RALEIGH, N.C. (June 30, 2008) — Dylan Gilbert’s passion for bass fishing rivals that of any pro bass angler. Thanks to Neuse Sport Shop located in Kinston, the 10-year-old from Lake Royale will be able indulge that passion for the rest of his life — without ever having to pay for a fishing license!

Dylan won a lifetime fishing license — the grand prize offered in a statewide drawing for participants in 40 kids’ “Fish-for-Fun” events held during National Fishing and Boating Week earlier this month. The free events were supported by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission, the U.S. Forest Service, Bass Pro Shops and other local sponsors.

Dylan participated in the June 7 kids’ fishing derby at Lake Royale in Franklin County.

The license, donated by Neuse Sport Shop, is valued at $450 and gives Dylan lifetime fishing privileges in all North Carolina public waters, including coastal waters and designated Public Mountain Trout Waters where a special trout fishing license is required.

In addition to Dylan, 200 other young anglers netted prizes at the fishing events. Click here for a complete list of winners, which includes their ages, fishing event locations and their prizes.

 Bass Pro Shops donated 100 prizes, including tackle boxes, rods and reels and spools of fishing line. The Wildlife Resources Commission contributed the remaining prizes, which included mini tackle boxes, fishing towels and decks of cards featuring the 13 top freshwater fish species in North Carolina.

“We’re grateful to everyone who made the Fish-for-Fun events possible this year,” said Bob Curry, chief for the Commission’s Division of Inland Fisheries. “The Wildlife Commission has always been a supporter of kids’ fishing events by supplying fishing ‘grab bags,’ staffing fishing events and stocking fish in public waters. Generous donations by Neuse Sport Shop and Bass Pro Shops, along with the assistance of the U.S. Forest Service and local sponsors, have made these events fun outings for the entire family.”

For more information on fishing in North Carolina’s inland, public waters, visit the Fishing page, or call (919) 707-0220.