Tournament Pro Reality Check

[Tournament Angler]

I have read so much here about tournament fishing for a living. Many people give there opinions on this subject, however no one ever backs up there opinions with facts. I took the time to investigate this and want all you people dreaming of fishing tournaments for a living, and being a big name pro to see what it is really like. Don't jump on my back and tell me how tournaments are only part of your income, when your a professional fisherman. For a select few this is true, but here is a reality check for the majority. How would you have liked to made the top 10 in the Angler of the year race on the PWT? That would be a major accomplishment! I don't mean any disrespect to Keith Kavajecz, as a matter of fact I believe Keith and Gary have probably done more to promote the sport than any other pro's out there. Those two were first to do just about everything in tournament walleye fishing. There is no doubt they took walleye fishing to the level it's at today. I just picked 10th place has a bench mark and Keith happens to have that position this year. Looking at the stat's he won 22,500 dollars fishing the six qualifying PWT tournaments. If you were to subtract the governments share, entry fee's and expense's to fish the six tournaments. You could figure a positive gain of about 2,550 bucks. And I was very conservative on the amount I deducted for expense's. Now Keith has worked very hard on his career, and makes money through sponsors, seminars, commercials,TV shows etc... The average person getting into this game now day's doesn't have much of a chance making a living and getting the opportunity's Keith has. The opportunity's to make money the way Keith and a handful of others do is virtually zero. The reality is if your going to quit your job to fish as a walleye pro, your committing financial suicide. I also read the thread below on the sponsor issue. One of the sponsor people posted, he is sick of every walleye tournament fisherman wanting a free ride from him. Fact is most of what sponsors are giving tournament fisherman are deals on product, blank % over manufacture cost. So they are still making a little on every product the tournament fisherman buy's. In return you see these guy's spending how many day's plugging product at a sport show or a seminar, or whatever. Yes they are getting the product cheaper than retail, but in many case's there paying more for it than if they would have bought it retail if they consider dollars per hour for the time they have invested. He also mentioned wearing patch's on there shirts, sticker's on there boats and truck's had little if any advertising value. And he is probably right. If your a tournament fisherman and want to see this sport advance, so their are opportunity's to make a living at this sport, it's about time you stop plugging all this product for little or nothing, doing seminars for nothing, writing magazine articles for nothing, etc... Work a little overtime on your reel job and go out and buy the stuff. Then go out and work your ##### off becoming the best walleye fisherman in the country, kick some butt in the tournaments and make the sponsors pay you what you deserve. I hope you guy's running around with your name and all the stickers on your truck and patch's on your shirts are fooling yourself, because your not fooling those of us that know the walleye tournament game. Like the post or hate it, fact's are fact's. Instead of playing the sponsor game, get out and learn how to consistently put walleyes in the boat.

[Salmon Slayer]

I had to copy and paste this here because I read it this afternoon and thought it is right on the money! Amen! Peluso Jan-24-01, 03:28 PM (CST)
20. "RE: Walleye companies checkbooks....."
I was avoiding this tpoic for a while and I would like to add a couple of thoughts to it. Many people here on Walleye Central know me as the Hockey/Fishermen. I like this and feel it is an important part of my marketability. I am still considered young at the game, but also use this to my advantage. I have to admit, I've been very lucky to have people like Rick LaCourse, Scott and Marty Glorvigen, and Mike McClelland to hang around and learn from. All these guy's have strengths and when I am with them I act like a sponge. I absorb everything I can to help me move my fishing career forward. I look up to them for the things they have done in fishing and they look up to me for my hockey. It is a great relationship because I know I will not be able to play hockey all my life. Having friends with the respect they have is a very special thing to me. The one thing these guys have preached to me from the start is to be an ambassador for the sport of fishing. I try to do this each and everyday, hoping to touch someone's life along the way. I recently published my own website of www.mikepeluso.net I am just starting to see how I affect people in both area's of my life. I can't even begin to tell you how many emails I answer giving advice or telling someone I can make a school appearance or talk to a child at a hospital etc. In fact last night I had a teacher in the Massachusetts area ask me to write a story telling her classroom the importance of school. She said many of her students played hockey and fished and were fascinated with my website. Some of the students even went as far to say they wanted to play hockey and fish for a living like I do. I don't blame them, I figure I am living out a dream and enjoy every minute of it. When I read these posts about trying to get sponsorships and why the companies are tight it gets me to thinking. I know from experience what it is like to be told sorry or no. I don't go home crying about it, I just continue on and figure it is the company or persons misfortune. You have to have this kind of confidence in yourself to be successful in anything you do. I feel hockey has prepared me for this many times over. I have a great example of this in a story written about me on my website, in the press release area. Failure is what makes life interesting, either you learn from it or you drown in your sorrows and get nothing out of it. It is your choice to do with it what you want. I have been asked many times how I get certain sponsors to help me out. My answer is the same, I work very hard at it. They don't usually come to you, if you want something bad enough you have to go out and work for it! Don't expect the fishing companies to fall at your feet begging you to represent them. You have to go out and make it happen, build a reputation and be a leader. I know I am in the public eye more so then many of the top fishing people in the country. It goes hand in hand when you are a professional athlete with another tag of a touring walleye fishermen. This attention is good for me and I believe it is good for all the people I represent. So if you are someone aspiring to become a pro walleye fisherperson with all kinds of sponsors and fame. Start slow and gain the respect from everyone around you, be a role model for the youth and never look down at anyone. What gives anyone the right to make someone with less fortune feel bad or inferior. I don't, and nobody else should either! I hope this sheds a little light on what can go on in the fishing world. I have said it before, you have to find your own special place in the fishing world to pull yourself away from the pack in a recognition type thing. Mine has been fishing/hockey and being able to relate and talk with people young and old. Find your calling and use it to the best of your abilities! I know this is long but what the heck. Good fishing and don't forget to shoot the puck. Mike Peluso #999 www.mikepeluso.net

[tourny angler]

hello tournament angler, you have some really good insight on the suject. their are a few points i have to disagree with. 1. i am sure their may be anglers that are trying to fool people,but their are alot of reason people put decals on their boat and patches on their jacket. it maybe out of loyalty, showing they believe in a product, or just the simple fact they recieved a free jacket and decal when they bought the product. these are not all tournament guys and gals, i see hundreds of weekend anglers that wear the clothing and have decals on the boat.as far as the name on the truck, mine is on there along with the decal so people recognize me as a registered member of the npaa.
thanks for listening and good luck on the tournament trail.
don

[Another tourney guy]

For the people who want to do this as a living I think the post is right on. However, some of us do it as a hobby. Sure, we would like to make money at it and be in the spotlight, but it isn't a financial necessity. As for patches and decals on trucks, it is also done out respect for the sponsors. Not everyone has to spend a lot time going to Sportshows ect. We have obtained sponsors through fishing hard and performing well and in return we display some decals. Anything extra requires extra benefits.

[wallytap]

You Sir are correct!

[Fish-on]

I disagree that you should work for all those years to build a reputation then sell out to the highest bidder, which is what you seem to be advocating. Those who take that route are the first to be cut when the budget takes a nose dive.

Choose those companies that you want to represent. Choose the boat and motor and rod and reel and tackle companies that you believe in and establish a relationship with them. Don't take anything from them, just send them a letter and tell them that you will be starting to send them a file of your activities. Tell them that you believe in their products and that you want to be on their pro-staff. Work your way up the ladder and by the time you are actually getting product and a check from them, you will be too valuable to cut. No sponsor likes it when guys jump from company to company.

Here's the best advice I can give you about sponsorship: People talk about the bottom line, "is a sponsored angler increasing sales?", etc. Yes that's all very important, but even MORE important is the ability of a well-known, well-respected pro to create BRAND LOYALTY among customers. BRAND LOYALTY cannot be underestimated!!!!!!

How can a pro create brand loyalty if he is not loyal? Choose your companies carefully, work hard for them, present them with new and unique opportunities to sell product. Be loyal to them and stick with them through thick and thin. In the long run, you'll be far too valuable for them to dump.

[Fuzzy]

The only people who make the real money during walleye tournaments are on shore. Think about it. This is a rich man's sport plain and simple.

[TBO/MN]

Tournament fishing to me is like a "sand lot" ball game. I do it because I enjoy the competition, I enjoy the comradeship I feel when I am around people that do the same things I enjoy, I also feel I learn something new every time I compete. I have no grand idea about making a living at it, or even breaking even on what I spend. It truly is, a love of the sport, and the love of people I meet. That is my "REALITY CHECK".

Good Fishin'
TBO/MN..............yup, I even have a couple of decals, and a couple of patches.......:-)

[jerry]

I think one must ask themselves what tournament fishing means to them. I will be pursuing pro toutnaments this year for the first time. To me, this is a chance for me to rub elbows with other great fisherman, learn new techniques, make friends and it's a result of the fruits of my labor for many years to have the opportunity to compete in this arena. Do I have illusions of making it big, quitting my job, and fishing for a living. Of course!! But that's all they are. Illusions. Dreams. If something to this effect did happen, well, I feel more than equipped to handle it. But, I go into this with open eyes. Ask most people in the same position and you will get, for the most part, the same answer. I'm a realist. I live in a real world. I work for a living and I don't expect that to change till I retire. The likelyhood of me hitting it big as a pro walleye fisherman is about the same as me winning the Powerball. But to qualify for either, you have to buy a ticket and play.

[don]

tournament angler, can you please tell me how to play the walleye game? i fish tournaments but i am not sure about the game.
thanks, don

[Juls_WI]

Whatever, I see it's no use, you missed my point. I guess some people just have to point out other people's shortcomings to make them feel better about their own.

Over and out.
Juls

[TBO/MN]

nm

[walleyechaser]

the walleye game. yes i know what it is, but you see i can't tell you now. it would take to much space. come to the mwc walleye championship in may and i'll sit down with you and explain. oh! maybe the other 99 pro's can tell you to. GET IT!!!

[Rip Lips]

Thank you Juls,god knows I didnt do well in english.My buddies and I were too busy skiping out and hitting the river.Appleton East!

[Bayside]

Tournament Angler the sad fact is most of what you said is true. Sponsorship dollars are advertising dollars nothing more nothing less! What matters the most to any potential "sponsor" is how much product can you move for them, that my friends is what most sponsorship deals, boil down to. Why should a company spent several thousand dollars on your entry fees for the chance to get some TV or magazine exposure, when they can take that same amount of money and buy 3 or 4 ads in the Walleye Insider? If you talk to any (honest) battle seasoned tourney pro he will tell how difficult it is to get any "good" sponsorship packages. You are also competeing against the bass market which is about TEN times larger then the walleye market, and their corporate sponsorship programs are generally quite abit better than ours, because they are appealing to a larger portion of the fishing public and get better exposure.

[Tournament Angler]

English teacher and editor, you two without a doubt have to be a couple of the wanna be pros driving around town with your name on your truck. Shooting your mouth off on this message board about how good you are and what you're going to do. "Look at me, I'm a walleye pro." No doubt you're a couple of smart mouth punks that couldn't catch a walleye out of a bathtub. I am glad the post made you realize that I was talking about guys like you. The truth hurts doesn't it? It's about time someone told you geeks the way it is. I could care less how many words I used wrong or what errors I made. This isn't a classroom. However, you two would be wise to consider it a classroom and use the information on this site to learn how to become better fisherman. I'm really tired of people like you on this site and that's why I posted the message in the first place. Again, your chance at making a living in the fishing business is little to none. To the people who advertise for little or nothing, submit articles for free, do seminars for little or nothing etc., you are making it even harder for someone who has worked hard and has the skills to compete to obtain any meaningful sponsorship. I sure hope you didn't have a problem reading this message, because it is written exactly for wise asses like you!

[Winnie T]

I'm one of those guys that runs the lettering on my tow vehicle. I don't do it to impress people, I do it because companies like Northland Tackle are run by great people who thought enough of me to allow me to pick up the phone anytime I need to and order product at a great price. I choose to run their logo as a way of showing my loyalty to them, and if a few people ask about their products because of it, all the better. I can't for the life of me see why running sponsor logos bothers some people. If you don't want to do it, don't, but don't preach to us about it.

As far as running NPAA numbers and names, thats a way of self promotion. I don't ever intend on fishing for a living, but I do intensly love being a part of it!

Tom Howell NPAA#105

[Tommy Mac]

I too am one of those with the stickers on the windows. They are, in all cases, people who I am proud to be associated with. I do not plan on becoming a pro tournament fisherman or a full time guide. I do feel that I have something to offer my sponsors. I have the ability to communicate with other anglers and to listen to there questions. I spend a lot of time talking fishing while at work, at boat landings, in bait shops, working boat shows, while guiding etc. Through my 25 plus years of fishing experience I have come to know and depend on quality fishing products. Why shouldn't I encouraging others to buy quality based on what has worked well for me. I feel that showing my support by putting a sticker on my vehicle is the least I can do.

At the same time if I can help someone get started in guiding or become a better fisherman I am more than happy to share what many consider secrets. That is one of the reasons I love this site. Its a great place to share simple fishing information. I have learned a lot here form people like REW, AquaMan, Juls, and others. I enjoy trading fishing information almost as much as fishing itself.

My advice to those who are seeking sponsorships is to only seek out those companies who you feel are the best out there. Be able to communicate how you can help them. Write to individuals within these companies in a professional manner, be sure to use appropriate titles. Know why your prospective sponsors product is better than the competition. Do not get discouraged by what someone else tells you. Have confidence in yourself. If you want to make fishing a living, more power to you! Be willing to follow up by showing support in whatever way possible. Be willing to put their sticker on your window and their patch on your shirt. Good Luck. NPAA #529

[Tommy Mac]

I too am one of those with the stickers on the windows. They are, in all cases, people who I am proud to be associated with. I do not plan on becoming a pro tournament fisherman or a full time guide. I do feel that I have something to offer my sponsors. I have the ability to communicate with other anglers and to listen to there questions. I spend a lot of time talking fishing while at work, at boat landings, in bait shops, working boat shows, while guiding etc. Through my 25 plus years of fishing experience I have come to know and depend on quality fishing products. Why shouldn't I encouraging others to buy quality based on what has worked well for me. I feel that showing my support by putting a sticker on my vehicle is the least I can do.

At the same time if I can help someone get started in guiding or become a better fisherman I am more than happy to share what many consider secrets. That is one of the reasons I love this site. Its a great place to share simple fishing information. I have learned a lot here form people like REW, AquaMan, Juls, and others. I enjoy trading fishing information almost as much as fishing itself.

My advice to those who are seeking sponsorships is to only seek out those companies who you feel are the best out there. Be able to communicate how you can help them. Write to individuals within these companies in a professional manner, be sure to use appropriate titles. Know why your prospective sponsors product is better than the competition. Do not get discouraged by what someone else tells you. Have confidence in yourself. If you want to make fishing a living, more power to you! Be willing to follow up by showing support in whatever way possible. Be willing to put their sticker on your window and their patch on your shirt. Good Luck. NPAA #529

[Tournament Angler]

Fish On,
I am not advocating selling out to the highest bidder. The point I made is all the wanna be pros are driving down the value of sponsorship and consistent finishing anglers by selling their product for nothing. Where do you work Fish On? Would you make a product for your company for less money than they pay you now, just because you're loyal to them? What really set me off was the guy who posted as a sponsor and complained of all the tournament guys wanting something for nothing. First off the fishing industry can blame themselves for that. People should not have been awarded sponsorship until they had paid their dues and proved themselves in the tournament world. But since it was not costing the sponsor any out of pocket expense and their logo would get decent exposure, they handed out these deals like candy. The guy it really hurt was the dealer who sells their product, he misses the sale. This sponsor acts like he's really giving somebody something, when in reality these guys are still paying for his product, just at a discounted rate. Is he helping them? Not the way I see it. I guess many of you people feel your free time is worthless. Most people could make time and a half at their real jobs for a Saturday, and double time for Sunday. Yet they will sit at a sport show for two days to pay back their sponsor for giving them a small discount on a product. These people are not sitting there to pay back their sponsor. They want someone to see them so they feel important. A sponsor pays for advertisement and I doubt this guy is paying too many people for advertisement. A sponsor works with a person at the top of their field and forms an association to help them promote product and increase sales. I don't think there are too many TV shows taking product at blank amount over cost in return for putting their commercials on their TV show. This is in response to those guys trying to justify to me the reason you run around with your names on your truck. Do you really think the general public cares? Have you seen Gary Parsons or Gary Roach or any of the top guns in the PWT riding around with their name on their truck? Face it, you guys want to feel important. I've been around this game a long time and you are the guys that place 150th or lower in every tournament. If you want to be a player in this game, that's fine. But then get out there and consistently do well in the tournaments! When you do, you can ride around all day with your name on your truck if that's what trips your trigger.

[just wondering]

So Tom, could you tell us all how you placed in major tournaments last year?

[just wondering]

So Tom, could you tell us all how you placed in major tournaments last year?

[Winnie T]

JUST WONDERING, if your lookng to pick an argument you've come to the right place. I did not fish any major tournaments last year, nor did I say I did. What is your problem, are you so insecure that you can't stand to see someone else do better with sponsorship than you, or do you just have an axe to grind with tackle companies?

I'm a guide and proud of it. I come in contact with dozens of fishermen everyday,and if I choose to run my sponsors logos on my vehicle I don't believe it's anybodies buisness but mine and my sponsors!

T

[Winnie T]

JUST WONDERING, if your lookng to pick an argument you've come to the right place. I did not fish any major tournaments last year, nor did I say I did. What is your problem, are you so insecure that you can't stand to see someone else do better with sponsorship than you, or do you just have an axe to grind with tackle companies?

I'm a guide and proud of it. I come in contact with dozens of fishermen everyday,and if I choose to run my sponsors logos on my vehicle I don't believe it's anybodies buisness but mine and my sponsors!

T

[Juls_WI]

Have you seen
>Gary Parsons or Gary Roach
>or any of the top
>guns in the PWT riding
>around with their name on
>their truck?

Why yes, yes I have. Most, if not all of them do, because they are members of the NPAA and they display their number and names on their vehicles.
(I don't have to list all the names of the big boys that run around with their names on their trucks do I?)
Since I am part of the General Public, when I'm at a PWT event, I can say that I do like to see the names on the trucks, so that I can put a name to a face as they drive by, or when they are at the launch, putting in, or taking their boats out. I think it makes them more approachable. I think the rest of the public might like it too. Besides, what does it matter? Why does it bother you so much that people do it? I have my NPAA number and name on my truck, and I'm not Pro yet, but so what? I'm proud to be part of the NPAA and will continue to support them this way.
I don't understand why you have a chip on your shoulder over why someone would run around with their name on their truck? Who cares? Does it hurt anyone? No.
So what's the big deal?

Oh, good morning by the way...It's a new day, I hope you have a better day today than you did yesterday! ;-)

Juls

[Backwater Eddy]

Besides Tournament Angler, If I take all the stickers off my truck how will I cover all my rust hole's, it just wouldn't be safe? Ya know a guy has a reputation to keep up EH?

I wouldn't back a sponsor who's product I didn't have full confidence in, no matter how large the rust hole.

:)

There may be a lot of truth in your post's but I dislike all the negativism your pushing, it discounts the dream many anglers have to participate. Never discount the value of a dream to anyone because behind every winner, there is a dream.

Ed Carlson
BE...........><ND>

[Rigger]

I just have to say this. There are a lot of good people in this world that have the spelling proplem. In all the time that I have been fishing, I have not once seen a Dictionary in some ones tackle box. This is a fishing sight not an English Class room. I have never seen a word misspelled or not, catch a Walleye. I know that you have your own tackle box full of short comings and can not wait for the day to hear of one. Then believe me I will be the first one in line to bash YOU. I do not know about you but I am fishing here not attending grammer school!

I apologize to the rest of you all but bashing some one for their short comings just ****** me off.

Rigger

[walleyechaser]

Hey GUYS. THIS POST IS JUST ABOUT READY FOR THE ARCHIEVES. A professional walleye fisherman is a male or female who wins money on a pro-walleye circuit.

[walleyechaser]

Hey GUYS. THIS POST IS JUST ABOUT READY FOR THE ARCHIEVES. A professional walleye fisherman is a male or female who wins money on a pro-walleye circuit.

[walleyechaser]

Hey GUYS. THIS POST IS JUST ABOUT READY FOR THE ARCHIEVES. A professional walleye fisherman is a male or female who wins money on a pro-walleye circuit.

[walleyechaser]

Hey GUYS. THIS POST IS JUST ABOUT READY FOR THE ARCHIEVES. A professional walleye fisherman is a male or female who wins money on a pro-walleye circuit.

[Ted Takasaki]

Make no doubt about it...making a living at fishing is very, very difficult. It takes hard work, talent, and a few breaks.
Think about all of the minor league baseball players, dirt track racers, aspiring actors and actresses, singers, etc. They are all doing what they love to do with a very small percentage of them actually making it big. The dream is there, but do they have the commitment and fortitude to make it happen? Some of them do.

Competitive fishing is not for everyone. But, I believe that there are opportunities in fishing for those who are good enough, strong enough, and truly want it enough. Enough said.

Ted

[Ted Takasaki]

Make no doubt about it...making a living at fishing is very, very difficult. It takes hard work, talent, and a few breaks.
Think about all of the minor league baseball players, dirt track racers, aspiring actors and actresses, singers, etc. They are all doing what they love to do with a very small percentage of them actually making it big. The dream is there, but do they have the commitment and fortitude to make it happen? Some of them do.

Competitive fishing is not for everyone. But, I believe that there are opportunities in fishing for those who are good enough, strong enough, and truly want it enough. Enough said.

Ted

[Dan]

I am not a pro, but I'm a pretty darn good fisherman willing and desiring to learn. I fish as many tournaments as work and $$ allow. I am in my 11th year of my "career" job and would like to take advantage of our 25 and out program. Understanding one cannot retire at age 46 I'm trying to learn the "business" side of fishing for the next 15 years. I would like to guide or work as a manufacturers representative. However I would like to add I love tourney fishing and I'm very competetive. My goal is to be the best in the country on one day. If I can beat all the tournament anglers in the championship on any given day I will be satisfied. If I cannot oh well, its still a great day to be alive and live to compete again.
With that I'd like to say enter or don't enter, put a sticker on your truck or don't. Just go fish and enjoy it. I still enjoy fishing with my family and if I can't fish with them I don't want to fish.
Later
Dan

[Dan]

I am not a pro, but I'm a pretty darn good fisherman willing and desiring to learn. I fish as many tournaments as work and $$ allow. I am in my 11th year of my "career" job and would like to take advantage of our 25 and out program. Understanding one cannot retire at age 46 I'm trying to learn the "business" side of fishing for the next 15 years. I would like to guide or work as a manufacturers representative. However I would like to add I love tourney fishing and I'm very competetive. My goal is to be the best in the country on one day. If I can beat all the tournament anglers in the championship on any given day I will be satisfied. If I cannot oh well, its still a great day to be alive and live to compete again.
With that I'd like to say enter or don't enter, put a sticker on your truck or don't. Just go fish and enjoy it. I still enjoy fishing with my family and if I can't fish with them I don't want to fish.
Later
Dan

[Fuzzy]

IMAGINATION WAS GIVEN TO MAN TO COMPENSATE HIM FOR
WHAT HE IS NOT. A SENSE OF HUMOR WAS PROVIDED TO
CONSOLE HIM FOR WHAT HE IS.

HORACE WALPOLE

[Rigger]

LAST EDITED ON Jan-26-01 AT 06:02PM (CST)[p]*

[Terry/JNR]

If this was a rich mans sport, I wouldn't be there. Two years ago almost got my boat reposessed except they couldn't find me. I was at a tournament.

[Minnesota]

I have stickers on my truck and boat. Some represent paid sponsors(I have only 3) and some represent companies who's products I believe in who do not sponsor me. After reading this, I am pulling all stickers that do not represent paid sponsors. Your post exemplifies something that I have been giving a great deal of thought to. At first I felt that by placing stickers on my vehicle and boat that I was endorsing the industry in general by showing my overall enthusiasm for walleye fishing. Now I can see that this is a priveledge that is earned. You made me feel like a wanna be. I feel like a fool. Like it or not, this is how you made me feel. Maybe there is a few other anglers that feel the same way.

Minnesota

[Minnesota]

I have stickers on my truck and boat. Some represent paid sponsors(I have only 3) and some represent companies who's products I believe in who do not sponsor me. After reading this, I am pulling all stickers that do not represent paid sponsors. Your post exemplifies something that I have been giving a great deal of thought to. At first I felt that by placing stickers on my vehicle and boat that I was endorsing the industry in general by showing my overall enthusiasm for walleye fishing. Now I can see that this is a priveledge that is earned. You made me feel like a wanna be. I feel like a fool. Like it or not, this is how you made me feel. Maybe there is a few other anglers that feel the same way.

Minnesota

[Tournament Angler]

"I don't understand why you have a chip on your shoulder over why someone would run around with their name on their truck? Who cares? Does it hurt anyone? No."
My reply to that, to set the record straight. I do not have a problem, with certain PWT or MWC anglers putting there name on their tow vechile, as long as these anglers proved to the world they deserve to have it there. Would it be a fair statement to make, that a guy who has fished for years and years, and preforms well on a tournament circuit deserves the right for more recognition than someone who has not?I think that is a fair statement. So tell me how the general public is supposed to be able to tell the difference between a wanna be pro and a real pro? WAIT, I know your answer to this one, my NPAA number is not in the top 100 right? Wrong! Johnny B. Public doesn't have a clue what those numbers mean. All he knows is he saw a well known name pro's truck on TV or at a tournament and you have the same set up on yours so you gotta be an established pro. I have a problem with that because you are in the public's eyes potraying something you're not. When your name is on TV, in the newspapers, in the fishing magazines, you're getting exposure and you deserve to have your name on your tow vehicle if you choose to have it there. Go ahead and put your NPAA sticker on your truck if you're proud you're a memeber. But when the NPAA issued you your membership sticker did they also issue you a sticker with your name on it to stick on your truck? I don't believe they do, so tell me your reason for having your name on your truck? What is your purpose or intent by having it there? I am not picking on you, you asked me why I had a problem with this and I'm telling you. Do you even really know why the NPAA was started?I would really like to explain it to you in great detail, however to do so, I would need to use names and talk about issues and that would not be fair to people involved. But lets just say it was a way for pro anglers to voice an opinion as a group instead of as individuals. They were forming a union, for lack of a better term. Yes there are other issues involved also such as group insurance, and promotion through Sportshows, and sponsors etc.. One of the issues of this organization was to let sponsors and sport show promoters know who is a pro and who is a wanna be pro. Get it? The top 100, they want a way to distinguish themselves from everyone else. I think the idea of the NPAA is a good idea myself, however I am not a member and will not join until issues that need to be resolved are looked at and changed in that organization. I don't feel the need to explain to you what I feel those issues are. Maybe you don't have a problem with the name and decal issue, but I do. I think someone who has done well, deserves respect and there should be a way the public can pick them out at a tournament or fishing related event!

[Had enough!!!]

You are being an idiot about this name on my truck issue. Are you the moral authority on who can have their name on their truck and who cant? What about personalized license plates, do you have issues about those too? Quit your ##### whining. If you dont want to fish tournaments, then dont. If you do, but you dont make any money, shut up. You sound like a very, very jealous man. Do you actually think that this is news for people in the business? I think you need a reality check before you continue any further in your mid-life crisis.

[Here we go again]

Idiot,whining,mid-life crisis? What did you read? Because you did'nt like his veiws, it gives you the right to name call? I thought the guy gave a fair assessment of his veiws. I did'nt see any name calling either. I think his message is put up or shut up!

[Winnie T]

As a matter of fact the NPAA does issue your number decal, and they also make available your name.

You know, maybe your right, maybe all of us wanna bees should cancel our NPAA memberships, after all we really don't belong in such an elite group of PROS!
T

[Mr. Twister]

After reading all the posts, I had some mixed emotions at first. After some thought........I am ##### proud of those stickers on my truck and boat. Every sticker is a sponsor of mine and you will find me committed faithfully to using the sponsors product. I don't care how the sponsor chooses to help me, whether it be product or money or both. Each one has made a committment to me and I am paying him back for his committment by advertising and promoting his product. Also, I feel I have earned the right to show off those stickers including my name and NPAA #. After spending 8 weekends at Sport shows promoting fishing, running tournaments, fishing tournaments, and winning some of the tournaments with the most numbers of competitors held anywhere in the country, I don't feel anyone has the right to tell me I can't show off my stickers or call me a wanna be pro. I can also show anyone in writing that I have won more money fishing regional tournaments than many so called Pro's have. Are you still calling me a "wanna-be-Pro". If so...put your money where your mouth is and step up and fish some tournaments with us so called "wanna-be-Pros". Also in ending..Obviously you noticed the stickers on my truck. Those stickers just did the job they were meant to do. They put my sponsors names right in the front of your mind. My sponsors and I thank you for thinking about them!!!!!!!!!!

[Mr. Twister]

After reading all the posts, I had some mixed emotions at first. After some thought........I am ##### proud of those stickers on my truck and boat. Every sticker is a sponsor of mine and you will find me committed faithfully to using the sponsors product. I don't care how the sponsor chooses to help me, whether it be product or money or both. Each one has made a committment to me and I am paying him back for his committment by advertising and promoting his product. Also, I feel I have earned the right to show off those stickers including my name and NPAA #. After spending 8 weekends at Sport shows promoting fishing, running tournaments, fishing tournaments, and winning some of the tournaments with the most numbers of competitors held anywhere in the country, I don't feel anyone has the right to tell me I can't show off my stickers or call me a wanna be pro. I can also show anyone in writing that I have won more money fishing regional tournaments than many so called Pro's have. Are you still calling me a "wanna-be-Pro". If so...put your money where your mouth is and step up and fish some tournaments with us so called "wanna-be-Pros". Also in ending..Obviously you noticed the stickers on my truck. Those stickers just did the job they were meant to do. They put my sponsors names right in the front of your mind. My sponsors and I thank you for thinking about them!!!!!!!!!!

[CJHughes]

I have decals all over the front of one of my boats ,the one that the paint is peeling on.If this has kept anyone from becoming rich and famous,I am sorry I never intended for this to happen.I also have patches on my winter fishing hat,I did this just to #### my 15 yr old son off no one else.It is my lucky hat,that is all.If this has caused anyone not to reach their full potential,again I am sorry,but the boat does look better,and the hat really is lucky.No the hat is not for sale so don't ask!

[CJHughes]

I have decals all over the front of one of my boats ,the one that the paint is peeling on.If this has kept anyone from becoming rich and famous,I am sorry I never intended for this to happen.I also have patches on my winter fishing hat,I did this just to #### my 15 yr old son off no one else.It is my lucky hat,that is all.If this has caused anyone not to reach their full potential,again I am sorry,but the boat does look better,and the hat really is lucky.No the hat is not for sale so don't ask!

[C J Hughes]

I have decals all over the front of one of my boats ,the one the paint is peeling off.I never intended this to harm anyone or to keep anyone from obtaining their full potential.I also have a hat that I wear in the early spring,fall and winter that has patches all over it.This was done to p### my 15yr old son off no one else.It is my lucky hat,the boat does look alot better with the decals on it,and no the hat is not for sale.Again I am sorry for keeping anyone from becoming rich and famous.

[C J Hughes]

I have decals all over the front of one of my boats ,the one the paint is peeling off.I never intended this to harm anyone or to keep anyone from obtaining their full potential.I also have a hat that I wear in the early spring,fall and winter that has patches all over it.This was done to p### my 15yr old son off no one else.It is my lucky hat,the boat does look alot better with the decals on it,and no the hat is not for sale.Again I am sorry for keeping anyone from becoming rich and famous.

[h.d,]

I feel the same way you do Minnesota. I am going to pull all the decals off my truck and boat.##### I am even going to take off the walleye central decal.

[h.d,]

I feel the same way you do Minnesota. I am going to pull all the decals off my truck and boat.##### I am even going to take off the walleye central decal.

[Prchjerker]

Mr Twister
Very well said, I couldnt have said it better.Ive followed this thread for the last two days.Alot of the time I just bite my tongue and scroll on.

[Prchjerker]

Mr Twister
Very well said, I couldnt have said it better.Ive followed this thread for the last two days.Alot of the time I just bite my tongue and scroll on.

[Terry/JNR]

The stickers and patches stay! To me, they show that I'm a loyal, proud user of that product. I also have Snap-on and Mac stickers on the door of my shop along with Harley and Indian. All products I use.
I've also noticed that someone I run into in a sporting goods section or sport shop that's not totally convinced on the product he's looking at, will more often ask for my advise when he sees the patches, even if it doesn't concern one of the specific products I use. I won't try to dissuede him either. I prefer Shimano reels. I've help more than one guy buy a Quantum. My primary concern, is to advise on what product may work the best to get a person out on the water, no matter what brand. I will obviously give my opinion on why I use what I do and give him/her food for thought.
I've only got a couple of sponsored stickers and patches/jackets/hats, but I'll continue to fish competition no matter how many I do or don't get. The rest I'll display just because I think they do the best job for me.
The tournaments aren't all about money, though. You obviously go to try to get a check, but I've met a lot of great people at the tournaments, competitors and local people. If nothing else, I'm getting rich off the freinds I've made and people I've met.

[Terry/JNR]

The stickers and patches stay! To me, they show that I'm a loyal, proud user of that product. I also have Snap-on and Mac stickers on the door of my shop along with Harley and Indian. All products I use.
I've also noticed that someone I run into in a sporting goods section or sport shop that's not totally convinced on the product he's looking at, will more often ask for my advise when he sees the patches, even if it doesn't concern one of the specific products I use. I won't try to dissuede him either. I prefer Shimano reels. I've help more than one guy buy a Quantum. My primary concern, is to advise on what product may work the best to get a person out on the water, no matter what brand. I will obviously give my opinion on why I use what I do and give him/her food for thought.
I've only got a couple of sponsored stickers and patches/jackets/hats, but I'll continue to fish competition no matter how many I do or don't get. The rest I'll display just because I think they do the best job for me.
The tournaments aren't all about money, though. You obviously go to try to get a check, but I've met a lot of great people at the tournaments, competitors and local people. If nothing else, I'm getting rich off the freinds I've made and people I've met.

[Minnesota]

It is tough to keep them on there knowing that some people think they are there for the wrong reasons.

[Minnesota]

It is tough to keep them on there knowing that some people think they are there for the wrong reasons.

[scumfrog]

I never met a walleye that could read! Get real!

[scumfrog]

lol juls

[h.d.]

by displaying my npaa# i am showing my support of all members. many if not all the top 100 are my heros. if displaying my # is taking recognition away from them i will gladly take it off and cancel my membership.

[h.d.]

by displaying my npaa# i am showing my support of all members. many if not all the top 100 are my heros. if displaying my # is taking recognition away from them i will gladly take it off and cancel my membership.

[jerry]

Tournament Pro,

I think you are taking this all wrong. I just sent in my dues to the NPAA and will receive decals for my motor and truck. I have talked to a few fishing equipment providers and have received help in the form of price reduction in exchange for placing their decal on my boat and truck. Do I think this makes me a big wheel in the walleye tourney scheme? No. Does it make me feel anything? Yes. Responsibility. I've had the pleasure of watching some tourney weigh-ins up close and have had access to the tourney pros. The one thing that makes me proud to say is that I have never seen a pro not carry themselves with class. It didn't matter if the guy/girl took 1st place or last place, they were approachable, cordial, and more than happy to answer questions. That's what I want to represent. Class. Nothing more and nothing less. I will be fishing these events because I enjoy the spirit of competition, the comaradere, and I just plain love to fish. The walleye pros who have been on the various circuits over the last 10 or more years have set the tone for all of us. Your argument about who has the right to wear and display decals and patches wouldn't hold a glass of water. It's not about showing off, it's about participation, doing the things you like, and being free to do so.

[Fish-on]

That just about sums it up ;-). Classic.

[NOPE!]

I read his message as if your not a tournament winner than you have no right to put your name on your truck. Although I would never put my name on my truck, who is he to say I can't? This is the United States of America, ever heard of free speech?

[Just wondering?]

Why do tackle companies give fishermen decals if they don't want them displayed by average guys. I know a guide who purchased a Mercury outboard through the Pro Team program, and was given Pro Team decals to run on his truck and boat. He was also given clothing and hats to help promote Mercury. I'm not positive on this but I believe the NPAA also gives out number decals, and I believe they ask you to place them on your outboard. What gives Tournament Angler, why all the hostility towards your fellow fishermen?

[Just wondering?]

Why do tackle companies give fishermen decals if they don't want them displayed by average guys. I know a guide who purchased a Mercury outboard through the Pro Team program, and was given Pro Team decals to run on his truck and boat. He was also given clothing and hats to help promote Mercury. I'm not positive on this but I believe the NPAA also gives out number decals, and I believe they ask you to place them on your outboard. What gives Tournament Angler, why all the hostility towards your fellow fishermen?

[Charlie Moore]

I just spent the time to read through this massive thread. I find parts of disheartening and parts of it uplifting.
I think people need to realize that how you perform in a tournament does not establish a "Pro" statis. It can help, but it is not the final word. Being a professional does not mean you fish well at every tournament. It does mean that you behave in a professional manner. You dress professional. You act professional on and off stage. You approach people at the weigh-ins, sportshows, etc. professionally. You represent your sponsors professionally. This is being a professional fisherman.
The people who put NPAA numbers on their trucks, boats and their names on trucks are supporting a Professional Fisherman organization. This does not mean they are all tournament fisherman. This means they are professional anglers. Some of the best anlgers I have ever fished with do not fish tournaments. Some of them do not want to. Many, many members of the NPAA do not fish tournaments. Some are full time guides. Some guide part time. Some are members because they love the sport and no other reason.
As for the decals on the trucks. LEAVE THEM ON. Loyality is part of professionalism. Without loyality, you are lost. Loyality can come in many forms. This does not mean that each decal shows a sponsor that is paying you. It can be a product you believe in, use and tell others about. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this.
As for the Top 100 in the NPAA. There is not one of them that does not like seeing NPAA decals on boats and trucks. They are all members of one organization that is for the betterment of the fishing industry. To elevate the industry. This is also loyalty.
All NPAA members sre issued a decal for their boat when they join. They can order the big decal for their truck and can order a name bar. They have the right to order them and display them. They are a member of a Professional Anglers Association. I hope they dispaly the decals and display them with pride. I have a decal on my boat, one on my truck, and my name on the boat. I am a tournament fisherman? No. I do guide some. But, I have the decals in dispaly because I believe in the organization.

Charlie Moore #900

[Charlie Moore]

I just spent the time to read through this massive thread. I find parts of disheartening and parts of it uplifting.
I think people need to realize that how you perform in a tournament does not establish a "Pro" statis. It can help, but it is not the final word. Being a professional does not mean you fish well at every tournament. It does mean that you behave in a professional manner. You dress professional. You act professional on and off stage. You approach people at the weigh-ins, sportshows, etc. professionally. You represent your sponsors professionally. This is being a professional fisherman.
The people who put NPAA numbers on their trucks, boats and their names on trucks are supporting a Professional Fisherman organization. This does not mean they are all tournament fisherman. This means they are professional anglers. Some of the best anlgers I have ever fished with do not fish tournaments. Some of them do not want to. Many, many members of the NPAA do not fish tournaments. Some are full time guides. Some guide part time. Some are members because they love the sport and no other reason.
As for the decals on the trucks. LEAVE THEM ON. Loyality is part of professionalism. Without loyality, you are lost. Loyality can come in many forms. This does not mean that each decal shows a sponsor that is paying you. It can be a product you believe in, use and tell others about. There is absolutely nothing wrong with this.
As for the Top 100 in the NPAA. There is not one of them that does not like seeing NPAA decals on boats and trucks. They are all members of one organization that is for the betterment of the fishing industry. To elevate the industry. This is also loyalty.
All NPAA members sre issued a decal for their boat when they join. They can order the big decal for their truck and can order a name bar. They have the right to order them and display them. They are a member of a Professional Anglers Association. I hope they dispaly the decals and display them with pride. I have a decal on my boat, one on my truck, and my name on the boat. I am a tournament fisherman? No. I do guide some. But, I have the decals in dispaly because I believe in the organization.

Charlie Moore #900

[Winne T]

Thanks Charlie, well said!!!!
T

[Winne T]

Thanks Charlie, well said!!!!
T

[Someday]

Are all NPAA members walleye fishermen or are there people that fish for other species members?
Thank you, Stephen

[Someday]

Are all NPAA members walleye fishermen or are there people that fish for other species members?
Thank you, Stephen

[Charlie Moore]

Someday,
Not all of the members are walleye anglers. We have lots of members who fish muskies, bass, catfish, etc. Some of them fish tournament circuits for the certain species, some are guides, and other just like to fish and want to support the industry.

later,

Charlie Moore

[Charlie Moore]

Someday,
Not all of the members are walleye anglers. We have lots of members who fish muskies, bass, catfish, etc. Some of them fish tournament circuits for the certain species, some are guides, and other just like to fish and want to support the industry.

later,

Charlie Moore