PITTSGROVE, N.J. — The New Jersey B.A.S.S. Nation is collecting fishing equipment at its events this season to help The Ike Foundation get kids into fishing.
Anglers can leave new or “slightly used” rods and reels at drop boxes near the weigh-in station at each tournament location. Tournaments dates and locations are as follows:
June 7, Upper Chesapeake Bay, Anchor Boats Marina, North East, Md.
July 19, Lake Hopatcong, Lee’s County Park Marine, Mount Arlington, N.J.
Aug. 19-21, Cayuga Lake, N.Y.
Sept. 19, Saratoga Lake, State Boat Launch, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.
Oct. 18, Delaware River, Gloucester City Marina, N.J.
Members also collected donations at the chapter’s first event, May 3, on Candlewood Lake.
“The goals of the New Jersey B.A.S.S. Nation and those of The Ike Foundation mesh perfectly,” said Marc Goldberg, spokesman for the New Jersey B.A.S.S. Nation. “Mike Iaconelli has been a long-time supporter of our organization, and our members are very pleased to help his new foundation bring fishing to more youngsters.”
The New Jersey B.A.S.S. Nation will deliver the equipment to The Ike Foundation, and the Foundation will inspect, bundle and distribute the items to youth clubs around the country. Organizations that want to be considered for a gift of fishing equipment or support for their club can apply online at MikeIaconelli.com/IkeFoundation.
Alternatively, people can donate toward shipping costs and the purchase of new equipment, send checks to The Ike Foundation, P.O. Box 818, 625 N. Main Street, Elmer, NJ, 08318, or use a credit card at MikeIaconelli.com/IkeFoundation.
To learn more about the New Jersey B.A.S.S. Nation or to become a member of an associated club, visit www.njbassnation.org.
The Ike Foundation was established in July 2014 by Bassmaster Elite Series pro and New Jersey B.A.S.S. Nation member Mike Iaconelli. It is an IRS-registered 501(c)3 nonprofit foundation focused on promoting the sport of fishing to America’s youth and developing their appreciation of the outdoors and our country’s natural resources. Gifts to the Ike Foundation are fully tax deductible to the maximum extent allowed by law.