Applications Being Accepted for Kids All-American Fishing Team 2007

TULSA, Okla. (April 2, 2007) -- Hooked On Fishing International (HOFI) is now accepting applications for the 2007 Kids All-American Fishing Team. In its third year, the youth angler ambassador program awards $5,000 scholarships and prizes to each of six exemplary youngsters who show just as much passion for school and community citizenship as they do for fishing.

The KAAF Team Scholarship and Ambassador Program is open to kids nationwide, ages 8-14. While only six will be chosen to represent the 2007 team, every youngster who submits a complete application will receive a free, colorful Kids All-American Fishing t-shirt featuring Sebastian T. Bobber, the "Official Spokesbobber for Youth Fishing."

"We want to recognize all the young anglers who are doing great things and making a positive impact in their communities," said Daniel Johnson, HOFI president. "Kids who fish seem to learn the values of patience, sharing and helping others at an early age, and we want to encourage them to continue such positive activity."

Team selection is based on exceptional school and community involvement, which can include helping with neighborhood food drives, heading a litter clean-up campaign and participating in service and leadership organizations. Former KAAF Team Ambassadors have been involved in organizations such as Boy and Girl Scouts of America, community support efforts, and fundraising activities like the American Heart Association's "Jump for Heart!".

"These kids are today's role models and tomorrow's leaders, and we want to reward them with scholarship funds and worthy recognition as a gesture of our appreciation," Johnson said.

The application process is easy and much of it can be completed on-line. Visit the program's Web site, www.kids-fishing.com, and click on the "KAAF Team Program" button to start the process, download a printable application or view eligibility requirements. Applications must be received or postmarked by July 14, 2007, to be eligible.

KAAF Team selection will be administered by an independent review committee. The six young anglers named to the KAAF Team will be announced in August 2007. Through their example, they will serve as ambassadors for one full year. With the honor comes a $5,000 U.S. Savings Bond for use in current or future education, a pro angler-style fishing team jersey and a team trophy.

Winners will be presented with the scholarship and prizes at ceremonies held at the nearest Wal-Mart store in their respective hometowns. Each All-American Team Ambassador also is invited and provided travel, with a parent, to participate in the Kids All-American Fishing Challenge and Family Fishing Festival held next summer. The event matches a KAAF Team Ambassador with a national fishing pro angler in a series of friendly-competition fishing contests. A recognition reception will also be held in honor of those selected.

Additional information about the KAAF Team program is available at the more than 1,800 sanctioned Wal-Mart Kids All-American Fishing presented by Zebco on-water derbies scheduled for 2007. Most are held in the month of June, National Kids Fishing Month. To find the closest KAAF derby, use the online derby locator found on the organization's Web site, kids-fishing.com.

The KAAF Team Scholarship & Ambassador program is made possible through corporate partners known for community involvement and youth programs. Partners include Wal-Mart Stores Inc., Zebco, Fujifilm,Coppertone and Castrol.

HOFI, Inc., a Tulsa, Okla. company and the country's largest organizer of youth fishing events is committed to promoting family connections through the recreation of fishing. More than eight million youngsters and their families have participated in the program over its 20-year history at events held throughout all 50 states and at U.S. military bases as far away as England, Germany, South Korea and Japan. Organizations and individuals interested in learning more about the derby program and the KAAF Team are encouraged to visit the Web site at www.kids-fishing.com.