Line sales to benefit Tackle the Storm

Vicious Fishing will donate a portion of the funds from the sale of each spool of Vicious X-A.C.T. line to Tackle the Storm.

PELL CITY, Ala. — Vicious Fishing will donate a portion of the funds from the sale of each spool of Vicious X-A.C.T. line to Tackle The Storm, a foundation that puts fishing rods back into the hands of children affected by storms of mass destruction.

Vicious Fishing has been a supporter of the foundation since its inception right after the destruction caused by the tornadoes in Joplin, Mo. Since that time, several more tragic events have occurred, culminating in the last round of storms that devastated Moore, Okla. The biggest challenge facing the foundation is generating the funds needed to purchase rods and reels for the kids.

The specially marked Vicious X-A.C.T. packaging will be available at ICAST, and there is currently no end date to the donation.

"We were walking in a field, where his house once stood," wrote Don Barone, founder of Tackle the Storm and a columnist for Bassmaster.com. "I was helping him try and find his toys. We found some, most were sucked up by the tornado. He was 8 years old, and had lost everything. Next to a stump we found half his fishing rod and reel, mangled, when he looked up at me he told me, 'paw-paw gave me that…' and then he started to cry, the only time he cried all day

"I knelt down next to him, hugged him and said I can't replace what your grandfather gave you…but I will get you all your fishing stuff back, I promise. And we both cried in the field. A field of tears. It was that exact moment, that Tackle the Storm began, and it's because of companies in the fishing industry, like Vicious Fishing, and private donations, we are able to expand our reach to children affected by storms throughout the country."

“Like most people, we have a special place in our hearts for kids affected by tragedy and are excited that we can help put a rod back in their hands," said Jeff Martin, Vicious Fishing president and Tackle the Storm board member. "They have seen so much hurt and pain, that if we can give them an outlet to get away for even 30 minutes, it’s worth every penny.”

In addition to warehousing all the donated rods, Vicious most recently completed a month-long web promotion in which it donated 5% of all online sales in June to the foundation.