youth fishing, provided its namesake products to each participant in the Kids Klassic. "For more than 50 years, our rod-and-reel combos have formed the memory of that first fish catch," said the company's Gary Dollohan. "It's always gratifying to us when we're a part of a child's first fishing experience. Here, it was especially rewarding since so many of these kids caught their first fish here. Now they can take their rod and reel home and take more trips with friends and family."
The informal contest was held at the city park's lake. It is one of many in the area managed by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources as part of its statewide Urban Fishing Program. "This program is one of the most important projects we do," said Mike Conlin, fisheries director for the state. "Kids in urban areas don't have much of a chance to go fishing so we take the fishing to them." City park lakes participating in the program are stocked during summer with tackle available on loan from libraries and other sites.
Fishing was only one of the many activities held at Jackson Park during the Kids Klassic. Clowns, face painting, and Mercury WaterMouse boat rides left an indelible mark in the minds of the participants. "We just wanted these kids to have fun, and tie it to fishing," added Dollohan. "If they have fun, then they'll want to go fishing again, and these city lakes are a great platform for promoting fishing as a fun, wholesome activity."
Bass fishing's top 46 anglers will weigh their catches tomorrow, Friday and Saturday at Soldier Field, home to the NFL's Chicago Bears. Weigh-ins are free to the public and begin at 3 p.m. Thursday and Friday. The world champion is crowned on Saturday with a special effects extravaganza beginning at 3:50 p.m. A free concert with country music star Tricia Yearwood follows the crowning of the sport's world champion.
Sponsors of the 2000 BASS Masters Classic include: Ranger' Boats, RangerTrail' Trailers, Mercury' Outboard, Chevy Trucks, ACDelco' Batteries, Worldwaters.com, Humminbird' Electronics, Zercom' Marine, Pennzoil' Marine, Flowmaster' Exhaust Systems, First USA Visa Card, MotorGuide' Trolling Motors, Gore-Tex' Outerwear, GMAC Insurance, the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago.