The Catfish Gear column is normally reserved for one of our sponsors that provides anglers with gear of some sort. This month it is dedicated to another CatfishNOW sponsor, Bass Pro Cabela’s King Kat Tournament Trail, because of their dedication to youth fishing.
Last year the King Kat trail conducted about 21 tournaments. Most of them held a Kid’s Rodeo on Saturday morning of the tournament. They make it as simple as they can. Their pre-tournament publicity announces a location where families can show up and register.
The events are free of charge and open to all youth 12 years old and younger when accompanied by an adult. Sign up is from 8:00 am until 9:00 am with fishing from 9:00 am until 11:00 am.
The Fishing Rodeos are a chance for children of the area to get out and enjoy nature, do a little fishing, and win some prizes. Additionally, all participants are eligible for a chance to win one of several $1,000 scholarships presented annually.
In addition to rodeo participation, any youth who fish in regularly scheduled trail events are also eligible for scholarships.
The scholarships are managed by Outdoor Promotions, a nonprofit organization. Money is raised at the tournaments through raffles supported by King Kat sponsors. Participating anglers have contributed more than $350,000.00 to youth scholarships since 1997.
“We are very proud to be a part of the education process for the youngsters who participate in the tournaments as adult/youth teams and those who fish in the Outdoor Promotions Kids Fishing Rodeos,” said Darrell Van Vactor, operations manager.
Note: If you see a King Kat tournament in your area you are invited to bring your kids out to the Kid’s Rodeo on Saturday of the tournament. You can check the 2020 King Kat schedule on their website at https://www.kingkatusa.com/. If your town is on their schedule you are welcome to attend the Kid’s Rodeo.
