Fishing around the clock and around North America to help our waters

by Boat US on 9 Sep 2010 This weekend over 60 anglers from eight US states and Canada will attempt the fishing version of running a marathon when the Recycled Fish 24 Hour Fish-A-Thon presented by BoatUS Angler kicks off.

Anglers will fish for 24 hours straight, with the goal to raise awareness of the environmental problems facing our waters, and raise money to help solve those issues.

The first lines will be cast at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, September 10, and the last fish must be landed by 5:59 p.m. on Saturday, September 11.

'Our lakes and streams are great places to fish, but they are faced with problems like invasive species, over-harvest and pollution,' said Teeg Stouffer, Recycled Fish Executive Director. 'Our participating angler-ambassadors are raising awareness by doing something challenging. They want everyone to know that the solutions to the problems facing our waters involve everyday choices by all of us.'

'We talk a lot about catch and release and selective harvest fishing,' continued Stouffer, 'but our lifestyle runs downstream. Everyday choices affect our waters just as much as what we do when we're on the water. Things like how we take care of our lawns, or whether we're willing to recycle and buy recycled products influences the health of our waters.'

Anglers are fishing for more than good will; they are also competing for big prizes.

'We're giving away the fishing trips of a lifetime,' said Stouffer. 'Whoever raises the most money and whoever has the best success on the water wins a guided trip with a Professional Anglers Association (PAA) tour-level pro fisherman, or a getaway to Spring Bay Resort in Minnesota.'

Additional prizes include tackle from Berkley and Dick's Sporting Goods, custom rods from Dragon's Custom Rods, and fish artwork from Curt Redden. They are awarded for catching the biggest of several species of fish, cleaning up trash at the lakes, fundraising goals and other challenges.

'You can help by donating to the team nearest you, or by raising awareness of the issue that matters most to you,' added Stouffer.

For more on the 24 Hour Fish-A-Thon or to learn more about stewardship of our waters, visit www.RecycledFish.org and take the Sportsman's Stewardship Pledge. Proceeds are donated to Recycled Fish (a non-profit organization) and the non-profit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water to support responsible fishing practices and waterway stewardship programs.

For more information, please go to: www.BoatUS.com