PRADCO Invests in Future Fishermen

Like other non-profit organizations, the Future Fisherman Foundation (F3) relies largely on donations to fund its important youth-education programs such as Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs and Physh Ed. Recognizing that need, PRADCO-Fishing of Ft. Smith, Arkansas, one of the world's largest fishing-tackle manufacturers, has made a $15,000 contribution to support F3's role as the nationally recognized leader in sportfishing and aquatic-resource education.

"We're extremely pleased to make this donation," said PRADCO-Fishing General Manager Bruce Stanton. "Several of our companies are the oldest and most historical in fishing, and it's simply appropriate that we do as much as we can to ensure kids feel the excitement of fishing. The Future Fisherman Foundation is the best way to make sure we reach as many kids as possible, and we challenge other fishing companies to match - or top - our donation."

Lawrence Taylor, Director of Public Relations, echoes Stanton's statements. "James Heddon is acknowledged as the creator of the first artificial lure back in the early 1890s, and his Zara Spook is still one of the most effective topwater lures you can buy today. We're proud of that and continually give back to the industry to ensure more and more folks are exposed to the excitement of fishing."

The money donated by PRADCO will enable F3 to share its curriculum and resource publications with educators nationwide who want to incorporate youth fishing activities into their learning programs at schools, parks, service clubs and state fisheries agencies.

"PRADCO has shown again and again they are among the Future Fisherman Foundation's strongest supporters," says F3 Executive Director Keith Sutton. "Last year, they developed a special lure pack that provided financial support for our programs. They also are major supporters of our Tackle for Educators program, which is designed to provide reasonably priced tackle for our educators to use when teaching fishing to their young students. Our friends at PRADCO truly understand the values of sharing the joys of fishing with kids, and we're very appreciative they've shown leadership in supporting fishing education programs throughout the U.S. We hope other companies, and individuals, will heed their challenge to match their donation and help us ensure the future of fishing."

Making a tax-deductible donation to F3 is easy. For online contributions using PayPal or a major credit card, visit the Future Fisherman Foundation's website at www.futurefisherman.org.

Checks can be sent to:

Future Fisherman Foundation
P.O. Box 6049
McLean, VA 22106

For additional information, email F3 Executive Director Keith Sutton at ksutton@futurefisherman.org or phone (703) 402-3623.

About PRADCO - Fishing
PRADCO-Fishing brands include Booyah Bait Company, Bomber Lures, Cotton Cordell, Heddon, Lazy Ike, Rebel, Smithwick, Creek Chub, Arbogast, XCalibur, YUM Soft Plastics, Bomber Saltwater, Lindy Legendary Tackle and Silver Thread Line. For more information about these popular fishing-tackle brands, visit www.lurenet.com.

About the Future Fisherman Foundation
Established in 1986, F3 unites the sportfishing industry and a nationwide network of state outdoor educators, national conservation groups and youth organizations dedicated to introducing America's youth to angling and the outdoors. These efforts help people of all ages have safe and enjoyable fishing experiences that foster conservation ethics. Visit www.futurefisherman.org.