Some cities have hosted these events with more than 5,000 attendees in one day! However, the average derby size is just under 180 kids.

"Hooked On Fishing International provides the promotional materials in kit form to these host groups," noted Holland. "We send everything needed to conduct a half-day event for community youngsters. All that's required locally is a host group and volunteers to provide the instruction to the kids, and this has never been a problem. Fishing clubs are a great source of manpower, and quickly step forward to help on the local level, providing instruction in knot tying, tackle use, casting and such. Many communities also get state agency support in extra stocking of fish, be they catfish or trout, to insure that the kids get a quality fishing experience.

"There's nothing more rewarding than seeing a little boy or girl catch their first fish, knowing that just that one moment can direct their life into great respect and enjoyment of the outdoors," said Holland.

"Besides the information booklets, banners and posters needed locally, additional 'goodies' for the local events are provided by our national sponsors, which this year include Berkley Trilene, Berkley PowerBait, Eagle Claw, G3 Boats, Igloo Camping, Jadico (Laker Products), Bomber and Rebel Lures from Pradco, Southwest Airlines, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Zebco."

All of these sponsors share in the program's philosophy of getting kids outdoors and exposed to a quality pastime with their family members, and at the same time gaining respect for their environment. Many local derby organizers expand on this philosophy by combining their fishing event with education programs, bringing in representatives from state wildlife and fisheries agencies who teach and instruct the youngsters during the course of the event. and fishing are our business, our only business."

Continuing in this tradition, the year 2000 will see more than 650 individual derbies featured in all 50 states. The majority of the events will take place in large- and small-town America during National Fishing Week, June 3-11, 2000. These local events are organized and hosted by a variety of organizations, including parks and recreation departments, community service organizations, scouting groups, and state and federal agencies including the U. S. Forest Service, a major user and 'partner' of the program.

Some cities have hosted these events with more than 5,000 attendees in one day! However, the average derby size is just under 180 kids.

"Hooked On Fishing International provides the promotional materials in kit form to these host groups," noted Holland. "We send everything needed to conduct a half-day event for community youngsters. All that's required locally is a host group and volunteers to provide the instruction to the kids, and this has never been a problem. Fishing clubs are a great source of manpower, and quickly step forward to help on the local level, providing instruction in knot tying, tackle use, casting and such. Many communities also get state agency support in extra stocking of fish, be they catfish or trout, to insure that the kids get a quality fishing experience.

"There's nothing more rewarding than seeing a little boy or girl catch their first fish, knowing that just that one moment can direct their life into great respect and enjoyment of the outdoors," said Holland.

"Besides the information booklets, banners and posters needed locally, additional 'goodies' for the local events are provided by our national sponsors, which this year include Berkley Trilene, Berkley PowerBait, Eagle Claw, G3 Boats, Igloo Camping, Jadico (Laker Products), Bomber and Rebel Lures from Pradco, Southwest Airlines, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and Zebco."

All of these sponsors share in the program's philosophy of getting kids outdoors and exposed to a quality pastime with their family members, and at the same time gaining respect for their environment. Many local derby organizers expand on this philosophy by combining their fishing event with education programs, bringing in representatives from state wildlife and fisheries agencies who teach and instruct the youngsters during the course of the event.