Press Releases

ALEXANDRIA, VA (May 24, 2010) – The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) today announced the winner of its Northwest Sportshow ‘Take Me Fishing Center’ sweepstakes. Greg Gonsior of Minneapolis, Minn. will receive a trip to Orlando, Fla. that includes a guided bass fishing trip on the lakes of a Walt Disney World Resort and Walt Disney World Park passes – all for taking the Anglers’ Legacy Pledge and promising to introduce a newcomer to fishing. 

“We were absolutely thrilled to hear we won,” said Gonsior, who stopped by the Take Me Fishing booth and figured it was worth a shot to enter the sweepstakes.

Greg and his wife haven’t been to Disney World in more than 20 years, a time he refers to lightheartedly as “BC” – before children. Their son served in Iraq for almost a year but is back now and enrolled in college.

“I’d really like to have him go on this fishing trip with my wife, daughter and I, as he loves to fish. There hasn’t been much time to go fishing lately, but were going to give it a try this summer.”

“We are thrilled to provide him this boating and fishing opportunity that will hopefully inspire many more trips out on the water,” said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. “I want to congratulate Greg and encourage him to fulfill his Anglers’ Legacy Pledge by introducing at least one new person to fishing this year.”

The grand prize package includes a three-day, two-night trip to Orlando, Fla. with airfare and lodging at a Walt Disney World Resort. Gonsior and his family will also receive two days of two-hour guided bass fishing on the lakes of a Walt Disney World Resort, and one-day passes to the Walt Disney World Park.

“It’ll be a thrill for an avid angler to experience bass fishing at the Walt Disney World Resort,” said BASS/ESPN Outdoors Senior Director for Sales and Sponsorship Michael Cassidy. “I’m happy for Greg and his family and hope more passionate boaters and anglers help us grow the sport by taking newcomers out on the water.”

Growing up, Gonsior often rented a boat and went fishing on Minnetonka Lake. He’s been an angler his entire life and his only complaint is that he doesn’t get to do it often enough.

“Like fishing itself, the Anglers’ Legacy Program is full of surprises,” said C.B. Bylander, outreach chief for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. “Ambassadors incur no cost to themselves because they go fishing anyway. Yet they provide a gift that that could spark someone’s lifetime interest in angling and the out of doors. That’s high value.”

Bylander said studies show most people would gladly go fishing if only someone would ask them. “Greg made a pledge to do that and that’s outstanding,” said Bylander. “He’s helping keep the Minnesota fishing tradition strong.”

Take Me Fishing, the boating and fishing communities’ award-winning national campaign, helps boaters and anglers of all ages and experience levels learn, plan and equip for a day on the water. The campaign Web site, TakeMeFishing.org, features tips and how-to’s that can be used all over the country, tools to compare different styles of boats, information on how to get a fishing license and an interactive state-by-state map that allows visitors to find the perfect boating and fishing spot by interest.

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™.