Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame: TBF and Jim Owens

Congratulations to the TBF and to Jim Owens from CAST for Kids for their induction into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame in 2015. Here is the excerpt from the announcement:

The Bass Federation – Oklahoma

Since 1968, the independent state Bass Federations have worked together to support the grassroots growth of fishing and the growth of the entire sport fishing/outdoors industry in their states. Simply put, The Bass Federation, Inc. and their affiliated state federations do not work for any one organization in particular, although they do have several long-term relationships and partnerships in the industry. The Bass Federation today is partnered with FLW Outdoors.

Jim Owens – Washington

For more than twenty-five years, Jim Owens has been instrumental in introducing the sport of fishing to children. The charity that he founded, “Catch a Special Thrill” Foundation (C.A.S.T.), was inspired by his deep desire to join volunteers who love to fish with special needs populations for a day of fishing in the outdoors. In 2011 Owens further expanded the mission of the foundation by establishing the “Take A Warrior Fishing Program.” This program was designed to support military personnel and their families, specifically targeting persons assigned to Warrior Transition Commands. Owen served as President of the Washington State BASS Federation for 10 years and has twice been named the BASS National Federation Man of the Year for his work with Youth, Conservation, and warm water fishing issues in Washington State. He was instrumental in the development of the Washington State Warm Water Enhancement Stamp. He was appointed to the Washington State Youth Sportfishing committee which developed the first youth fishing outreach program, consequently affecting youth throughout the state. Owens was also a member of the Inland Fish Program Advisory Group for over 20 years.

And here is the full article: http://www.wired2fish.com/freshwater-fishing-announces-2015-inductees/