HOOKED ON FISHING ISSUES CALL FOR OFFICIAL DERBY PARTNERS

AGENCIES AND ORGANIZATIONS ARE ENCOURAGED TO "TAKE A KID FISHING" IN 2002

    KETCHUM, OK – Hooked on Fishing International (HOFI) has issued its annual
call for organizations with a special interest in helping young people to
host a Kids All-American Fishing Derby in 2002.
Approved partners, including public and private organizations, clubs and
agencies, will receive an extensive kit that includes everything necessary
to host a local derby, including entry forms and prizes, plus a
nationally-acclaimed guide to planning the event. 
Organizations that wish to host a Kids All-American Fishing Derby next year
should request an official information and application brochure before
December 1st. Requests for the application may be made in one of three ways: 
Email Hooked on Fishing International at info@kids-fishing.com 
Write Hooked On Fishing International, P O Box 660, Ketchum, OK 74349
Visit the Hooked on Fishing Web site,  www.kids-fishing.com  and go to the
section called "Organize a Fishing Derby." On this interactive web site, an
official application can be requested on-line.
Led by title sponsor Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., some of America's top companies
have supported the Kids All-American Fishing Derby, heading into its 16th
year with a record of having served more than six million young people and
their families. In addition to Wal-Mart, sponsoring brands include Pepsi,
Frito-Lay, Southwest Airlines, Fujifilm, Dubble Bubble Bubble Gum, Laker by
Jadico, Trilene, Water Gremlin, Eagle Claw, Zebco, Berkley PowerBait,
FishingWorld.com, and G3 Boats. 
Gordon Holland, HOFI executive director, predicted the 2002 derby season
will surpass the 2001 record in which Hooked on Fishing International
sanctioned more than 700 fishing derbies in all 50 states. Hosting
organizations included government agencies like the U.S. Forest Service,
many city parks and recreation departments, state fish and game
departments, chambers of commerce, YMCAs, fishing clubs, scouting groups
and civic and service organizations such as Optimist, Lions, Kiwanis, and
Elks.
In addition to receiving information about holding the main event,
organizations will receive information and entry forms for the
Frito-Lay/Pepsi Kids Casting Contest, the Southwest Airlines "I caught a
Fish" contest, and the Fujifilm Big Fish Contest. 
Two years ago Chevy Kadake, 11, of Kake, AK, won the saltwater division of
the "Big Fish" Contest with a Pacific Halibut weighing 110-pounds, the
largest fish ever caught in a Kids All-American Fishing Derby. In 2002 the
youngster catching the largest fish in each of the two divisions,
Freshwater and Saltwater, receives a $500 Savings Bond and a special gift
basket from Fujifilm.  State winners receive a Fujifilm QuickSnap 2-Pack
Camera.  Underscoring the derby's conservation message, all participants
are encouraged by Fujifilm to "Fish, Photograph and Release."
Youngsters participating in the Frito-Lay/Pepsi Kids Casting Contest get to
make two casts at a special target. The winner, at the derby,  receives a
Zebco rod and reel combo. All participants are entered into a national
drawing for a grand prize. 
Every derby participant who catches a fish of any kind or size, and
completes an entry form, is automatically entered into the "I Caught A
Fish!" Contest, a national drawing for four round-trip tickets to any
destination served by Southwest Airlines.