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2009 NPAA Conference A Success

 Jan 7th, 2009 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Jan 7th, 2009 at 12:00 AM

Milwaukee, Wisconsin…The mood was upbeat and optimistic at the National Professional Anglers Association meeting, Jan. 2-4.  Under a banner that read, “It’s Time to Make a Difference,” the marine and tackle manufacturers and anglers heard from experts including TV icon and fishing industry pioneer Al Lindner who said, “Even though the economy has had a major impact on our industry, there’s no place in the world that has as much access to public waters with great fishing than all across the United States.”

	NPAA Press Release

NPAA president Pat Neu said, “More people will have more time, which will translate into more fishing opportunities.”  He also oversaw the business meeting which resulted in a major change in the NPAA which will now offer one membership fee with all members being on an equal, voting basis.  The value of belonging to the NPAA is to help protect and grow the sport, enhance professionalism, promote fishing, conduct youth events, and assist the industry via education, media relations, and sales. They also reviewed the revitalized NPAA website (npaa.net) with profiles and photos/videos of each member.

Throughout the conference, presenters discussed growth trends and pointed towards the positives, while cognizant of the economic situation.  Neu said, NPAA memberships increased 28 percent in 2008, and supporting partners jumped 33 percent.  He set a goal of 500 members by next year.  Comments from NPAA supporting partners reflected similar confidence.

Sonny Reynolds, FLW director of walleye operations highlighted more payback, a travel-friendly schedule, and a continued commitment to the walleye tournament world.  MWC director Kristine Houtman explained their expansion with an entirely new western division, which means the team circuit will conduct three divisions in 2009.   This is the 25th anniversary of MWC events, and she said title sponsor, Cabela’s, recently renewed a three year sponsorship.

Scott Matheson, AIM president and CEO, the newly formed tournament organization owned by anglers, cited the passion of their investors and the expectations for their first season.  The organization was formed six months ago to put fun back into tournament fishing and re-structure the scope of competitive angling with a catch-record-release policy.  He said, “We will go to great fisheries at great times with major festivals”.

Jeff Brodeur, Navionics marketing director, discussed their most impressive product introduction ever, updated for quality and content, and their efforts to get the message out.  “Boaters want to protect their rigs and fishermen want the latest data, especially today,” he said.

Steve Lindahl, Ranger Boats, said his company and all the pros will have to work hard in 2009.  Promotions at dealerships include lure packs, discounts, boat covers, and vouchers for tournament entries or clothing with boat purchases.  Michelle Trudeau, Lund Boats was very direct, saying, “It’s time to stop being negative.  But, we have to be realistic.  Lund has the best pro team in the industry, and this season we’re working together to secure our future.”  She said the “Angler, Young Angler” program where one adult fishes with two youngsters will expand to 29 events throughout North America. 

Bruce DeShano, Off-Shore Tackle owner said, “We increased our promotions this year, because we will come out of this.”  He showed the new mini-planer board, citing its introduction this year after three years of testing and development.  He told the conference attendees, “Make consumers aware of the product, get them interested, make them want it, then follow through so they buy it.”

Jake Steingraeber, Evinrude Outboards, stressed how his company has expanded with 89 new dealers in the last year, shipping new products like the 25 and 30 horsepower models, offering a 5-year warranty, angler contingency programs, factory tech support and an optimism that will be reflected throughout many 100th Anniversary celebrations this season.

Michelle Kilburn, Mercury Outboards, said, “This will take all of us working together, Evinrude, Yamaha and Mercury, to build the sport and get people fishing.”  She said the economy is a challenge, and Mercury is focusing more on fishing, including a new non-declining 5-year factory warranty.  Competitive fishing will continue to be a strong and vital part of their overall marketing effort. “Please weather the storm with us; we will be a stronger team in the future,” she said.

John Butts, Fin-Tech marketing director said, “We sell fun, and people will still be outdoors having fun. They will fish and buy tackle.  We will be promoting with our extensive pro team, and growing our sales even more.”  He said they will be in many more retail outlets this year, and after two years in business, the demand has exceeded the distribution.  “We’re catching up,” he said.

 Scott Glorvigen, Northland Tackle, complimented the NPAA for owner John Peterson for their continued support in the industry and making things happen.  He said Northland and all NPAA members should have a common goal of increasing the numbers of people who fish.  “It’s important that we all support NPAA sponsors and work as hard as possible to promote what we all love to do.”

President Neu concluded the conference saying, “We just have to go out and make it happen.  Let’s all prove to the industry and the sport we love that we can make a difference.”  Lindner, Tommy Skarlis and Ryan Chuckle shared marketing and publicity secrets.  These stories and more conference news will soon be available at npaa.net.

Membership is open to all anglers wishing to become affiliated and learn more about tactics, sponsorships, the industry, youth events and to help grow fishing participation.  More NPAA news and membership roster and more can be found at www.npaa.net.

The NPAA is an organization dedicated to improving and bringing professionalism to the sport of competitive angling.  NPAA supporting partners who share the same goals include Northland Fishing Tackle, Navionics, Mercury Marine, Evinrude Outboards, Lund Boats, Ranger Boats, Off-Shore Tackle, Fin-Tech Tackle, Berkley, Walleye’s Inc., OutdoorsFirst Media, Greater Insurance Services, Bartness Industries, Anglers Insight Marketing,  Masters Walleye Circuit and FLW Outdoors.