Fujifilm pro anglers to teach school children about fishing, conservation - Major League Fishing

Fujifilm pro anglers to teach school children about fishing, conservation

Image for Fujifilm pro anglers to teach school children about fishing, conservation
Joel Richardson (left) and Wesley Strader talk to school students about fishing. Photo by Rob Newell. Anglers: Joel Richardson, Wesley Strader.
March 20, 2007 • MLF • Archives

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. – On Wednesday, March 28 at 1 p.m., select members of Fujifilm’s pro-fishing team will visit Bearden Elementary School to meet with an assembly of fourth- and fifth-grade students. The anglers will talk about the family-friendly sport of fishing and the importance of conservation. The team will be in Knoxville for the Wal-Mart FLW Tour event on Fort Loudoun-Tellico Lakes that takes place Thursday, March 29 through Sunday, April 1.

A goal of the visit is for the children to gain an appreciation of the environment by learning about conserving fish habitat and being respectful of nature. The anglers will talk about life as a pro angler and give the children a chance to ask questions. The visit is tailored to introduce the next generation of anglers to the lifelong sport of fishing.

Fujifilm’s pro team, which includes some of bass fishing’s most successful anglers, has had a consistent presence in the communities that have hosted FLW Tour events during the last seven years.

“Team Fujifilm is eager to bring the excitement of fishing to the next generation of anglers and photographers,” said Cindy Bogan, national account manager, FUJIFILM U.S.A. Inc. “Our pro anglers are great role models, and they’re happy to help educate kids about the family-friendly sport of fishing and the importance of conservation.”

Pro Randy Blaukat of Lamar, Mo., used a 17-pound, 11-ounce catch to finish the day in 11th place.

Fujifilm will offer another opportunity for children of all ages to learn more about fishing during the FLW Tour’s Family Fun Zone, which is free and open to the public. Fujifilm will set up a fishing pond for children to catch trout, have their photos taken with their catches and then release the trout back into the pond. The Fun Zone runs from noon-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It will be set up at the Knoxville Convention Center located at 701 Henley Street in Knoxville.

The 2007 Fujifilm pro-angler team comprises Randy Blaukat of Lamar, Mo.; Robert Bogan of Farmington, Ark.; Scott Bonnema of Forest Lake, Minn.; Brent Brady of Hixson, Tenn.; Joel Richardson of Kernersville, N.C.; Roger Crafton of Port Charlotte, Fla.; Shawn Strader of Rockwood, Tenn.; Wesley Strader of Spring City, Tenn.; Sam Swett of Covington, La.; and Wes Thomas of Hanover, Ind.

FUJIFILM U.S.A., Inc., Valhalla, NY, is a subsidiary of FUJIFILM Corporation providing digital and analog photographic Imaging Systems, Recording/Storage Media and Motion Picture Film products and services to consumers, professionals and businesses.

Named after the legendary founder of Ranger Boats, Forrest L. Wood, FLW Outdoors administers the Wal-Mart FLW Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Series, Stren Series, Wal-Mart Bass Fishing League, Wal-Mart Texas Tournament Trail presented by Abu Garcia, Ranger Owners Tournament Championship Series, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Walleye League, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Tour, Wal-Mart FLW Kingfish Series, Wal-Mart FLW Redfish Series and Wal-Mart FLW Striper Series. These circuits offer combined purses of nearly $43 million through 241 events in 2007.

For more information on FLW Outdoors and its tournament programs, browse FLWOutdoors.com or call (270) 252-1000.