Press Releases
ALEXANDRIA, VA (May 19, 2009) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today announced that Anglers’ Legacy will be featured at the BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship scheduled for May 25-29, 2009 on Lewisville Lake, Texas. RBFF staff will join professional anglers Hector and Diane DeLaGarza to introduce participants to the program and sign them up to become Anglers’ Legacy Ambassadors. The event will feature more than 280 college bass anglers from across the nation and is scheduled to air as part of a televised series in late summer on the Versus network.
“Our collegiate anglers help encourage a new generation to boat and fish and we are excited to be part of this premiere tournament,” said RBFF President & CEO Frank Peterson. “Anglers’ Legacy can give them the tools they need to inspire younger anglers and pass on the legacy of the sport. As we introduce newcomers to boating and fishing, we contribute to the preservation of our waterways through the sale of fishing licenses, tackle and boating supplies.”
A series of regional events hosted by college bass fishing clubs lead up to the Championship, and scholarships are awarded to the top finishing schools. This year the BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship, an Association of Collegiate Anglers sanctioned event, will host more than 140 teams. At the debut championship held in 2006 on Lake Lewisville, just 41 teams represented 24 schools in the competition.
“I have been honored to be the director for the past four years and see participation in the sport continue to grow,” said Tournament Director Wade Middleton. “These students and their efforts make the event special. Anglers’ Legacy is a natural fit because we all have a responsibility to ensure the future of one of America's favorite pastimes.”
Anglers' Legacy, a program aimed at increasing first-time fishing and boating experiences, has signed on more than 120,000 Ambassadors nationwide since its inception in May 2006. According to a 2008 survey of Ambassadors, most purchase approximately $140 in fishing tackle and equipment, $153 in boating supplies and accessories, and more than three fishing licenses which support critical fish and wildlife management efforts through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.
If you’d like to set up a one-on-one meeting or interview at the BoatU.S. Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship, e-mail RBFF Communications Manager Helena Basche or call her at (703) 519-6917.
About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization established in 1998 to increase participation in recreational angling and boating. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing™ campaign and Anglers’ Legacy™.
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