Take Me Fishing(TM) Launches Spring Campaign to Get Next Generation of Boaters and Anglers on the Water

Take Me Fishing(TM) Launches Spring Campaign to Get Next Generation of Boaters and Anglers on the Water

ESPN's Jose Wejebe and Master Caster Aaron McAlexander Help Build Enthusiasm for Boating and Fishing; Provide New Content for TakeMeFishing.org

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Feb. 12 /PRNewswire/ -- The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) is kicking-off its Spring Take Me Fishing(TM) campaign to get the next generation of boaters and anglers out on the water, and has new partners in ESPN's Jose Wejebe and Master Caster Aaron McAlexander to help get the message out. Beginning with the 2010 Miami Boat Show (Feb 11-15) and Bassmaster Classic (Feb 19-21), RBFF will continue building enthusiasm for the sport with new saltwater and freshwater content on TakeMeFishing.org.

To view the Interactive Player, go to: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/player/42307-take-me-fishing

The new effort comes on the heels of a January 2010 report from the Kaiser Family Foundation that found kids ages eight to 18 spend more than seven and a half hours a day with smart phones, computers, TV and other media, compared with less than six and a half hours five years ago. What's more, so many of them are multitasking -- texting while listening to music and surfing the Web -- and they pack nearly 11 hours of media content into that seven and a half hours. RBFF thinks there's never been a better time to reach kids where they are and get them back outside.

"The core mission of RBFF is simple - to encourage participation in boating and fishing," said RBFF President and CEO Frank Peterson. "We believe that engaging parents and getting kids interested in the sport are some of the best ways we can fulfill that mission. This year, in addition to offering more "where to" and "how to" content, we're also bringing the message to the Miami Boat Show and Bassmaster Classic to let people know that getting involved in the sport is easy and local."

The Best of Saltwater Fishing Comes to Miami

RBFF will bring the best of saltwater fishing to the Miami Boat Show, where the organization will launch its new interactive saltwater fishing content on TakeMeFishing.org and give attendees the chance to meet Jose Wejebe, host of Spanish Fly, Vida del Mar and Saltwater Sunday's on ESPN2.

Wejebe will be in RBFF's booth (#E54A) from 10 am - 12pm on Thursday and Friday, February 11 and 12, meeting with show attendees and encouraging kids and parents to take up the sport of fishing. Known for his spectacular cinematography, editing and interactive style of fishing, Wejebe has traveled around the world bringing home what he learns and sharing it through compelling film, lectures and seminars.

RBFF will continue to engage the next generation of boaters and anglers at its Miami booth with the chance to take a picture with a gigantic fishing net, kiosks that connect to the Little Lunkers and Fishopedia portion of TakeMeFishing.org and the chance to play "Catch a Boat", an interactive online game that lets participants virtually "fish" for the chance to win daily prizes or the grand prize boat, motor and trailer.

The Best of Freshwater Fishing at Bassmaster Classic

At the Bassmaster Classic, RBFF will bring the best of freshwater fishing to show attendees, giving them the chance to meet Take Me Fishing Master Caster Aaron McAlexander, an Indiana native and the past president of the Purdue University Bass Fishing Club. As a die-hard angler, he hand-makes his own fishing lures and has his own casting technique called "Shooter," which involves bending the rod back in a slingshot-like fashion.

McAlexander is also the spokesperson for N GAGE® Outfitters®, a new lifestyle product brand that positions fishing as an exciting, extreme sport for youth. A portion of every N GAGE product purchase will go towards the Take Me Fishing campaign that works to bring new anglers into the sport.

Bassmaster Classic attendees can meet McAlexander at the RBFF booth from 3 - 4 pm on Friday and Saturday, February 19 and 20. He will also be involved in activities before the final weigh-in on Sunday, February 21 from 3:30 - 4 pm. Attendees will be able to purchase the N GAGE product line (before it's available in retail stores!) at the Bassmaster Classic.

The Best of Both Worlds on TakeMeFishing.org

Boaters and anglers not attending the show can see Wejebe and McAlexander at TakeMeFishing.org, and check out the new salt- and freshwater sections just in time for planning that first family fishing trip this spring. Both sections feature tips and how-to's that can be used all over the country. The site also includes everything a new boater or angler needs to get started - including Fishopedia (the A-Z guide on fish species), tools to design your dream boat, information on how to get a fishing license and an interactive state-by-state map that allows visitors to find the perfect boating and fishing spot by interest.

About RBFF

RBFF is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to increase participation in recreational angling and boating, thereby protecting and restoring the nation's aquatic natural resources. RBFF helps people discover, share and protect the legacy of boating and fishing through national outreach programs including the Take Me Fishing(TM) campaign and Anglers' Legacy(TM).

About Jose Wejebe

His television show Spanish Fly captures audiences with breathtaking underwater footage, spectacular cinematography, complimentary editing and Jose's signature on-screen style. Known as the light-tackle he is best known for his unique interactive style of fishing. He uses techniques that he learned throughout his travels and continues to do so today. In the present day, Jose enjoys his new passion of flying private aircraft. He also continues to explore unchartered fishing grounds and expand his knowledge for local fishing techniques. For more information visit www.spanishflytv.com.

About Aaron McAlexander

He currently works for the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife. He graduated from Purdue with a degree in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences and was the 2008 Purdue Bass Club president. McAlexander likes to jig for smallmouth bass and spends his time off the water making his own swimbaits and crankbaits.

Video: http://multivu.prnewswire.com/player/42307-take-me-fishing
Source: The Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation

CONTACT: Heather Sieber, hsieber@rbff.org, +1-703-778-5160

Web Site: http://www.takemefishing.org/

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