Millbrook, AL
Bass Pro Shops, Crappie Masters Tournament Trail held its second annual National Youth Scholarship at the Alabama River. Dallas Godshall of Prattville, Alabama represented the Future Fisherman Foundation in the 13-15 age groups. Godshall was just one of the youth anglers fishing for prizes including a $4,000 scholarship. Crappie Masters offers free youth fishing events for local children at each of their tournaments, culminating with the National Youth Championship.
The Future Fisherman Foundation chose to select a student from one of their angling education programs to enter the tournament. Doug Darr, the Aquatic Education Coordinator for the AL Dept. of Wildlife and Freshwater lead Hooked on Fishing Not on Drugs and WFF Partnership program in the Montgomery area. Graduate, Godshall passed the course with excellence and Dallas won the groups fishing contest.
The entire Godshall family attended to cheer on young Dallas. Darr went on to say, “Dallas parents have been very active in all of our outdoor events but they had not fished much. The HOFNOD training took them one-step further in their enjoyment of the outdoors and fishing.”
Dallas partnered with pro anglers Whitey Outlaw and past Crappie Masters champion, Mike Parrot. It would be his first time to fish for crappie. Godshall caught two crappie weighing in at 2.72 pounds. Dallas is looking forward to using his new skills on his next fishing trip.
Mr. Godshall spoke highly of the event. “This has been a great experience for Dallas and our family. We arrived Friday and fished Saturday’s derby. Sunday we cheered on Dallas at the scholarship tournament. We will remember this trip for a lifetime. The pros were so kind to volunteer. You can easily see they really want the kids to learn. It’s been proven that youth who are brought up with a love of the outdoors are less likely to get into trouble too.”
The Foundation would like to thank Crappie Masters, the pros, the Morgan Family, and Bass Pro Shops for including F3 anglers in their tournament this year. In addition to the prizes, the youths took home fond memories of fishing on Alabama River. Each child looks forward to the possibility of fishing in next year’s tournament.
About the Future Fisherman Foundation
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 dedicated to introducing America’s youth to angling and the outdoors. These efforts help people of all ages have safe and enjoyable fishing experiences that foster conservation ethics. Visit www.futurefisherman.org.