National Professional Anglers Association
Published January 12, 2010

The weekend of January 8-10 was "hot" in Bloomington, Minnesota for the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) annual conference.  Record numbers of angler members and supporting partners attended the meeting to learn about the fishing and marine industries, about professionalism on and off the water, tips for business, fishing and sponsorship success and the latest 2010 tournament news.

Newly hired executive director Pat Neu set the tone for the conference by stating the theme early and often, "Commit to Your Future."  He also congratulated the rapidly growing ranks of supporting partners, now at 23 partners, up from 14 a year ago.  He also applauded the 107 new individual members who joined during the past year.  Neu's goal for 2010, "I want to continue to increase membership and give them value for belonging to this organization."  A membership drive was announced.

Neu recognized the economy and tournament restrictions as challenges, but said, "Like good companies, we will work through adversity.  The NPAA is financially sound and poised for continued growth."  During the next 12 months, he forecast light at the end of the economic tunnel and urged anglers to participate in tournaments, which he said, "Will grow stronger in the future, but need your support this year."  The 90 members and 29 industry supporting partner representatives in the audience agreed.

Keynote speaker, Guido Hibdon, one of the most successful touring bass tournament anglers, brought his 30-year experience as a professional bass angler into the room of primarily walleye anglers, and said, "We live in a great time with a great future ahead.  If I was looking for a sponsor, it would be outside the fishing industry."  He added, "Your group is no different than our group, you all need to get together at this level."

Neu announced the Board of Directors election results during the conference stating that Tony Puccio had been re-elected to another term on the board.     The remaining five-member board includes John Butts who was appointed as president by the board, Tommy Skarlis who will remain Vice-President, Johnnie Candle as Secretary, and Cody Roswick, was appointed to fill the board position Neu had vacated.   Neu had been president of the board for the pat two years.  Roswick recently accepted the position of North and South Dakota district sales manager for Berkley.

Both John and Duane Peterson, owners of Northland Fishing Tackle were named NPAA Lifetime Honorary members for their continued service and commitment to the future of fishing.  John Peterson said, "This is a great honor.  I was one of the charter members of this organization and Northland was the first supporting partner.  I feel the NPAA has done more to professionalize fishing than any other organization."  Brother, Duane urged the anglers present, "Think about being a pro every day, but don't forget the grassroots - the youngsters and families - recruit them and take them fishing."

 

The NPAA is a non-profit organization focused on growing the sport of fishing and increasing the professionalism of its members.  Its Supporting Partners include: Northland Fishing Tackle, Navionics, Mercury Marine, Evinrude Outboards, Lund Boats, Ranger Boats, Worldwide Marine Underwriters Off-Shore Tackle, Fin-Tech Tackle, Berkley, AIM , Masters Walleye Circuit, FLW Outdoors, Frabill, , Liddle Marketing, FPS Financial Planning Services, Do-it Corp., Optima Batteries, John Butts Outdoors, Pasha Lake Cabins, Oahe Wings and Walleyes Guide Service, and OutdoorFirst Media.  More NPAA member and association news can be viewed at www.npaa.net.

 

                      

For more information contact:      Pat Neu, NPAA Executive Director @920-559-6901