N.P.A.A.

[Bottom Feeder]

I was thinking of joining the NPAA, what do you guys think about the program and would it be worth it for anybody. I do lots of tournament fishing and guiding but never any big tourneys like the PWT yet. I'm thinking about fishing the PWT or RCL in a few years. Is this a good program to join? And my real question is what does a person get out of it??

[harley]

nothing; i was a member for two years and when they were going to have a tournament and only the top 100# was invited that ended that.

[waleyes13]

I don't think there is a single thing to gain from being a member. I looked into it myself and found nothing. It's just another 100 bucks to give to someone.

[interesting]

interesting

[Only one conclusion]

One can draw only one conclusion from the replies here so far, there are around 900 fools that tote the NPAA numbers around annually. Then there are the sponsors and supporting sponsors that are obviously being duped into the NPAA. Hey, so it is not for everybody, let it go. You can say I saw no use in it for me and let it go.

[stevefellegy]

Hey Bottem Feeder,

Sorry I or fellow NPAA members have not responded sooner. I'm in the middle of putting new line on a couple dozen rods...
I, proudly, introduced the concept, that has grown into NPAA.
What is NPAA?
The NPAA is a professional, non-profit organization of tournament anglers and supporting industry sponsors. It is dedicated to the advancement of professionalism among tournament anglers and the growth of the fishing industry.
The NPAA was formed to identify, recognize, honor and promote professional fishermen who have distinguished themselves by participating in professional fishing tournaments. It will promote in an ethical, lawful, and legal manner, the development, preservation, operation, maintenence and general welfare of the professional anglers of the United States. It will conduct studies, engage in research, and aid professional tournament fishermen and the industry in any other similar and legitimate activites.
It is the intent of the NPAA to foster a spirit of good will among those persons engaged in the fishing industry. It will promote ethical practices in their relationships with each other, their employees, associates, and the general public to the end, that all interests may be served fairly. The association also intends to create friendship and good fellowship among members, sponsors, manufacturers and tournament officials, as well as fostering a sense of pride in the association and its purposes.
The NPAA will collaborate, educate and exchange ideas with its members, trade associations, manufacturers, tournament sponsors and the public to promote and establish information, procedures and events benificial to the industry. The NPAA will create and promote professionalism among its members. As an organization of professional anglers, our main goal is to assist the growth of the fishing indsutry.
That all said, beyond the basics of the NPAA that is described above, there are several levels of membership choices, that offer various programs to members, that include some discounts from supporting sponsors, an insurance program that covers ALL the needs of anyone who fishes any level of tournaments, and other related ongoing benifits either in place or in the works for the future.
The insurance savings alone will cover the membership fee. The value here is way beyond actual dollars and cents, if you intend to pursue any level of tournament angling, now or in the future. NPAA is your representation as a tournament angler, to the public and the fishing industry.
So...I'll shut up and give you the office number so you can, if interested, get all the details beyond what little I have said here.
Thanks for your interest! We all(over 800), look forward, to you and anyone else with the same interests, to working with and for you.
NPAA 605-223-2136
e-mail anglers@dakota2k.net

[TK_551]

Well said Steve!

If anyone does not feel the need to join, then they shouldn't join. I feel that it is beneficial in the fact is that I have met some great people and started great friendships. There is a lot more to fishing than sponsorship and freebies. I will continue to be a proud member of the NPAA.

Tom
#551

[Question]

Could you give me a usage breakdown of the $100 NPAA fee?

Interested in Ohio

[Rip Lips]

Dido,What lake are you guiding on bottom feeder?Talked to you breifly at Lonnies and Joyces Sanders.Jamie Friebel NPAA#166.

[Mike McCafferty]

Hey Steve,
You're right on the mark. Mike McCafferty responding, NPAA #644 and for my soon to be sixteen-year old son, Ian McCafferty NPAA #647. The membership fee you pay to belong to the NPAA rewards you in many ways. Steve Fellegy mentioned numerous discounts on products and services, as well as the various activities they are involved in regarding the world of fishing. The NPAA has gained a solid reputation among the fishing industry as a viable and respected organization. When you talk with anybody regarding the business end of fishing and show you them you are an NPAA member, it means something. Hey, there are only 100 touring pros and 900 registered pros in the country. There are NPAA membership criteria that must be met and maintained and the industry people know what that is. I've been a member for two years now, and my son is new this year. I had an opportunity to get in when it first began but I was skeptical then too. However since I've joined, my NPAA membership has provided me with increased opportunities with my sponsors and has opened up doors for new sponsors. If you're looking for a free ride in the fishing industry the NPAA is not for you. If you're looking for a way to increase your exposure and sell your talents to potential sponsors to create a mutual beneficial relationship, NPAA is the organization to help you do it. I encourage anyone wanting to get involved in a possible career in the fishing industry to join the NPAA.

[JohnF]

It looks like a club to me. I suspect, then, that you can get all of the benefits that a club can muster, like reduced insurance rates, bulk deals on goods, etc.

I question the stratified organization of the constituency. How does limiting the numbers and creating classes promote anything? I'm not saying it can't, just that I don't understand.

As a member of the ordinary fishing public, I haven't seen how the NPAA has promoted the industry of fishing. I've seen Eagle Claw and WalMart promoting, is the NPAA somehow behind this? It's very possible they are as I am not connected to the media as tightly as most and I could simply be missing it.

Now I've probably made all of my friends mad at me.

John

[jigmeister]

To the above posts from Steve Fellegy and Mike McCafferty(sorry hope I spelled you name right)You BOTH took the words right out of my mouth. It appalls me to see someone talk about things that they are not familiar with, or just do not read up on or are current with certain rules or the ground laying for certain organizations.Every organization that I have ever questioned I probe for answers, and get replies. It comes to you as a something natural to ask why this, or what are the limitations ect... It's so simple to ask.I personally do not see what the problem is, or the gripes. Write or e-mail the NPAA , they will gladley answer all your questions or concerns. Good luck... jigging............ till the break of dawn.................

[goodintentions]

steve, thanks for the nice explaination. there is no question that the NPAA had good intentions at its' inception. it appears to be quite evident that many folks have not rallied around the organization for a variety of reasons. members like yourself need to spend some quality time in trying to take the organization to the next level. i remember when marty spoke about the organization four or five years ago in Sandusky, Ohio at an NAWA event. he was full of hope that the organization would be instrumental in bringing together the agendas of many professional fishermen around the country. considering the amount of time that has elapsed, the NPAA has done many things to try and expand the membership and further the agenda of professional fishermen. it is clear that the organization could do so much more. good luck with your great idea! hopefully, you can come up with some ideas on how to silence the critics.

[Somewhat Confused]

From my observations there are a significant number of big name touring professionals who are not members or in the top 100. If the organization is as great as you say it is then why isn't Gary "MR. Walleye" Roach a member? What about all the famous bass fisherman in this country? Is the commercial insurance policy that members speak of better than what I can buy from my local insurance agent or less expensive? I am not trying to start an argument, I am just trying to understand.

[Fish_on]

This will help you understand: There cannot be more than 100 pros in the top 100.

The NPAA is not for everyone, but I believe it will help tournamnt fishing in general in the long run. Despite the fact I've seen very little benefit for my money yet, I'm still optimistic that it's money well spent for the future. Yes, the insurance is a good deal if you fish tournaments.

NPAA #122

[Walleye boy]

I agree there have been very limitied benefiets but it is not for everyone and never was meant to be. If you are considering making your lively hood in this industry I do believe that in the logn run the benefits will be there just through networking alone. Give them a chance this is not an easy thing to manage. You cant build a strong group without time and effort and possibloy more help from the members themselves

[Muleskinner]

A couple of thoughts about the NPAA. How many of the top 100 utilize the insurance? I know of 3 for sure that use there own insurance providers. The programs that the NPAA put on at the PWT championship are a big plus for the fishing industry. They get kids involved with the fishing program. I am a second year member for reasons unknown but I think this program will benefit the fishing industry. One should ask themself whats in it for fishing and not whats in it for me sometimes.I do benefit from the savings of the members only program due to the fact that I have more Northland jigs than Northland does.

Good Catching,
NPAA #557

[Bottom Feeder]

Thank you to all that responded. I feel that it will just have to be a decision I'll have to make. There is pros and cons and I will just have to way the differences for myself. Again thank you!

[Peluso]

I think Steve answered many of these questions for us. The big reason I am a memeber is for the insurance on my boat and gear and for my partner and I while we are fishing the PWT and RCL. I also feel it is important for us to grow this sport and having a so called member or club is the same as we have in the NHL and AHL. We have these programs to take care of us on and off the ice. The NHLPA and PHPA in hockey provides insurance and also has 401K's and in time we will see these things in fishing. I guess my feeling is when the NPAA grows and becomes what it will with time, I don't want to be the one looking in from the outside. Good fishing and don't forget to shoot the puck. Mike Peluso #82

[Sunshine]

Is there a web site?

[Someday]

http://www.proanglers.org/

[Support your players]

"These are the players in professional fishing!" :)

[tj1n]

I root for #24 in Nascar; love #34 in Bears history; the old #23 for the Bulls wasn't bad either or how about the old #99 in hockey. Who's your favorite # in the NPAA? That's why it's important to me, even though I'm not a member. Hopefully, someday I've got the skill that being a top 100 requires.

Travis J.

[LakeRat]

Class separation is the name of the game for the Tournament pro's.

When a tournament gets crowded with great fisherman and the competition gets stiff, the sponsorships inside that tournament can only spread so thin. So, a group of pro's are limited to a certain number, the rest just fund the club.

Class competition is huge for the pro fisherman! How do you get inside that "Pro club" if it is restricted to pro's? You don't unless the club provision is to qualify, through numerous tournaments, to get into the hot 100 tourney. Otherwise, you have to shmooze the pro's to get the invite!

So go start a new club!

Create a new "club" and make a new "exclusive" top 100 and gain some sponsorship.

If there was only ONE tournament for each species of fish, many of the "pro's" would be out. Not that they are not worthy mind you! There are numerous pro's that are just that! But, many more who will not likely get into a hot 100 tourney.

Because numerous tournaments creat numerous "top Pro's".

Benefits of the clubs are things such as the insurance and etc...

But, the big bucks are from the sponsors in form of equipment and/or discounts.

As for "so many "Pro's" that do not belong, they are under specific contracts to companies to advertise. They don't need tournaments as they have been around for so many years. Those may even be barred from a tourney that their company is not sponsoring.

But, the club's do promote the fishing industry. There have been many advances for fishermen due to the pro's and tournament venues to push the products! So, understand the monster, but also appreciate it!

[Rip Lips]

Wondering if I met you in Nennah,but you didnt repley.

[Mike McCafferty]

Lake Rat,
you're right on the mark on one thing. There are more fisherman to go around than sponsors. If companies sponsored everybody because they submitted a resume hightlighting their fishing ability and their catches there would be no companies left in business. Sponsors "sponsor" individuals, not fisherman. It has to do with business in its truest sense. There are a million of us that can catch fish. That's not the point. Never has been, never will be. Good Luck in your future endeavors. There are a number of fisherman who do not belong to the NPAA and are sponsored by various companies, and that's fine. That's what makes America great, along with the other zillion reasons. What also makes America Great is the opportunities offered us. The NPAA is continually building relationships with major manufacturers that is advantagest to its members. "nuff said." The NPAA has offered membership to anyone, the only stipulation is you have to join.
What do you get by joining? Only you can decide. However, as the organization grows (and I believe it will)the benefits to anyone wanting to establish a niche in the fishing industry will be glad they are an NPAA member. The second thing that needs to be pointed out it is not an "exclusive" club. True, there are only 1000 spots available, 100 called touring Pros and 900 called registered Pros, but if you look at what's happening, a number of registered Pros are fishing the bigger tournaments. You don't have to be in the top 100 numbers to fish the PWT, RCL, WWA, or any such comparable circuit. One-Thousand oppourtunities are offered to anglers to belong, as long as they meet the established criteria on a first come, first serve basis. Once it is filled, it's filled.

[LakeRat]

It is about the business, that is true, but it is also for the $100,000 fees split up on the top 100 tourney fishermen(though not all will have winnings), while the "registered pro's" must find a different tourney to fish! Give them all touring status. Why class them differently? And don't misunderstand me, I am not against the association, I just like to see it all in the light where it should be, and so a member has an idea "how the membership fee is spent".

Business is business!

The perks are discounts provided by sponsors at no cost to the club, just the marketing venue is enough for the sponsors, as are the freebees that are sent out to the membership. The sponsors get a nice writeoff for their business as marketing costs.

As for tourney fishing, not for me. No enjoyable afternoons trying to make a living at fishing, then it becomes a job. Me, I am 44, retired, and can fish 24/7 to my hearts content, and while I am still young. What more can I ask for?

[eyeman_1]

Well said Steve!

The fellow members that I have met have become some of my closest and most cherished friends. The fellowship between members at tournaments or when we come together on the road or in a hotel parking lot is benefit enough for me. There is more to being a member than what's in it for me as far as discounts and such.

I will continue to be one of the so called 900 fools!

Jim Bello
#534

[Chairman]

If your not planning a career in the fishing industry then the NPAA is not for you. It is a step in the right direction and is listening to the members as to what they need to do to make the NPAA better. Remember this is not the NPAA for you, it is your association and you own it and control it. It will take time to get a good feel on direction, just as the PBR, Professional Bull Riding did. But look at the money they are getting now compared to a few years ago. Give this organization some time and your support, not just your money.

And as far as the sponsors and write offs, there is no write off for donations, give aways etc. There is just no income from the product given away. You get to deduct the cost of material whether you derive any income from it or not. It is the same as throwing it away as far as taxes go.

Those of you never fishing tournaments or planning a career in the industry realy don't understand the system anyhow.

[LakeRat]

Do you really feel that a "registered pro" hundreds down the list, will ever see the "touring" status that the top 100 enjoy?

The real benefit is that they can claim Pro status in exchange for paying you "touring 100" fees from which to draw prize money from. With that status, they can't get into their own Association Tournament, but they can go elsewhere if they choose.... what a deal!

You don't address that I noticed! How about you open up the Touring to all 1000. And, If you really think that people don't know, teach them! EXPLAIN it rather than becoming defensive.

Heck, how do you think a person might become knowledgeable, without your insider knowledge????

Or, maybe that is the point, keep em' paying the fees and leave em' in the dark?

And I have successfully fished in Tournaments. It was fun, but a waste of time when the same fishing can be done for fun without deadlines, start times, tourney regulations and the "Dog and Pony Show" that is a part of the Tournament game. Others love it, so open it up to them all! If the touring 100 are that good, they should stay out of the NPAA tournaments and let the other 900 fish it.

[observer]

to my knowledge, the NPAA hasn't held any tournaments and as of this time none are planned, they have considered it but so far have not gone ahead, so mr. rat your observations seem to be quite far off the mark.

[wkw301]

Hey Bottomfeeder,
I think you would like the NPAA. You more than
make up for the nominal membership fee on the
discounts they offer on tackle, etc.
Plus, when you put your member number on your
motor the tourists think you know what you're doin'.

[LakeRat]

Dear Observer............observe closer......SEE POST ONE!

That is from where I draw an inference and wonder why it was not addressed sooner in these posts? However, why only allow 100 to be touring?

And the answer should be more indepth than "cuz the bylaws say so".
DUH! How did that get arrived at? What was the theory?

And answer the question...... Why the limit of 100 instead of all?

Also, as asked..... Do you think the other 900 can crack the top 100 in their life time?

Maybe more will join if you give answers that do not sidetrack the questions.

Educate us instead of making us "milk you" for the answers!

[jigmeister]

I think where you need to post your concerns to the NPPA is also on the WC board. Look for NPAA and address your opions their and let them know your concerns. Everyone has a valid reason for posting their thoughts or concerns no matter what the situation.I myself like to get on and read other post"s , but do not like to get in the middle of a topic, whether good or bad. To ALL A SAFE AND HAPPY 2002 FISHING SEASON.....TILL THE BREAK OF DAWN JIGGING

[yeah chairman]

right on man, how could these small minded little pee-ons understand such a complicated business. right on.

[Blake]

Dear Mr. Lakerat,

This most likely is not the formum that NPAA directors will openly discuss or debate these issues. I and most would suggest you contact any of the original guys that conceived this organization so you can get the answers you are looking for. Mr. Parsons, Mr. McClelland, Mr. Fellegy, the Glorvigen brothers etc., all have contact info either on the WC pro page or through the NPAA directory on the NPAA website.
By the way, although I know these guys, I am not a member nor do I have any connections to NPAA or the fishing industry. Ask your questions directly to these guys. Good luck fishing.

[JohnF]

Hi LakeRat,

I think you've misunderstood something. I couldn't find a reference to a tournament that allows only NPAA Touring Pros. "Touring Pro" is simply a name for the highest class of NPAA members. There are some extra benefits for getting this status, but that's about it. The way the club is organized, it promotes "Good ole boy" politics as far as I can tell. OR, if #101 get to fill the first open slot then the top class is for some control function, I can't tell.

I have no beef with any of this though; All clubs have their purpose and politics.

In my industry we have the same sort of thing only it's worse. We call then "Standards Bodies" and anyone can join. The class heirarchy is such that anyone can choose to be in the top if they want. All you have to do is pony up the scratch. These bodies do affect the industry (define standards that the market will eventually adopt) and are very self serving. Often times the consumer does get a better product, but for sure those that are associated with the new standard create a market.

And that's what it's all about.

I didn't say previously whether or not I would join. If I were trying to get into a tough market, say, impressing sponsers, I would join in a heartbeat. Remember the axiom, "It's not what you know, it's who you know." A club such as NPAA can improves your network very easily and very quickly.

The other club benefits influence me to "maybe" join, depending on the financial return and the cool number effect. Actually, I might go just for the cool number...

As to my previous question:
Someone mentioned the PBR. I've attended a few rodeos and have seen how the PBR promotes their sport. I haven't really seen the NPAA promotions and was wondering when and how. Just curious.

John

[LakeRat]

I retract any negative statements I have made. I finally got to the website and was able to study the benifits and see where the fees can go. And...I appologize for getting everyone upset.