North American Fishing Club’s Walleye, Bass Circuits Reach Conservation Milestone
Nov 20th, 2012 by OutdoorsFIRST
Modified Nov 20th, 2012 at 12:00 AM
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North American Fishing Club’s Walleye, Bass Circuits Reach Conservation Milestone
Tournament-Driven Fisheries Donations Top $300,000; Youth & Family Clinics Engage Hundreds Annually
Minnetonka, Minn. – November 15, 2012 – The Masters Walleye Circuit and North American Bass Circuit, which are owned and operated by the North American Fishing Club, have reached a conservation milestone by donating $300,000 to local fisheries and conservation groups.
Each circuit funnels funding into fisheries conservation projects in states where its tournaments are held. “The money comes from a per-boat contribution from our Conservation Fund, which is distributed to state fisheries agencies, walleye clubs, and other community organizations,” says Dan Johnson, Executive Director for both circuits. “The tradition dates back to 1984 and is still going strong.”
Funds from the tournaments have helped fight aquatic invasive species, restore critical fisheries habitat and stock gamefish. “We partner with local conservation affiliates to ensure that the money generated by each tournament benefits that area,” Johnson explains.
Passing the torch to the next generation is also a core mission. To introduce youngsters and their families to the sport of fishing-thereby fostering concern for fisheries conservation-the MWC and NABC also hold Youth and Family Fishing Clinics at each event. Tournament anglers and representatives of the National Professional Anglers Association volunteer their time to teach kids and their parents about the joys of fishing and the importance of conservation. The MWC, NABC and NPAA, along with sponsors like Cabela’s, Zippo and Berkley also donate products to help get these budding anglers’ fishing careers off to a great start. In 2012 alone, more than 400 children received free rods, reels and tackle while attending Youth and Family Fishing Clinics.
About North American Fishing Club
North American Fishing Club is the largest fishing organization of its kind, and through its official publication, North American Fisherman magazine and TV show, North American Fisherman, has been educating, encouraging and entertaining anglers since 1988. The NAFC’s mission is to help fishermen of all types improve their fishing skills, catch more and bigger fish, and thus enjoy their sport more. The Club also acts as a vehicle through which anglers from all points of the compass can communicate-sharing success stories, photos and videos through the magazine, website and the social network. For more information on the NAFC, visit: fishingclub.com, follow us on Twitter @nafishclub and on Facebook at facebook.com/fishingclub
About MWC
Founded in 1984, the Cabela’s MWC is the oldest team tournament circuit in the walleye world. It has a rich history of intense competition on top destinations, plus youth outreach and a lasting legacy of conservation. Cabela’s, the World’s Foremost Outfitter, is in its 11th season as title sponsor of the MWC. Official sponsors include: Berkley Gulp!, Ranger Boats, Mercury Marine, MotorGuide, Lowrance, Zippo, NBC Sports Television Network and the North American Fishing Club. Associate sponsors include: Berkley Trilene, Okuma, O2 Marine Technologies, Reflections, The Walleye Foundation and RPM Outdoor Sports.