(June 3, 2020) Isle, Minn. — Conservation partners Mille Lacs Smallmouth Alliance and Simms Fishing Products are proud to announce the creation of a scholarship fund for student anglers. A check for $2,500 was given to Jimmy Bell, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Student Angler Organization to be distributed to deserving student anglers.
The Student Angler Organization (SAO) is a volunteer, non-profit organization dedicated to increasing fishing opportunities and environmental awareness for students, youth and schools through, competition, scholarships, education, and mentoring opportunities, creating an outdoor passion for life for the students and their families.
“The Student Angler Organization, and Student Angler Tournament Trail, has always been about protecting our resources,” said Bell (pictured, right). “We started out of the gate with a Catch Record Release format to do just that. It only seemed natural to partner with the MLSA who’s mantra of “Free The Fighter” fits perfectly with what we are teaching all the students. We are excited about the amazing donation from the MLSA and Simms, and will be returning every penny in scholarships for a few lucky anglers this year at our regular season and Tournament of Champions events on Mille Lacs Lake.”
“At Simms, our mission has always been to inspire the world to fish and when opportunities such as this present themselves we are excited and honored to participate,” said Patterson Leeth, Lakes Community Leader at Simms. “We want to do our part to ensure our next generation of anglers are adamant stewards of the fisheries and waters in their backyards and across the globe.”
The MLSA is dedicated to rebuilding, preserving and maintaining Mille Lacs as a world class trophy smallmouth bass fishery. “Angler education is one of the top priorities for the MLSA,” said Jason Schade, President of MLSA, (pictured, left). “Partnering with SAO to benefit student anglers is a natural fit and will go a long way towards the common conservation goals for the Smallmouth Bass population on Lake Mille Lacs.”
The MLSA website is www.milleleacssmallmouthalliance.com for more information.
