Realtree.com

Collegiate Bassers Help Local Youth

Free fishing clinic for youth will be held in conjunction with the Under Armour College Bass National Championship in Little Rock, Ark.

Little Rock, Arkansas- The Under Armour College Bass National Championship, the nation’s most prestigious collegiate bass fishing tournament, today announced the launch of their new, community-focused initiative to be held on July 7, prior to the start of the 2008 championship. Anglers of Tomorrow presented by Costa Del Mar will allow local youth to learn from the country’s top young anglers at a free fishing and conservation clinic taught by the collegiate competitors themselves.

 “The Under Armour College Bass National Championship was created as a way to promote bass fishing at the college level and increase interest in the sport,” said Steve Levi, general manager of fishing properties at Career Sports & Entertainment, the agency that owns the CBNC. “By pairing collegiate anglers with even younger fans of fishing, we have the chance to instill in kids a love for the outdoors at an early age.”

Anglers of Tomorrow presented by Costa Del Mar will make its debut on Monday, July 7 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Academy Sports + Outdoors in Little Rock (11400 West Markham). Ages seven and up are welcome and all attendees will receive a goodie bag and a photo with the anglers upon completion. The collegiate anglers will also be joined by Costa Del Mar Elite Series Pros Jason Quinn, Kevin Short and Todd Faircloth, who will be on hand to sign autographs and hold a drawing for a free pair of Costa Del Mar sunglasses.

In addition, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Black Bass Program will be on hand to display their 1,000 gallon Mobile Aquarium to showcase the black bass and other Arkansas freshwater species. The AGFC is partnering with the Under Armour College Bass National Championship to supply a live release boat and fish care life support system for each day of the event.

Now in its fourth year, the Under Armour College Bass National Championship has become the nation’s most prestigious collegiate tournament for bass fishing. This year’s event will feature approximately 56 teams representing colleges and universities across the United States and will air on ESPNU later this summer.