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Rookies Join NPAA to Learn About Being Pro Anglers

 Feb 14th, 2012 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Feb 14th, 2012 at 12:00 AM

Forestville, WI-During the annual National Professional Anglers Association meeting, a record number of new members attended.  They joined the organization for various reasons, mostly to learn more about becoming pro anglers.  Their comments may cause even more “rookies” to consider joining the only association aimed at helping them become better at the pro fishing game (or business as many quickly learned).

NPAA executive director Pat Neu said, “I was pumped with this big crowd of new guys.  This is the next wave of promotional fishermen, the ones who will carry on.  They were in the right place, and proved to me that the NPAA will continue to grow, and that we must address their needs at future conferences – we will!”

Tom Nelson, DePere, Wisconsin, is a firefighter and paramedic and new to the tournament world.  In fact, he only fished one AIM tournament as a co-angler and said, “I fell in love with it.”  He had a number of goals, and said after the annual conference, “This only made my passion stronger.”

Specifically, he had been trying to decide how to build up his knowledge and fish as a pro, but admitted, “I wanted to learn the business side and the industry side to develop my pan.  I also needed to gain knowledge and tactics but invested in NPAA to see where this goes.”  He said, “I can’t believe how much I learned already.”

Nelson said he always knew he had to be true to himself and sponsors, but appreciated how this was reinforced at the conference, “Veterans sharing information was so beneficial.  I could sit and listen to Gary Parsons all day.”   He confirmed that his decision to join NPAA was a good one and said, “Anyone serious about fishing should look into the NPAA.  It’s a world of information; great for guides, tournament anglers or everyday guys who love to fish.”

Aaron Jackson from Longville, Minnesota, lives near Leech Lake, is a carpenter and competes in the MTT and local events.  He joined because friends said since he liked to fish competitively he should join.  “They taught me a lot about how the sport works.  I gained a bunch of ideas about a future business plan.  I also picked up on what pros look for on new water,” he said.  Jackson has a passion for youth and attended the special youth workshop.  “I want to get kids involved long-term.  I now feel I can run youth activities and work with NPAA for prizes,” he said.  “The NPAA is the place for me.”

New member Craig Huss, Appleton, Wisconsin was deciding whether his passion was a hobby or more of a business.  “I learned how to create a business plan, heard about the financial commitments, gained product knowledge, and met many new people and sponsors.  In fact, sponsors were the big unknown and Tommy Skarlis was tremendously helpful.  The veterans were like big brothers and mentored me. I consider my investment a valuable part of my higher ‘pro angler’ education,” he said.

Two new members with healthy bank accounts following their double wins at the MWC Championship and Cabela’s NTC last year were Derek Navis, Waupun and Korey Sprengel, Beaver Dam, Wisconsin.  Navis owns a cleaning business with his dad, and Sprengel is a mason.  However, they split $180,000 after their double victories.

Sprengel said he joined because he wanted to get to the next level, “I knew it was important to be better at seminars, with sponsors and off-water stuff.”  Navis echoed those comments and said, “I was interested in the pro aspect and how to promote.”

They both enjoyed Chase Parsons’ seminar on giving professional seminars.  Navis said, “Hearing from the guys who have done it and their tips and secrets on how to be a pro was a great value.  Where else can you get this stuff, meet all these people and talk to anybody?  I will definitely be back.”

Wearing numerous hats was new member Joe Henry.  He is a charter captain, a regular on the MTT, and executive director of the Lake of the Woods tourism council in Baudette, Minnesota.  “If all I got out of NPAA was positive PR for Lake of the Woods, that would be great, but it’s so much more,” he said.  “Tournament fishermen are important to tourism.  They are terrific promoters.  And, I know Lake of the Woods will see that since we signed an agreement with AIM to host tournaments in Baudette in 2012 and 2013.”  Henry is on the bandwagon, working with NPAA members to promote his region this winter, spring, into the summer, and throughout all seasons.

New members set an all-time record in numbers at the 2012 winter conference.  Their contributions are already being felt, and any persons interested in joining should contact Pat Neu at NPAA headquarters, 920-856-6151.  Other news, including stories from the recently concluded NPAA annual conference will be discussed and shared on the NPAA website and in future news releases. 

 The NPAA is a non-profit organization focused on growing the sport of fishing and increasing the professionalism of its members.  Supporting partners include Navionics, Mercury Marine, Evinrude Outboards, Yamaha, Lund Boats, Ranger Boats,  The Next Bite, Oahe Wings and Walleyes Guide Service, Outdoor First Media, Pure Fishing, Fish On Kids Books, Advanced Tex Screen Printing, Worldwide Marine Insurance, FLW Outdoors, AIM, North American Media Group, Frabill, John Butts Outdoors, J.J. Keller Fishing Team, The Reel Shot, U.S. Forest Service, Great Lakes Sea Grant, FPS Financial Planning Services, Off-Shore Tackle, Warrior Boats, Fin-Tech Tackle, Kingfisher Boats, Liddle Marketing, Mutual of Omaha, Northland Fishing Tackle, Optima Batteries, Simms Fishing Products, Pasha Lake Cabins, National Fleet Graphics, Arrowhead Promotion, G2 Gemini and High Tech Fishing.  More NPAA member and association news can be viewed at www.npaa.net.