Steve Smits, Senior Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Zebco brands has accepted the position of Board Chairman for the Future Fisherman Foundation. Smits is taking over for longtime F3 Board chairperson, Kerry Campbell, who has stepped down to devote more time to family after a career of leading the F3 Foundation.

“The countries fishing community owes Kerry Campbell a debt of gratitude,” F3 Executive Director, Mark Gintert, said. “Her tireless efforts to work with a series of strategic partners and help this foundation develop legendary programs like Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs has kept this organization on track and focused on the foundations goal of ensuring the future of fishing. A lot of people in this industry talk about the youth of America being the future of the sport,” Gintert continued. “Kerry put her heart, time and resources behind the effort.”

“I’m so proud of everything the Future Fisherman Foundation has accomplished,” Campbell, who will continue to serve on the board stated. “Programs like Hooked on Fishing not On Drugs, Physh Ed, Boy and Girls Clubs and Aquatic Educators have made a huge difference in the lives of over 1 million youth. The addition of the Super Fish program will add continuity to the programs. This will ensure that fishing becomes a lifetime skill starting with elementary students and carried on to high school and college students,” Campbell continued. “I’ve been blessed to be a part of watching the Foundation grow into a group of individuals committed to building a generation of youth with a passion for the outdoors.”

Smits will lead the legendary foundation that has continued to be at the forefront of getting young anglers on the water for decades. “Eighteen months ago I was thrilled to join the Future Fisherman Foundation Board and now it’s a special honor to be invited to serve as Chairperson,” Smits stated. “I hope to continue the excellent stewardship provided by Kerry Campbell during her term and I continue to believe there’s much more we can and must do to help children and aspiring anglers experience the joys of fishing. This continues to be a priority for Zebco Brands, as it is for many of the fine participants in our industry,” Smits continued. “We must continue to leverage manufacturers, retailers, outdoor educators, conservation groups, youth groups and others to help grow and sustain our sport.”

About the Future Fisherman Foundation

Established in 1986, the Future Fisherman Foundation (F3) unites the sportfishing industry and a nationwide network of state outdoor educators, national conservation groups, youth organizations and other educators dedicated to introducing America’s youth to angling, conservation and the outdoors lifestyle. The Future Fisherman Foundation (F3) operates under The Bass Federation (TBF) umbrella of companies and is the official education arm of TBF. For more info visit futurefisherman.org.

Monday’s conclusion of the annual F3 Auction once again marks the end of another year for the Future Fisherman Foundation.
We’d like to take a moment to thank all of those who participated and bid on items throughout the week long event. We know many of these items are going to make great Christmas gifts!
We’d also like to thank the following companies and boat captains for their generous donations to our cause; Zebco, Pure Fishing, TTI Blakemore, Ranger Boats, Shimano, Eagle Claw, The Gary Dollohon Agency, FLW Outdoors, Andrew Upshaw, Fred Rombanis, Casey Ashley, Larry Nixon, Scott Suggs, Phil King, Gary Dubriel, Charlie Evans, Drew Sadler, Matt Lee, Jordon Lee, Korey Sprengel, Tony Puccio, Mike Ellis, Trevor Strolie, Randy Jacobson, Matt Villareal, Mike Lott, Duane Landemier, Ryan Patterson, and Forrest Wood.
It’s through the generosity of people like this that allow us to ‘Ensure the Future of Fishing”!
Thank you!
Mark Gintert
Executive Director

Terrific Christmas Gifts Await in Future Fisherman Foundation Auction

The Future Fisherman Foundation once again brings a terrific selection of fishing trips and merchandise for the fishing community. But, don’t wait too long to place a bid as the auction ends on Sunday, December 6!

Great fishing experiences include trips with top pros like Fred Rombanis, Larry Nixon, Scott Suggs and reigning Bassmaster Classic Champion, Casey Ashley!
Want to find out how to catch lunker Walleye’s? Try a trip with Berkley Pro Korey Sprengel. Fishing with these top professionals is a once in a lifetime opportunity so don’t miss your chance.  Click HERE to bid now!

Interested in top fishing gear and merchandise? See the custom autographed sub-laminate jersey’s from Classic Champion Casey Ashley and Randy Howell, as well as, tackle packages from Wally Marshall and TTI Blakemore.
The Future Fisherman Foundation Auction benefits programs like Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs all while offering a terrific gift opportunity for those who are all hard to buy for!

But remember the auction ends on Sunday, December 6 so don’t hesitate; BID NOW!

PONCA CITY, Okla. (November 17, 2015) – The Future Fisherman Foundation announced today its annual online auction is scheduled for November 30-December 7. The auction will once again boast an impressive lineup of outdoor products and guided fresh and saltwater fishing trips.

This year’s event is headlined by a half day fishing trip with Forrest Wood Cup $Million Dollar Winner, Scott Suggs and reigning Classic Champion and Quantum Pro, Casey Ashley, plus lunch with Ranger Boats founder, Forrest L. Wood. They all offered to support the event that powers programs like Hooked on Fishing, Not on Drugs, and now interested bidders have a chance at once in a lifetime trips with fishing royalty!

“The number and quality of fishing trips from across the country on this year’s list are amazing, with many being hosted by top professional anglers and fishing celebrities,” Future Fisherman’s, Mark Gintert, said. “The thought of winning a trip with reigning Scott Suggs or Casey Ashley is unbelievable. Add in a potential lunch date with Forrest Wood and you have the making of a very special event for the F3 Foundation,” Gintert added.

The important fundraiser for the non-profit organization is managed on eBay and helps support Future Fisherman’s
“Ensuring the Future of Fishing” mission.

The auction opens at 8am CST, November 30 and goes for 7 days. Participation is easy; visit www.futurefisherman.org and click on the “F3 Auctions” tab. Then, follow the links to the eBay non-profit auction site for viewing and bidding on the items.

The prizes are awarded after the auction’s end so those who have purchased them as gifts will have them in time for Christmas.

The Foundation is still accepting donations for the auction. Those interested in providing fishing trips, products and memorabilia or who have questions can contact us HERE or call 580-765-9031.

All proceeds from the auction help the Future Fisherman Foundation’s efforts to engage today’s youth in positive lifestyle activities like fishing and the great outdoors.

Established in 1986, the Future Fisherman Foundation unites the sportfishing industry and a nationwide network of state outdoor educators, national conservation groups and youth organizations.

Although youth focused, the efforts help people of all ages have safe and enjoyable fishing experiences while also fostering conservation ethics.

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The Future Fisherman Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization.