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A special celebration to honor an Oklahoma angler for a major national bass tournament win and to collect fishing equipment for a first-of-its-kind fishing day is scheduled for Owasso.
Gene Larew Lures and the Owasso Fire Department are co-hosting the All-American Fishing Celebration, where Shonn Goodwin will be recognized for his BFL All-American tournament win. The event is free to the public and will be held on Thursday, June 28, 4:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Gene Larew Lures headquarters in Owasso.
Included in the evening plans are tours of the Larew lure-making operation as plastic baits are produced, inspection of the OFD emergency vehicles on display, free hot dogs and drinks, and lure samples for bass and crappie.
Goodwin, from Moore, Okla., overcame tough fishing conditions on the Ohio River tournament earlier in the month to claim the title and first place cash prize of $100,000. The win also gives the 31-year old angler a spot in the prestigious Forrest L. Wood (FLW) Tour Championship tournament scheduled for early August on Lake Ouachita, Ark., and a chance at its $500,000 first place prize.
Goodwin credited the Gene Larew Baby HooDaddy, a soft-plastic “creature” bait, as having a critical role in his practice days and championship success. His color of choice was Clear Silver.
“Shonn’s accomplishment is a big deal for Oklahoma and Larew Lures, and this celebration in his name is a great start to the 4th of July weekend,” said Larew owner Chris Lindenberg. “We’re hoping area fishing families will stop by to congratulate Shonn, get some samples of our new “Patriot” color, and play a role in introducing new participants to fishing.”
Lindenberg’s last reference comes with a request for anglers to bring and donate working rods and reels, or those needing only minor attention.
The tackle is being gathered for Anglers’ Legacy Day, a special fishing event where experienced anglers are being asked to volunteer to take those who have never fished, on their very first fishing outing. The day is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 1, on Ft. Gibson
lake.
Anglers’ Legacy is a share-the-passion program of the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, the non-profit organization formed to promote sport fishing participation. The purpose of Anglers’ Legacy is simple: getting avid anglers to give back what they’ve been given - the gift of fishing.
The OFD has volunteered to help refurbish the donated tackle in preparation for the Anglers’ Legacy Day. The first-time anglers will get to keep the tackle they use.
“Not only are we a community-minded department that likes interacting with the public, we also have several fishing enthusiasts who know firsthand all the good things that come with participation in America’s favorite pastime,” said OFD driver Shane Atwell. “We’re happy to have a role in helping provide an introductory experience to fishing … a sport that all ages can enjoy together.”
The Anglers’ Legacy Day being planned for the Oklahoma lake is the first of its kind in the country. But Oklahoma has a history of fishing firsts. It was the first state to offer “free fishing days” – special designated days each year when no fishing license is required of any participants. And Oklahoma was among the first to introduce Operation Game Thief, a public program to help with the enforcement of game and fish laws.
At the Larew open house, avid anglers willing to volunteer, and those interested in giving fishing a try, can sign-up for the inaugural Anglers’ Legacy Day.
Also expected to be present at the celebration are Oklahoma pro angler Tommy Biffle, other area BASS and BFL pros, and local-based youth fishing organizations – Fishin’ Pals and the Wal-Mart All-American Kids Fishing presented by Zebco.
Gene Larew Lures is located in Owasso on the east side of Highway 169, halfway between 76th and 86th streets, and one block behind O’Reilly Auto Parts.
For more information about the open house, call Gene Larew Lures at 918-272-7337. For more information about Anglers’ Legacy, visit
www.AnglersLegacy.org.
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