The Arizona BASS Federation Nation, with help from Cabela's and federation members, conducted a Casting Kids event this past Father's Day weekend to promote the sport of bass fishing to youngsters. Over a hundred kids took part in the event and 8 qualifier from the 4 events over the weekend will go on to the state finals. (Take a look at the photo gallery for this event to see some kids in action.)


The B.A.S.S. Casting Kids program is way for clubs, organizations or guardians to get children involved with the sport of fishing. Since its inception in 1991 there have been more than 1.9 million children that have participated in more than 17,600 events, and more than $3.1 million dollars has been awarded in cash, prizes and scholarships. Annually the national finalists are competing for their share of $21,000 in scholarships. Even though the competitive age starts at 7, it is never too early to get a child involved, as the photos shows, a happy, busy child is one that odds show will not get involved in drugs and gangs and will stay out of trouble. And in allot of cases become mentors themselves to those that might be at risk. It is all about giving children options, and a smiling happy 3 year old is what we all like to see.

One of the most enjoyable parts of fishing is the mechanics and art of casting a bait with a rod and reel and Casting Kids puts a rod and reel into the hands of a youngster to test their casting skills. That is exactly what Casting Kids is all about and with the help of Federation Nation Members; youngsters had the opportunity to have some fun while competing for at shot at $21,000 scholarship money. The scholarship money is given to the Casting Kids national champions for their age category. The winners from the Cabela’s Casting Kids event will have the opportunity to compete in the state championship and the state champions will move on to the National Semi-finals to compete. The youngsters who win there move onto the National Championship and a shot at the scholarship money. (See photos of the 2006 Arizona Federation Nation state championship event.)

The Federation Nation would like to thank Cabela’s for their support of this event.
Many youngsters visiting Cabela’s over the Father’s Day weekend were given the opportunity to try to qualify for the Arizona Championship. Cabela’s provided and area for the event and setup a canopy with table and chairs and provided water for the parents and kids. A special thanks goes out to Renee Kroll the Cabela’s event coordinator for he help with this event.