Anglers on the Walmart FLW Tour will be on Beaver Lake big time this week. They'll also be out in the community visiting with students and fishing fans in general.
It's all part of the FLW community outreach initiative that takes place at every stop on the tour. The lake is off limits to FLW fishermen on Wednesday. That gives anglers a chance to get out to meet and greet.
Several pros will be at Westside Elementary in Rogers from 8 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday. They'll talk about fishing and the outdoors for sure. They'll also teach the kids how important science, technology, engineering and math are in their careers and the professions students will choose later in life.
Fishermen will stress the importance of wearing a life jacket and other boating safety steps.
Jimmy Houston is one of the most recognized pros on the tour. He and other fishermen will visit patients at Mercy Hospital in Rogers on Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. They'll be available for photos and talk fishing with anyone who comes to the event.
A big event for kids is set for Saturday at Lake Bentonvillle. The FLW Foundation's Unified Fishing Derby is from 9 to 11 a.m. on the lake located on Southwest I Street. Cody Kelly and other FLW pros will help youngsters catch catfish. The derby is open to youths 15 and younger, and to Special Olympics athletes.
Bait is provided. Rods and reels are available for use, but fishermen should bring their own if they have them.
FLW pro Greg Bohannan of Bentonville has started a new student outreach program this season. Bohannan visits high school students through his "Hook, Line and Leaders" program. He talks to groups of high school students about being good role models for younger students and being young leaders in their communities.
Details about this week hadn't been finalized as of Friday. The school hadn't given his visit official approval, he said.
"We offer them good life tips, like how important it is to get a degree or learn a trade," Bohannan said. "We teach that in order to gain anything in life, you have to work for it."
His new sponsor, Old Spice, makes the program possible, Bohannan said. "I tell the kids, 'look good, be good and smell good.'"
Every FLW pro angler hopes to make the top 20, then the top 10, and be fishing on Saturday and Sunday. Several of the fishermen who don't make the cut will be working their sponsor booths at the FLW expo from noon to 4 p.m., at the Rogers Walmart store, 2110 W. Walnut St.
It's a chance to take home some tips from guys who make their living catching fish.
Sports on 04/12/2016