09-18-2009, 10:35 PM
It's nearly time for anglers around the country to make the first cast of many as they take to the lakes and streams in the 24 Hour Fish-A-Thon.
This weekend, anglers across the country drop their lines to raise awareness for issues affecting our waterways.
![[Image: 2008005.jpg]](http://www.theoutdoorwire.com/image_archive/2008005.jpg)
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - September 17, 2009
At 7 p.m. Friday night, anglers make the first cast of thousands as they fish continuously for 24 hours in the first ever Recycled Fish 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon.
Teams from across the country fish around the clock, drawing attention to troubles facing our waters and raising money to help tackle these problems.
Complex issues like habitat loss, pollution, over-harvest and invasive species have put a strain on our lakes, streams and seas. But while there are challenges, amazing experiences are just waiting to be had on our waters, which is a key part of the 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon story.
"This event raises awareness for the problems facing our fisheries, but it also raises the money to help solve those problems," says Teeg Stouffer, Executive Director. "Our anglers have already raised over $4,000 and we're excited to watch that number continue to grow."
Fish-A-Thon angler-ambas
ors will model the ideals of fishing responsibly, practicing catch and release, cleaning up the areas they fish, and using SAFE angling gear like single barbless hooks and non-toxic lead alternative weights.
"We're proud to have a diverse representation of the angling community," says Stouffer. "We've got husband-wife teams, we've got some brothers, one team is fishing as a family, some are just fishing buddies. David Asher down in Georgia just got back from serving in the Army overseas, and called us as soon as he got back in the States to join the effort."
Anglers are also in a competition between one another to see who can raise the most money, and who can catch the most and biggest fish.
The angler who raises the most money wins a fishing trip of a lifetime with their choice of three Professional Anglers Association (PAA) Pro Anglers:
- PAA President and BASS Elite Angler John Crews, fishing Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia;
- BASS Elite Angler Kurt Dove for a day on legendary Lake Amistad in Texas;
- or BASS Elite Angler Brian Snowden fishing Table Rock Lake in Missouri.
Winning anglers who prefer an extended, self-guided trip will enjoy another prize option: a trip for two to Spring Bay Resort on Lake Vermillion, Minnesota, chasing trophy muskie, pike, walleye, smallmouth bass and a host of other species. The trip includes four nights' lodging in a cabin, use of a motor boat and a travel allowance.
Additional prizes are won by meeting fundraising challenges, fishing challenges, and for participation. Prizes include Berkley prize packs, Patagonia fishing packs, apparel from TackleBoxes2Go, Frabill Conservation Series Nets and other items from Recycled Fish partners.
"Anyone who is passionate about fishing can get involved right now," says Stouffer. "Contributions are accepted online. Make your choice of which team you'd like to support based upon the angler, their cause, or their region."
Learn more about each angler, the issue they're highlighting, and how to be a part of the solution on the Recycled Fish website at [url "http://www.recycledfish.org/FishAThon"]www.RecycledFish.org/FishAThon[/url].
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Recycled Fish is the national 501©3 organization of anglers living a lifestyle of stewardship both on and off the water, because our lifestyle runs downstream.
[signature]
This weekend, anglers across the country drop their lines to raise awareness for issues affecting our waterways.
COUNCIL BLUFFS, IA - September 17, 2009
At 7 p.m. Friday night, anglers make the first cast of thousands as they fish continuously for 24 hours in the first ever Recycled Fish 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon.
Teams from across the country fish around the clock, drawing attention to troubles facing our waters and raising money to help tackle these problems.
Complex issues like habitat loss, pollution, over-harvest and invasive species have put a strain on our lakes, streams and seas. But while there are challenges, amazing experiences are just waiting to be had on our waters, which is a key part of the 24-Hour Fish-A-Thon story.
"This event raises awareness for the problems facing our fisheries, but it also raises the money to help solve those problems," says Teeg Stouffer, Executive Director. "Our anglers have already raised over $4,000 and we're excited to watch that number continue to grow."
Fish-A-Thon angler-ambas
ors will model the ideals of fishing responsibly, practicing catch and release, cleaning up the areas they fish, and using SAFE angling gear like single barbless hooks and non-toxic lead alternative weights."We're proud to have a diverse representation of the angling community," says Stouffer. "We've got husband-wife teams, we've got some brothers, one team is fishing as a family, some are just fishing buddies. David Asher down in Georgia just got back from serving in the Army overseas, and called us as soon as he got back in the States to join the effort."
Anglers are also in a competition between one another to see who can raise the most money, and who can catch the most and biggest fish.
The angler who raises the most money wins a fishing trip of a lifetime with their choice of three Professional Anglers Association (PAA) Pro Anglers:
- PAA President and BASS Elite Angler John Crews, fishing Smith Mountain Lake in Virginia;
- BASS Elite Angler Kurt Dove for a day on legendary Lake Amistad in Texas;
- or BASS Elite Angler Brian Snowden fishing Table Rock Lake in Missouri.
Winning anglers who prefer an extended, self-guided trip will enjoy another prize option: a trip for two to Spring Bay Resort on Lake Vermillion, Minnesota, chasing trophy muskie, pike, walleye, smallmouth bass and a host of other species. The trip includes four nights' lodging in a cabin, use of a motor boat and a travel allowance.
Additional prizes are won by meeting fundraising challenges, fishing challenges, and for participation. Prizes include Berkley prize packs, Patagonia fishing packs, apparel from TackleBoxes2Go, Frabill Conservation Series Nets and other items from Recycled Fish partners.
"Anyone who is passionate about fishing can get involved right now," says Stouffer. "Contributions are accepted online. Make your choice of which team you'd like to support based upon the angler, their cause, or their region."
Learn more about each angler, the issue they're highlighting, and how to be a part of the solution on the Recycled Fish website at [url "http://www.recycledfish.org/FishAThon"]www.RecycledFish.org/FishAThon[/url].
###
Recycled Fish is the national 501©3 organization of anglers living a lifestyle of stewardship both on and off the water, because our lifestyle runs downstream.
[signature]