Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, creating opportunities with 'Gone Fishing'

A nationwide movement to help get children and families connected to the outdoors is getting an added boost.

Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's are donating more than 40,000 rods and reels to nonprofit organizations across the nation to kick off Gone Fishing, which began June 12.

Local nonprofits like K.A.S.T., or Kids Are Special Too, will receive more than 400 rods and reels from the Springfield and Branson Bass Pro Shop location Thursday. K.A.S.T. recipients will also fish with local pro anglers.

Gone Fishing events are slated for kids of all ages to catch their first fish in the catch-and-release ponds. Beginner guides, free seminars, crafts and more will be available.

As media, I was invited to do a shift at a local Bass Pro Shop to see their commitment to the outdoors and getting everyone to participate in outdoor sports. It's one of the great things that there are so many opportunities and places where you can experience nature in your own way.