COLUMBIA, S.C. (Feb. 25, 2012) – The Berkley Conservation Institute (BCI) awarded the Salt City Bassmasters from the New York B.A.S.S. Federation Nation the annual Berkley Angler Recruitment/Retention Award. The award, worth $1500 in fishing tackle, was presented at the BASS Federation Nation awards banquet Feb. 25 in Shreveport, LA, during the Bassmaster Classic. BASS Conservation Director Noreen Clough made the announcement.
In winning the recruitment/retention award, the Salt City Bassmasters implemented a comprehensive restructure of its club and tournament format in an effort to recruit new anglers, as well as challenge and retain existing members. Clough said that the New York anglers "met with a great deal of success with a documented model that can be replicated in total or in part by other Federation clubs."
"We at Salt City are excited and honored by this award," said Barb Elliott, Salt City Bassmasters vice president. "As a club, are very aware that we need to do more than just pursue what makes us crazy — the green/bronze fish. We need to attract and retain club members who are willing to do things beyond just fishing."
"The commitment of the Salt City Bassmasters and the New York BASS Federation Nation to recruit more anglers, especially youth anglers, is to be commended," said Jim Martin, BCI Conservation Director. "These club members instill the very values of stewardship in our environment the Berkley Conservation Institute endorses. It is my privilege along with the Berkley Conservation Institute to honor the Salt City Bassmasters with our Berkley Angler Recruitment Award."
Salt City Bassmasters, located out of Syracuse, have previously received the BCI Conservation Award for their work on invasive aquatic species.
BCI is a division of the Pure Fishing Company, the world's largest tackle company headquartered in Columbia, SC. The brand names of Pure Fishing include Abu Garcia, All Star Rods, Berkley, Fenwick, Mitchell, Penn, Pflueger, Shakespeare, Spiderwire and Stren.