National Fishing and Boating Week kicks off with nationwide events
May 25th, 2016 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified May 25th, 2016 at 12:00 AM
The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation’s (RBFF) Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ campaigns have joined forces with Walmart®, South Bend® and Fishing League Worldwide (FLW) to celebrate National Fishing and Boating Week (NFBW) with kickoff events hosted at Walmart stores across the United States June 3-5. The #ReelFun events will help seasoned anglers, those new to the sport and anyone in between prepare for summer fun on the water.
More than 1,000 Walmart stores across the country will provide an opportunity for newcomers of all ages and skill levels to learn tips on fishing tackle and techniques firsthand from expert FLW anglers. Everyone at the events will have the opportunity to test their casting skills, enter to win prizes, purchase a fishing license and play fishing-related games. Those in attendance will also receive a free digital subscription to FLW Bass Fishing magazine and a free protective fishing license holder just for stopping by.
“We want to make fishing and boating accessible and fun for everyone,” said Frank Peterson, president and CEO, RBFF. “By partnering with Walmart, South Bend and FLW, we’ve made it easier than ever for people to get equipped to get out on the water with their families this summer.”
In addition to the NFBW #ReelFun events at participating Walmart stores, anglers across the country also have the opportunity to enter the “Reel in a Trip to Amelia Island” sweepstakes on South Bend’s Facebook page. By uploading a photo along with a few words about why they love fishing or sharing their favorite fishing story, participants will have the chance to win an all-expense paid, three-night vacation for four at an oceanfront resort in Amelia Island, Fla., including a fishing excursion with Mike D, the host of “South Bend’s Lunkerville” television show. The fishing trip with the winners will be featured in a future broadcast of the show.
“All the partners in this promotion share a common mission – to get more people to experience the pure fun and enjoyment of going fishing,” said Scott Griffith, vice president of marketing for South Bend. “We know that when people have a good experience in fishing – when they have the right basic equipment and information – they are going to return to the sport again and again. That’s why we’re so proud to be partnering with FLW, RBFF and Walmart to give people everything they need to have a great fishing experience. It’s going to be great for our industry – and our customers – in the long run.”
The Take Me Fishing™ and Vamos A Pescar™ campaigns were developed by RBFF to create awareness around boating, fishing and conservation, and educate people about the benefits of participation. The campaigns also encourage outdoor enthusiasts to help conserve the nation’s waterways.
“This promotion is about bringing the industry together for a common goal,” said Trisha Blake, president of marketing for FLW. “It’s about bringing new people into the sport and helping them have a great experience on the water. That benefits everyone involved in fishing and boating. We look forward to working with our partners at Walmart, South Bend and RBFF, with the support of our dedicated and passionate FLW members nationwide, to help grow fishing and boating participation.”
To find dates and times of local #ReelFun events at participating Walmarts, visit TakeMeFishing.org.