AGFC co-hosting youth fishing day during international fishing tournament on Hamilton

Aug. 30, 2023

Randy Zellers

Assistant Chief of Communications

HOT SPRINGS — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s Fishing Education Program is joining forces with USA Bass and USAngling to put on a special youth fishing education event during the upcoming 2023 Pan American Bass Fishing Championship 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at Andrew Hulsey State Fish Hatchery on Lake Hamilton.

The youth fishing day will include all sorts of fun fishing activities, from learning fishing knots and tackle to casting practice and ways anglers can give back to the resource through responsible use of fisheries. The AGFC will even provide free music and food to attendees while supplies last.

“It is always exciting to be able to partner with groups that share our passion for introducing new anglers to the sport, AGFC Education Assistant Chief JJ Gladden said. “The Family and Community Fishing Program conducts many events around the state focused on people adopting fishing as an exciting, outdoor activity for the whole family, But it takes partnerships like this one to expand this opportunity and reach new groups and areas.”

Michael Brand, Youth Program chair at USAngling said the youth event is one of many the organization holds to “share to teach youth and family around the nation to fish, help build the next generation of ethical, conservation-minded anglers, and perhaps inspire the future sport fishing athlete who will represent the United States in World Championship Fishing Events in the future.”

The Youth Fishing Day is part of the 2023 Pan American Bass Fishing Championship Tournament, set for Sept. 6-9 at Lake Hamilton. Each nation in North and South America may field up to eight pairs of anglers to compete in the bass-fishing tournament, and Team USA will have a mix of legendary veterans as well as rising stars in the bass-fishing world, including a few popular names from The Natural State, such as Larry Nixon and Stephen Browning.

Visit https://www.hotsprings.org/events/2023-pan-american-bass-championship/ for more information.