Bass Pro Shops is inviting families across North America to unplug from their digital devices and discover the fun of fishing with “Gone Fishing,”an unprecedented effort aimed at reconnecting people with the great outdoors. Comprised of more than 75 free events, thousands of product donations and collaborations with dozens of nonprofit partners, “Gone Fishing" is intended to introduce the activity to new audiences and encourage everyone to go fishing with someone they love.

"Kids today spend half as much time outside as they did just two decades ago despite countless studies touting the physical and mental benefits of getting children outdoors,” said Stan Lippelman, vice president of marketing for Bass Pro Shops. “In our digital era, it has never been more important to remind everyone that fishing is an easy, fun way to get outside while spending quality time with family and friends. Our goal is to inspire millions of people to take someone fishing, especially urban youth and kids who have never fished before.”