Hoopengarner on Outdoors
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Anglers C.A.S.T. for charity
Bass anglers participating in the inaugural C.A.S.T. for Kids Charity Tournament this weekend know proceeds go to support fishing programs for disabled and disadvantaged children nationwide.
The fact the winning team will take home a 2001 Triton 186 DC bass boat, motor and trailer probably hasn't escaped their attention, either.
The two-day charity tournament, presented by C.A.S.T (Catch a Special Thrill) and sponsored by Triton Boats and Nixon's Marine, could be one of the largest tournaments in the Northwest, offering more than $19,000 in additional prize money if 250 teams enter the event.
Another sure reward for tournament anglers and bass fishing aficionados alike will be the chance to rub elbows with the father of modern bass fishing - Ray Scott, the founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society, or B.A.S.S.
Scott will serve as guest weighmaster of the tournament, which will be held at Columbia Point Park Marina in Richland.
Scott has been included in Field and Stream's top 20 people who have influenced outdoor sports in the past century, and his formation of B.A.S.S. was named by Outdoor Life as one of the top fishing innovations of the past century.
The Bass Anglers Sportsmen Society has more than 600,000 members in 50 states and 59 countries. Scott was inducted into the International Fishing Hall of Fame in 1979.
However, the real lure of the event is to raise money for the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, established in 1993 with the goal of reaching as many kids around the nation as possible and teaching them about the sport of fishing. C.A.S.T organizes and helps sponsors events nationwide where children get an opportunity to experience a day of fishing in the outdoors, which they might never have received otherwise.
One such event is the Kids Klassic Fishing Series, held Oct. 7 at the Family Fishing Pond in Kennewick's Columbia Park.
The event, open to kids 5 to 14, is sponsored by the state Department of Fish and Wildlife and C.A.S.T., along with local business and organizations.
Officials hopes to give at least 1,000 young people a taste of the outdoors.
Veteran anglers from local fishing organizations will be on hand to give kids and their parents tips on subjects such as fly tying, tackle rigging, water safety and fishing ethics, said Fred Shiosaki, an avid angler and a member of the state's Fish and Wildlife Commission.
But the main goal of the Kids Classic is get a rod and reel in kids' hands and let them do some fishing - and catching.
"We want to give kids and families a hands on fishing experience that can lay the foundation for a lifetime of fishing," Shiosaki added.
Shiosaki said fishing is a great family activity that can help young people develop an understanding and appreciation of the outdoors.
There is a $5 registration fee and participants will receive a "Kids Classic" T-shirt and a Zebco rod and reel. However, they also can bring their own gear and participate for free.
Also, the state plans to stock the Family Fishing Pond with several thousand trout prior to the event.
The entry fee for the charity bass fishing tournament is $250 per team and registration is 7 p.m. Friday at Richland's Shilo Inn.
The tournament blasts off at 7 a.m. Saturday with the weigh-in at 3 p.m. Anglers head back out at 7 a.m. Sunday with final weigh-in at 1 p.m. at Columbia Point Park Marina. Special guest Scott will weigh in the bass both days and present the boat to the winning team.
For more information on C.A.S.T. for Kids, the Kids Classic or the charity bass fishing tournament, call 425-251-3214 or 509-586-1104. Children are asked to pre-register for the Kids Classic by calling 509-545-3511.
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