NPAA, what do I get...

[Still unsure]

I'm still trying to decide if I should join the NPAA. I've read a number of posts, but havn't heard what a person actually recieves for the $110.00. I want to join, but I'm having a hard time convincing myself it's worth it. I recieve a newsletter, my number decals, but what else? The discounts on tackle still require purchases of merchandise I may or may not need. I also think I could get a pretty good insurance policy from another insurance company for a comparable price. Charter boat insurance that I checked on runs under $500.

I'm not trying to be negative, in fact, I'd like to be convinced by you current NPAA members that I should join.

I have one other question. The touring pros are limited to 100 by the by laws. What happens when there are more than 100 full time touring pros. With the addition of new tournament circuits, it is concievable that there could well be more than 100 touring pros in the future. Thanks for your answers. Please lets stay positive!!

[npaa member]

One thing about the insurance is that if you happen to have tackle boxes stolen, rods and reels, electronics,ect...
More than likely when you make your claim with your insurance company you will be very lucky to see $0.50 for every $1.00 that you have receipts for your fishing equipment. this is one GR8 thing about the NPAA insurance. They know all about the money we spend on lures, and fishing equipment and it is about 100% replacement. You can't beat that!!!


PS. And with the amount of fishing equipment I received last year from the NPAA the $110.00 was well spent.

[GC-Northern MN]

Still Unsure: Ditto with you.
Member: How much and what type of tackle did you receive?
Also: I've seen anglers parading around with the numbers on their motor that I know aren't professional anglers. So what gives? Just looking good or what?

[Mobydick]

You join the NPAA because you want to be a member. The rest is a bonus. What is the NPAA? It's a group of people focused on promoting the fishing industry and the goodwill of it's membership. I'm not a professional fisherman, semi-pro at best. As a ND licensed guide and fishing & outdoor promoter, this is an opportunity to mix with the pros and manufacturers alike. I'm also looking forward to working in any "Take-a-kid fishing" activity.
Richard Fink
NPAA #165

[minnow]

I think you all better really think about what your really getting! AAAAAAAAAAAA BOAT STICKER THAT'S IT BOYS!

[John]

In order to be a member you need a bait store, boat dealer etc to go in with you. How did you do this? Can you give me some pointer on how to go about this. I would like to be a member, but I don't have the retailer part.

Thanks in advance

[jayw]

Great name, goes with the small thinking you display

[Scott Fairbairn]

Thanks for your interest in the NPAA. I hear the question quite regularly "what do I get for my membership?". Instead of going into micro detail about what you get I thought I would mention what the membership is and means.

Insurance:

The insurance policy available from the NPAA is a true professional liability and boat coverage. Anything that you do as a professional angler is covered. In addition there are some accessory equipment replacement features built into the policy. Some insurance out there will cover pieces of the business of professional angling. This policy covers it all.

Members Only Program:

The NPAA has created for its membership a program by which those members can purchase fishing equipment at a reduced price. Beyond the obvious value of the discount the program also relieves the member from the traditional spnsor-angler relationship. You are not required to wear any clothing, place any decals or work any sportshows for the discount. The supporting members who participate in providing the discounts realize the intrinsic value of getting their products (sometimes brand new products) in the hands of NPAA members. Everyone wins in that situation.

Industry Recognition:

Some companies have gone to a policy that uses NPAA membership as a prequalification for sponsorship consideration. This trend is growing. These companies realize that the NPAA is in the business of promoting the professsionalism of professional angling. They view NPAA members as having made the same commitment.

Proactive Organization:

The NPAA is concerned with any legislative or other activity that impedes our members ability to participate in the activity that they so dearly love. An example of this proactivity just recently occured. Last year when the PWT traveled to Lake Sharpe the local law enforcement and contestants had trouble regarding boat numbering and licenses. South Dakota law requires that boats in SD waters be registered in a certain manner that is not necessarily required by the states from which the boats came. Through activities and testimony before the SD legislature by Charlie Moore (NPAA Employee) the SD legislature voted to create a boat license which can be purchased by those visitors to SD that have registrations not exactly matching their specific rules. Had the NPAA not intervened and worked to find a solution with SD officials the problem would have been repeated year after year.

There are other values that I have not touched on, as well as, many exciting things in the works to make your membership more valuable. However, the current value is well worth the membership fee.

Scott Fairbairn #99

P.S. One of the posts mentioned the NPAA number system. The numbers are important in developing an identity as a professional angler and more importantly serve as a responsibility check for our membership. How many times have you heard "That darn tournament angler..."? Next time you hear it ask "What number?".