Conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris knows that once a kid gets "hooked" on the outdoors, he or she is on the path to a lifetime of health and interconnectedness with nature. Plus, nothing beats the smile on a kid’s face when they catch a fish! Until October 24, 2021, the Johnny Morris Happy Fishin’ Contest is on...and it's no ordinary contest.
Johnny Morris was inspired to create this contest after getting to know Ke’Mari Cooper, a young fisherman from Florida who starred in a video that went viral in 2019. Ke’Mari was fishing with his father, Velt, when he reeled in a giant 7.1-pound bass, leading to screams of joy and a celebration dance. Then Ke’Mari took the bass back to the water’s edge and carefully released it back into the water, saying, “I hope you grow even bigger, baby. One day, we’ll meet back again.”
That heartwarming encounter, and Ke’Mari’s commitment to the outdoors and conservation, inspired Johnny to invite all kids who love fishing to help spread the word and get even more families engaged with nature.
Open to kids ages 17 and under, 10 contest winners will win their very own boat and join in the fun at the US Open National Bass Fishing Championships on Table Rock Lake in November. In fact, the boats in question are new Bass Tracker Classic XL boats with motor and trailer (parents will undoubtedly do the driving at first). Winners will also receive a $500 Bass Pro Shops gift card. There's also a US Open jersey and amenity bag with exclusive gear, full travel and lodging for the winner and one guardian to Big Cedar Lodge, and the chance to compete in a special kids' fishing tournament during the US Open National Championships.
How to enter
Create a video of two minutes or less that shows a passion for fishing. Grownups can help film, but the kids need to tell their story and why they love to fish. Submit the videos and a completed entry form to www.basspro.com/KidsFishing by Sunday, October 24th, 2021, and a panel of celebrity anglers will review each video and select 10 winners. Winners will be announced on November 2nd, 2021.
Kids, be sure to wear your Bass Pro Shops cap!
