The WBFA's leading anglers in cooperation with the national C.A.S.T. organization will host a special fishing outing for youngsters from the Children's Rehab Services (CRS) of Gadsden.

"The acronym C.A.S.T. stands for 'Catch A Special Thrill'," explains WBFA director Willie Cook, "and that's what we hope to provide for the CRS kids. Some of them have never had the opportunity to experience the thrill of fishing."

The youngsters, ages 7 to 18 years, will be equipped with rods and reels provided by Zebco Fishing Tackle, Plano tackleboxes, Eagle Claw hooks and live bait and be guided by WBFA professional anglers, fishing from their tournament bass boats.

The 9 a.m. check out at the Gadsden City Docks Park will end with a 12-noon weigh-in for the kids and awards presentations. Each child will receive a C.A.S.T. fishing shirt and cap and special plaque presented by Jim Owens, executive director of the national C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, headquartered in Renton, Washington.

Owens says, "At least 80 percent of disabled children are underserved or unserved in recreation. Fishing is one activity where almost all disabled children can participate with little or no special assistance. "C.A.S.T. events, such as this outing in Gadsden - the first in Alabama - provide the opportunity for disabled and disadvantaged kids to experience a quality outdoor experience through fishing."

Started as a single outing in 1991 by Jim Owens and a few bass club friends in Washington state, the C.A.S.T. Foundation will conduct 57 events in 35 states during the coming months.

Through the efforts of the C.A.S.T. organizations, volunteer sportsmen, manufacturer's support, and partnering with government agencies, the program is gaining momentum and expanding. "It's our desire to continue this wonderful experience all across the country," explains Owens, "and with the support of professional anglers, like the Women's Bass Fishing Association, we're excited about the future for these special fishing events."

The Alabama B.A.S.S. Federation will host the CRS kids and tournament pros to a special bar-b-que lunch following the fishing trip, according to Al Redding, president of the state federation as a part of its youth organization program.

For information on the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation, contact: Jim Owens, 296 S. W. 43rd Street., Renton, WA 98055 or telephone (425) 251-3214 or e-mail to jowens@castforkids.org. Art Pasley of Dallas, Texas is the Southern Regional Director for C.A.S.T., and can be reached at (972) 913-2933.

Official three-day practice for the 2000 WBFA's Classic championship will start on Monday, November 6th. The daily weigh-ins will begin at 2:30 p.m. November 9-11, at the Gadsden City Parks Docks. Ray Scott, founder of the Bass Anglers Sportsman Society (B.A.S.S.), will serve as special weighmaster for the championship.

The WBFA's world championship is co-hosted by the City of Gadsden and the Alabama Department of Parks and Tourism. For information, contact: Willie Cook, director, Women's Bass Fishing Association, P O Box 538, Pelham, AL 35124. Telephone 205-663-5243. E-mail address: EBCWBFA@aol.com.