Springfield, Mo. (June 3, 2025) – Johnny Morris, legendary angler, noted conservationist and founder of Bass Pro Shops, from his heart says “Take a kid fishin’. You’ll be happy you did!” and is challenging families everywhere to get outside and enjoy the wonders of fishing and the great outdoors this summer with the Gone Fishing event.
To kick off this highly anticipated annual event, Johnny and Bass Pro Shops are donating more than 40,000 rods and reels to not-for-profit partners that help kids everywhere connect to the great outdoors.
The 10th celebration of the Gone Fishingevent includes gear donations, dozens of nonprofit partnerships and a variety of free in-store fishing and casting activities at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s locations on the weekends of June 6-8 and June 13-15.
Since the program’s inception, nearly 500,000 rods and reels have been donated to youth-focused nonprofit organizations across North America.
“Some of my most happy experiences in life have been spent fishing and enjoying the great outdoors with family, friends and loved ones,” said Johnny, who spent his summers as a youngster fishing with his family on the beautiful waters of the Missouri Ozarks. “Gone Fishing is a perfect opportunity to share those experiences and help future generations discover the joys of fishing, while inspiring families to get out and enjoy all that nature has to offer.”
Noted conservationist and Bass Pro Shops founder Johnny Morris fishing with his son and best fishin’ buddy, John Paul.
