WHAT:
Johnny Morris, Bass Pro Shops founder and noted conservationist, is encouraging families to get outside and enjoy the joys of fishing this summer, reminding them to “take a kid fishin’, you’ll be happy you did!” To help make those moments possible, Johnny and Bass Pro Shops are donating more than 55,000 rods and reels to youth-focused nonprofit organizations across the United States and Canada, helping more kids experience the excitement of their first catch.
Members of the media are invited to Bass Pro Shops in Springfield for a donation event on Thursday, June 11 and both FREE Kids’ Fishing Events. Bass Pro Shops will present K.A.S.T. (Kids Are Special Too), Cross Trail Outfitters, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, W.O.L.F. School (Wonders of the Ozarks Learning Facility) with over 220 rods and reels to use for summer fishing events.
Over the past decade, Bass Pro Shops has provided more than half a million rods and reels to youth-focused nonprofit partners across North America through the Gone Fishing program, opening the door for hundreds of thousands of kids to discover a lifelong love of fishing.
Bass Pro Shops will also host FREE, family-friendly, in-store fishing events June 13-14 and June 20-21 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Kids of all ages are invited to catch their first fish at the store’s free catch-and-release ponds and get a free photo digital download to document their catch and celebrate their achievement. Plus, while supplies last, kids can color their own slip bobber in-stores.
As families enjoy free fishing events, they are invited to share their favorite fishing photos for a chance to be featured on the Johnny Morris Bass Pro Shops Kids’ Braggin’ Board. The online photo board offers an opportunity to share memorable moments, from first catches to summer adventures on the water, and inspire other families to get outside and create their own. For more details, visit basspro.com/bragginboard.
Click here to download full press release, photos and broadcast-quality video.
WHEN:
Donation Event: Thursday, June 11, 2026, 11:00 a.m.
FREE Kids’ Fishing Events:
- June 13-14: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
- June 20-21: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
WHO:
Pete Duchrow, Assistant General Manager, Bass Pro Shops
Mike Webb, K.A.S.T.
Greg Johnson, Cross Trail Outfitters
Girl Scouts
Boy Scouts
W.O.L.F. School
WHERE:
Bass Pro Shops National Headquarters
1 Bass Pro Dr.
Springfield, MO 65807CONTACT:
Bass Pro Communications
417-873-4567
press@basspro.com