North American Fishing Club’s Walleye and Bass Circuits Reach Conservation Milestone
OutdoorHub 11.15.12
Tournament-Driven Fisheries Donations Top $300,000
Youth & Family Clinics Engage Hundreds Annually
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.
