Anglers: Donate Old Gear, Help Kids & Save $200 at 2019 Spring Fishing Classic

Baseball season? Pssh, it’s fishing season I look forward to as February slogs towards March. That’s why I was already planning to hit up my local Bass Pro for the Spring Fishing Classic, but now I’ve circled it on my calendar. That’s because Bass Pro and Cabela’s are running a program where attendees can donate their (gently) used fishing gear in exchange for trade-in savings of up to $200 for a new rod and reel. The donated gear will go to local nonprofit, youth-focused organizations to inspire everyone to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors.

The 2019 Spring Fishing Classic is a free celebration taking place February 15 – March 3 in all Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations across North America (March 1 – 17 in Canada and Alaska). The Classic also includes free fishing seminars for all skill levels, pro appearances at Bassmaster University (Bassmaster University not available in Canada), activities for families, and free giveaways.

Women’s Fishing Workshops are also available with introductory fishing information and helpful tips on Saturday, March 2 at 1:30 p.m. (March 16 in Canada and Alaska). The first 15 seminar attendees of each advertised local pro seminar and the Women’s Fishing Workshop will receive a Bass Pro Shops/Cabela’s cooler bag and a pair of fishing scissors.

Kids’ Weekend offers free activities focused on teaching kids the basics of fishing. Kids’ activities are available from noon to 5 p.m. on March 2 and noon to 4 p.m. March 3. (Locations in Alaska and Canada will offer the kids’ event March 16 noon to 5 p.m. and March 17 noon to 4 p.m.). Free activities include casting challenges, a fishing workshop, fun craft, and a photo download.

For a full list of sessions and special appearances, visit www.basspro.com/classic and www.cabelas.com/classic.

“The annual Spring Fishing Classic—a free event that reaches more than seven million people each year—provides great opportunities for families to get ready for fishing season and creating lifelong memories together on the water,” said Bass Pro Shops Communications Manager Katie Mitchell. “We encourage all anglers to participate in our rod and reel trade-in program which allows us to collect and donate products to local organizations that teach young people to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors.”