Gary Parsons on the RCL

[Gary Parsons]

The beauty of fishing is that it can be enjoyed at virtually all levels, from relaxing on a river bank while watching the clouds roll by to participating in a hard-core, rough-water, timed big money event. EVERY man or woman is the best angler when enjoying their sport in the way they want. I have to admit, I love fishing at all of the aforementioned levels. I started young and have fished my entire life. Fished recreationally, then thru the MWC, NAWA, and PWT tournament circuits and even did a little TV along the way. I guess, by looking at the numerous posts that I would be considered as one of those rich "paid salesmen" types of pros. Funny thing is, that every year I have to take out a home equity loan to pay my entry fees and I'm sitting here watching the snow fall and wondering where I'm going to get the money to pay this month's bills. Fact is, most of the Pros who fish tournaments have regular jobs and are ordinary people. Guess what... they are no different than the average fisherman...just love to fish, period. I don't mean to sound rude, but I think those of us who fish competitively get tired of being pigeon-holed as the greedy bad guys. We just love and live to fish. "OK, Parsons, so you're just one of the boys, we get it, go on already." With that, I'd like to share some of my thoughts on this "supposed" controversy surrounding the new RCL tournament. I don't believe there is a controversy. Time moves on...things change...so be it. Every time something bigger and better came along I'd fish it. The fact is that the RCL is one heck of a show, put on by quality people. I wish I could fish it and in fact told Sonny Reynolds that I'd be one of the first guys with an entry fee if I could. But I can't. I have alot of friends that can and I'm sure many very talented future friends that will. Good for you guys and gals! The RCL offers more opportunities for fishermen both Pros and Ams alike, more fishermen(women) will find out how much fun fishing competition can be. The reality is that Walleye Tournaments have been stagnant for the last 7 or 8 years, with virtually no forward movement. The RCL will and already has shaken things up. Thank you Erwin Jacobs. To me fishing is the important thing. Walleye fishermen are the most important. If I didn't feel that way I surely wouldn't have spent the last 17 years of my life trying to teach fishing techniques,and hoping that maybe someday our sport could become "bigtime." Keith Kavajecz and I could have never shared a secret, never helped a manufacturer develop a new product, and never talked about a fishing hole. But we decided that the sport should grow and that this sport is so much fun that everyone should get a chance. We were not alone, many other fisherpersons have dedicated their lives to the same thing. Folks the RCL is growth and I don't care if you run a Lund, a Tracker, or a homemade raft as long as you enjoy fishing. A few years ago, a small group of like-minded individuals felt the same way. Mike McClelland, Marty Glorvigen, John Petersen, Norb Wallock, and myself started the non-profit National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA). Our dream was to have an organization to further the growth of our sport. You too can become a member and you'll join a fraternity that is approaching 1000 members strong! Some fishermen have participated in the NPAA insurance program and others in the discounted costs for fishing tackle and still others have wondered what the NPAA has really done...Well the NPAA has come together as a group of very knowledgable fishermen that all believe in one thing...furthering the sport and professionalism of tournament walleye fishing. Only 30% of this group are RCL owners, but even knowing that there was a good chance that this circuit would become an owners only event we as a group accepted and worked with the RCL by publishing their press releases, etc. in our newsletters. Heck one of our own, Scott Glorvigen even won their first event! Congrats Scotty. Good For you! The fact is that the RCL furthers professional walleye fishing. It has been said that Tracker, or Skeeter or Champion could do the same thing. Maybe they could. Personally I've always thought that the fishermen should be participating in their own future. Well, I've just returned from an NPAA board meeting and I'd like to be the first to announce that the decision was made to run a single competitive walleye tournament this year in 2001. Kind of a members only event except you can all be members! Our format will be different than anything ever before in professional fishing...This format is totally open. All boat companies will be invited to show their celebration of fishing by supporting the NPAA Tournament. All engine manufacturers, all electonics manufacturers, etc. etc. This will be the only TRUE tournament of the fishermen. Competitive Walleye Fishermen of the NPAA this is your tournament! And for those of you who would like to share in this concept it is as simple as joining the NPAA. AGAIN, THINK OF IT, NO MANUFACTURER WILL BE BLOCKED OUT. This first event will be unique in its format also. I'm introducing this post on Waleye Central to let you know that this most special event will be held this year. Watch for the news releases and I hope that you will consider the NPAA as your group, your future and the start of a true fishermen's own sporting event. Thanks for reading thru this long post; got to admit, it's an exciting time to be a walleye fisherperson!

Take care and may your fishes be as big as your wishes.

Gary Parsons

[Juls_WI]

All I can say is "WOW"! Excellent post Gary. I can't wait to hear some details about the NPAA tourney. What a great idea! ;-)

Juls

[Fuzzy]

Gary-

Sounds like a blast! When and where?

[Thank You , Gary !]

Good post. Nice to have you here.
T-Mac

[FISH 24 7]

Thanks for taking the time to get your input on record. I know many others will join me in thanking you and the many hundreds of other exceptional anglers (pros and ams) who share their knowledge and skill day in and day out with those of us consider ourselves "good fisherman" looking to make it to the next level.

Count me in on the NPAA tourney. #556

[George Eh]

I hate to sound stupid, I know who Gary Parsons is from watching the In-Fisherman and reading fishing mags but what is the RCL and controversy surrounding it. I don't pay as much attention to shows on tournaments as compared to how-to-fish shows but I do watch some and usually pull for the guy who has fished for years but never won a big event. Nice to hear from some of the big names in fishing like Gary and wish you the best of luck in this years tourneys.

[Gabby_SD]

Big Question , In order too support the NPAA or join. Is there a address or way to contact them??

[Colin]

call up proanglers.org and I think you will find what you need, if not e-mail me and I will help you out
Thanks Colin D. Crawford NPAA #94

[Juls_WI]

Just go to the Mainpage here at Walleye Central and click on NPAA. You will find what your looking for.

Juls

[gonfishn95]

Thanks Gary WE all needed a post on the board as such. Most of all it should put all controversy aside.
Larry Dawson NPAA #273

[FONZ]

Hi Gary good to here from you. Since you moved I miss seeing you at the HighSCHOOL sports events. You would have loved seeing us get beat the last game by your boys.Good post and hope to here from you again. Alot of us thank you for all the knowledge shared by you.

[Hakweye Mike]

A class post from a class guy. Gary's message supports the joy of fishing, whether we do it as weekened warriors (like me) or in competitive fishing tournaments. Thanks for posting your message. Good luck with the NPAA tournament.

[Rick Ferguson]

Gary your message was very good and right to the point that is why your a real pro.thank you Rick

[Bison]

> what is the RCL and controversy surrounding it.

RCL (Ranger-Crestliner-Lund) is a Genmar owner's tournament with some serious cash at stake. As far as the controversy, it seems that anytime there's big money on the line, someone somewhere isn't going to be happy about someone else winning it. It doesn't matter to me one way or the other since I only fish smaller tournaments, but its good to see a guy like Gary in the professional ranks say positive things about it.

[ezmarc]

Gary Gray and a few others that can't fish it have also been positive about the RCL. NPAA sounds like a quality group of people. Consider me signed up. Going right now for an application and I don't even do tournaments yet.

Have boat will travel

[Test]

:-)

[Bob Hanson]

Great post Gary! I agree with your "good for our sport" views and share your excitment. NPAA member # 26

[Gary Parsons]

First of all thanks for all the positive comments, they're greatly appreciated by both myself and the NPAA. Many replies are asking about the NPAA and I've just got off the phone with Charlie Moore at the office. Charlie has been hired to organize, promote and lead the NPAA into the future. You'll find this young man to be pleasant, energetic and very knowledgable about the fishing industry. He will be your main contact to the NPAA. If you are interested in either the Tournament or the organization he is prepared to help. He did say that the NPAA web site will be down about two weeks, we are in the process of completely redoing the membership directory. An exciting undertaking initiated by Charlie; when done you'll see the new logo and all members will be listed, not just the top 100! To all of you internet nuts, do not dispair, as you can join or talk to Charlie if you call 605-223-2136 while our site is down. Hope this helps and the best New Year to everyone!

Gary Parsons

[Phil Wilson Sr. #174]

Good job Gary. There are alot of folks thet feel as you. It's great that someone who has gained the Respect and recognition. Will speak out.
Thanx again

"Tracker Boats" Fish the finest

[Dunn]

Great post Gary, really great post.

I look forward to a N.P.A.A Tournament, and will plan to try and fish it.

Once again, great post.
-----------------------
Marshall J. Dunn (#701)

[Winnie T]

I get a real positive message from your post Gary. I think we should all try to be as postive and upbeat as you.

You say Charlies going to list all the members now on the NPAA web site, will we be able to update our personel information for the new listing, (new sponsors, etc.)

Can't hardly wait to hear about the NPAA tourney. Thanks #105

[FROGMAN]

I agree 100%! As the old saying goes, "Lead, follow, or get out of the way". I for one am excited that there is growth in the Walleye tournament arena. Like many of my fellow tournament anglers, I will not be fishing the RCL, but will eagerly watch this new circuit with hopes it will make things better for all of us!

"Eat, Sleep, Fish"

Keith Segar NPAA #260

[Gary Parsons]

From what Charlie told me you should be able to update your bio, but to be safe I'd either call, fax or write in the info. Cheers
Gary Parsons

[Zach]

Yes you will be able to update your bio via the web. Also, the site will experience no downtime. The switch to the new format should be seamless.

Zach

[What's difference]

The RCL is an owners tournament only, and the NPAA is a members tournament only. WHATS THE DIFFERENCE?

[Membership]

You are correct that they would be both membership based tournaments, but the cost of membership would be much lower ($100 registered member fee or a $30,000 tournament caliber boat).

[George Eh]

Thanks Bison, guess I have to broaden my horizons but up here in Canada Bob Isumi is still king. Good fishin' from Rainbow Country!!

[Eye Catcher]

Whats the difference between a 2 dollar hooker and a 200 dollar hooker.
Answer: The Price
There both still hookers.
You notice you don't here any of the big named players whinning about the RCL.
They know it's good for them.
And if they want to fish it they know what they have to do.
Thanks for the great post Gary.
See Ya in Glidden some time.

[Bob Piette]

Gary you said it well. I too have a passion for tournaments and fishing. Even though I fish local tournys like the Michigan Walleye Trail. Time off from work, Travel and Expenses are a constant balancing act. Pro-Tournaments are a help to people like us, for it provides some insite to tactics and metheods that help us for the limited time and money we have to pre-fish. Also new and better tackle and equipment and techneques are often a result of such tournaments. So I would like to thank you for what you and the others have done. Expansion of our sport is a very good thing. Gary again thanks. ><)))'> :-)

[Charlie Moore]

Good to see all the responses on this topic. Keep the comments and questions coming. I have recieved lots of phone calls and inquiries on this topic. I like reading your imput and ideas for tourney locations, etc. Keep the ideas rolling.

Thank You,

Charlie Moore

[eyefish # 246]

Very nicely writen Gary. Looking forward to hearing more about this event

[Andrew Powell NPAA #340]

I am looking forward to hearing more about the tournament. Let us know when there is more info.
Andrew Powell #340

[Scott]

This verifies what I said all along about FLW/RCL. They up the ante and others will follow or continue to whine. BASS never paid the way they do until FLW came along and stuck them with a cattle prod. You all might call it controversy, but RCL will advance walleye tourneys. It creates a market for another high paying circuit for those who don't own those boats. I'd say this is case in point.

[Pat Werner]

Gary,Good Post This should really help the growth of NPAA and tournament fishing. Good job NPAA board. NPAA is for all good sport loving fisherpersons. NPAA #262.

[Scott Fairbairn]

I want to thank all of the anglers that have taken the time to respond to Gary's post. I am extremely excited at the response shown by all. At the same time I want to specifically thank those NPAA members that have taken their time to show support for the direction that we have chosen to take. It is an important time in the history of tournament fishing and the fact that the membership of the NPAA is so engaged in the progress of their sport is a sign of true dedication. Keep your ears open and if you have any questions regarding what the NPAA is up to make sure to contact Charlie Moore. He is always open to hearing your suggestions on how to improve YOUR organization.

Good luck to all,

Scott Fairbairn #99

[walleye-nut]

Just going thru the posts from the last few days and ran across this gem. Sounds like a great tournament and I'm looking forward to hearing more about it! Does anyone know where it might be held? Format?

[Eyeman_IN]

Nice job Gary . Sounds like things in the world of Walleye fishing are about to move to the next level . Thanks for the info .
Eyeman (IN)