Bass Pro Shops is celebrating the return of fishing season and inviting customers to trade in used gear to be donated to local charities in exchange for big savings. The 2017 Spring Fishing Classic is a free celebration taking place Feb. 17 through March 5 in all Bass Pro Shops locations across North America.

The local Bass Pro Shops is at 1356 Bass Pro Drive, Manteca.

Customers that donate used rods and reels can receive trade-in savings and instant bonus offers up to $100. The used fishing equipment will be donated to local nonprofit organizations. Bass Pro Shops has donated about 250,000 products to youth-focused nonprofit organizations as part of the company’s mission to inspire everyone to enjoy, love and conserve the great outdoors.

The Classic also includes free fishing seminars for all skill levels, pro appearances at Bassmaster University, activities for women and children and free giveaways. Visitors will also see a variety of special offers to upgrade their gear before they hit the water.

“The annual Spring Fishing Classic – a free event that reaches more than seven million people – offers families the opportunity to enjoy one of America’s favorite outdoor activities, fishing,” said Bass Pro Shops communications manager Katie Mitchell. “We encourage all anglers to participate in our rod and reel trade-in program which has collected and donated about 250,000 products to local organizations that teach young people to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors.”

The 2017 Spring Fishing Classic offers the opportunity to learn from the pros during Bassmaster University fishing seminars hosted by some of the greatest anglers in the sport.

Those are scheduled to include Randy Pringle - Well known Fishing Instructor in the Central Valley, www.thefishinginstructor.com; Jay Lopes - Captain for Right Hook Sport Fishing, www.righthooksporting.com; Joe Akasmit - Bass Pro Staffer and owner of a guide service www.joefishguideservice.com; Don Paganellis - A California licensed Guide, www.guidebass.net.

You can also take time to visit with local pros Matt Frazier, Anthony Sousa, Renza Badilla, Matt Williamson and more.

Local pros will also host seminars throughout the 17-day event.

Women’s Fishing Workshops are also available with introductory fishing information and helpful tips on Saturday, March 4 at 1:30 p.m., and the first 25 women to attend an advertised women’s seminar will receive a Bass Pro Shops stainless steel bottle.

The Next Generation Weekend wraps up the event. This free, activity-filled weekend focuses on teaching kids the basics of fishing. Kids’ activities are available from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, March 4 and 5. Free activities include casting challenges, a fishing workshop, fun craft, and a photo download.

A number of special offers are available during the Spring Fishing Classic.

Customers using a Bass Pro Shops credit card to purchase new gear throughout the Spring Fishing Classic can receive up to $100 via instant rebate.

Attendees can also enter for a chance to win a one-day fishing trip with legendary angler Jimmy Houston on his private lake. The winner and a guest will receive a one-day fishing trip with gear, travel and accommodations provided, a total retail value of $5,000. Register at the stores or online at www.basspro.com/classicsweeps.

Enter for a chance to receive a Bass Pro Shops gift card valued up to $2,400 with the purchase of select boat models from Tracker Marine.

For trade-in program details, event times and information on qualifying offers, visit www.basspro.com/classic.