Press Releases

ALEXANDRIA, VA (March 4, 2010) – To coincide with Bass Pro Shops’ 2010 Spring Fishing Classic, the sporting goods retailer kicked off an annual Anglers’ Legacy promotion, the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) announced today. Bass Pro Shops, who signed on as an Anglers’ Legacy partner in 2007, is leveraging their Spring Fishing Classic to introduce newcomers to the sport for the third consecutive year. In-store displays, public service announcements and tailored messaging in sales tabs will encourage customers and staff to “Take the Pledge” – a promise to introduce a newcomer to boating and fishing – for a chance to win a $500 Bass Pro Shops gift card. The promotion will run in 52 stores now through March 14, 2010.

“Bass Pro Shops continues to play a big role in helping us preserve the legacy of boating and fishing for future generations,” said RBFF President & CEO Frank Peterson. “The Spring Fishing Classic is a great opportunity to inspire avid boaters and anglers to take someone new out on the water. We know that fishing is a gateway to other outdoor pursuits, and this annual promotion will help introduce thousands of newcomers to these activities.”

“All of us at Bass Pro Shops and our Tracker Marine companies are extremely proud to once again partner with RBFF and their Anglers’ Legacy program,” stated Bass Pro Shops Manager of Communications Larry Whiteley. “We see this as an important program to help grow the time honored tradition of fishing so future generations can also enjoy it.”

The Anglers’ Legacy program aims to increase first-time boating and fishing experiences and has recruited more than 200,000 Ambassadors nationwide since its inception in May 2006. Based on a recent RBFF survey, when Ambassadors introduce newcomers to the sport, they purchase an additional $168 in fishing tackle and equipment and $166 in boating supplies and accessories annually. They also purchase more than two fishing licenses which support critical fish and wildlife management efforts through the Sport Fish Restoration Program.   

Today, more than 350 program partners such as state fish and wildlife agencies, clubs and organizations, sports media and outdoor retailers and manufacturers support Anglers’ Legacy. Bass Pro Shops, among others, have committed to promote the program in 2010, creating incentives for anglers and boaters to “Take the Pledge.” Visit AnglersLegacy.org for more information. 

About Bass Pro Shops
Award-winning for their store concept and design, Bass Pro Shops is headquartered in Springfield, Missouri, and currently has a total of 56 locations in 26 states and Canada. Rated high as tourist destination picks, over 120 million people visit the stores annually with several stores being their state's #1 tourist attraction and several others placing among the top five. For more information on Bass Pro Shops stores, products and events, visit their Web site at www.basspro.com.

About RBFF
RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation’s aquatic natural resources. 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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