NPAA discount program

[What da ya think]

What did you think of the discounts offered this year?

[Juls_WI]

They were fine by me. No complaints. If I can spend 3.50 on two Wally Divers or CC Shads (or any other plastic bait marketed by Pradco) and, I'm allowed up to 24 of them, I think I'm getting a pretty good deal. If I can buy 3000 yards of Super Silver Thread, for only 7 bucks, I think that is a pretty good deal. If I can buy Off Shore in line planer boards for only 14.50, Tattle Flags for only 8.50, and OR-16's for only 3.50, then I have to say that it is a pretty good deal!
What the heck is there to complain about? Remember, they don't HAVE to offer us anything. It's still a heck of a lot better than paying retail!

Just my opinion,

Juls

[jerry]

jiiem,

I don't know where you shop, but I question if you've even seen the discounts we're referring to. I did some comparison shopping today and found the prices to be excellent. I realize the shipping is a little over-priced, but the prices are still great.

If you don't agree, then please tell me which items you are referring to? Not trying to start an argument, just wondering.

[Rip Lips]

Ill agree with Juls,its better than a sharp stick in the eye.You dont have to join next year if you dont like it.I didnt join for the products discounts but to help the sport grow to bigger and better things.Although my insurance guy cant match their price.#638 Jamie Friebel

[Da Bears]

It is a little on the weak side, the Off Shore stuff is a good deal (but how many planer boards can you use) and so is Pradco but you can only get 24 lures! Northland is no better deal than you can get at most places on sale.

[Juls_WI]

All I'm saying is that I didn't join for the "special offers".
I think it's a nice perk, but that's it. I have my reasons for believing in this organization, so I'll just leave it at that.;-)

Juls

[Bob W]

I've been watching all the threads about the NPAA. I still don't know one concrete reason for giving them $110.00 a year, and I really don't mean this in a derogatory way. I'd like to join, but how do I tell my wife what I'm getting for the money. I could take the $110.00 dollars an go buy the cranks I need. Can someone please give me some "hard" facts, and not just a bunch of nice sounding fluff. Please be positive, I just want some good arguments why I need to spend the money.

[NPAA member]

I have been a member of the NPAA from the beginning, and if I truthfully did the math, $110.00 per year membership, plus additional charges for decals,ect... the program they offer for reduced cost on fishing products isn't what it appears to be.
I have also done some extensive research with insurance companies on replacement cost and liability insurance for guide service and tournament fishing.The NPAA insurance cost is definitely in the ball park for a yearly rate.

So I guess I am hoping down the road that there will be a conscious effort on the NPAA staff to improve the quality of their memberships and to improve the rebates and discounts on the fishing products.

NPAA member

[Slammer]

I am not currently a member, but will be soon despite the fact that I will never fish a tournament. I personally think that too many people are asking "what will they do for me." I see it like any other non-profit organization. They do a service for fishing, like DU does for duck hunting. Nobody asks what DU does for them! The NPAA promotes fishing. I have seen members take part in youth fishing events, which alone says this is a good thing. I am not sure, but I think as a non-profit organization, the membership is tax deductible. Take an interest in the future of sportfishing!

[Ahhhh, but there is the rub-----------]

You aren't gonna fish tournies? That in it self is fine, but you have to do something to qualify to be a member. Also, I know 100's of people that do Kids events, and none of them are NPAA members or will not even qualify. I also know many who are NPAA members that do kids events. I just have to guess my point is, see if you qualify to be a member. Also, I agree with your points about becoming involved with the future of fishing. Join a local club. Join Walleyes for Tomorrow, they are the DU of walleye fishing. But you do not have to even belong to any club or organization to help the future of fishing. Take your own kids. If you have no kids, surely a friend or relative does. Take them, and their parents fishing. Wanna get a kid involved, take one you know out and tech them. Dont start gripin either, I did not slam NPAA, in their own right, and existence, they are a fine organization.

[Scott Fairbairn]

A couple weeks ago a similar thread popped up with the general them of what do I get as a member of the NPAA. I have to get out the door to head to Sioux Falls so I'm just going to paste in what I wrote at that time.



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?".

[Phil Wilson Sr. #91]

I am one of the three newest Pro members. Number 91.I have been # 174 for however long N.P.A.A. has been around.
I'm, as most of you know am usually a pretty quiet guy. But this whole deal has got my feathers a little messy.
First of all who are you guys doing all the moaning. Are you really members? If I can save a copuple dollars each on 24 cranks, over ten each on 4 boards, 0ver 5 each on the flags, and a couple bucks on some snaps you have just paid me to be a registered member. And that's not why I am a member. But if all you are here for is the benefits, whats in it for me, then that should do it for ya.
I cant belive all the gruff over this. I've been reading it now for months. Scott hit right on the head too. Come on guys (no particular gender intended) lets fish, have fun and make some cash doin it.
See ya all on the trail.

Phil Wilson Sr. #91

[FISH 24 7]

OK. Can we all agree that we're going to spend money on line, lures and some other ancillary items throughout the fishing year?

Let's say that in the course of a normal fishing season you would go through 2 bulk spools of line, 12 crankbaits and a couple of planer boards (just because 8 isn't enough...LOL). If I did the math correctly, my savings over normal retail on these things would be as follows: 2 bulk spools @ $7 versus $31.49 - Savings $49; a dozen Crankbaits @ $1.75 versus $6.00 a pop - Savings $51; 2 planer boards @ $14.50 versus $29.00 - Savings $29. When you count up all the additional handling charges and subtract what the shipping charges would be from Cabela's (not including taxes for us out of staters) the difference would be almost exactly $100. That goes a pretty darn long way toward paying for my annual fees. If you want to join, join! If you don't, don't! But let's quit all the *****in' that's going on about the merits of our spending habits.

You made a conscious decision to buy a vehicle with power windows, right? Well, the cost for that option is actually quite expensive versus not having it! You own a boat, right? Have you figured out the annual cost of owning a boat versus just finding a buddy who's dumb enough to take the depreciation beating each year and fishing with him/her? Or worse yet, have you figured out the cost per pound of your annual fishing pilgrimage with your buddies? You don't even want to know what that figure is... go to the store and buy your fillets from the meat counter. Much less expensive, right?

My point is this... We all make personal decisions on how to spend our money. Let's not criticize others who have chosen to do something different than us, just because we don't agree their thought process. It's your own decision... we're all adults, right?

Mark Gilbertson
NPAA #556

[gonfishn95 NPAA #273]

I too doubted the NPAA for personel reasons have since joined agree thouroughly with the organization Am more than happy with the insurance (which is why I joined in the first place). If you don't like the perks don't use them. There is more to the organization then what every body looks at, Think about all of your fishing rights we have now tournament or other, it is nice to be heard as a large amount of voices instead of one. better then sitting at home and whining wished I would of did this or that.
STRAIGHT AHEAD.
Larry Dawson NPAA #273

[Charlie Moore]

I think Scott hit the main ideas right to a tee. Thank you Scott for the response.

Charlie Moore

[NPAA MEMBER]

I for one signed up for for reasons not related to the perks. But I do have to wonder after the third year what have they done with the approx. $300,000 they have taken in. If they did do something post it, let us know. I also wish they would do some type of tourney program guide for the other circuits like MWC or RCL. This would help out in the sponsorship game as well as getting the public to recongnize the anglers. Remember the PWT is not the only Professional circuit around.
NPAA MEMBER

[Charlie Moore]

NPAA Member,
We are doing Tournament Programs this year for the full RCL circuit and it's Championship. We are also doing Tournament Programs for the WWA Championships. And yes we are doing the PWT again this year. So, we are expanding to other Tournaments.
As for what the $300,000 went to. It went to labor costs, printing costs, think of what it costs to print 25,000 tourney programs a year, mailing costs, heat, phone bills, general cost of running an office, supplies, letterhead, ect. Think of what it costs to mail newsletters out to over 600 members. Think of what it costs to send out renewal packets to over 600 members. Think of what it costs to run a business in general.
I really should leave this topic alone, because every time I reply to this type of question, I get ripped by people. If you have questions, call me. I am here at the office every day during the week days and on most weekends. Do not speculate, call me and ask me the questions you have.
I hope this answered some of your questions.

Thanks,

Charlie Moore

[NPAA265]

Charlie glad to see you included Excalibur line in the offer. This year it is not listed at all in Bass Pro or Cabelas spring. I did notice online it was going for $42.00 for 3000 yds. You saved us the price of the membership right there $420 dollars for $70 plus shipping.
I will add tackle supporter, 22 in the listing . I would like to see more of the other companies involved in the offerings throughout this year or next year. Minn kota, Pinpoint discounts, Rapala, How bought some rod and reel companies. I am sure others would say we have enough line, boards and rod holders. Lets move on to other products to promo. We as membership of many should have some say each year as to additions or deletions to the list. I know Reg pros dont vote, but we all are part of the offers and Promoting products.

D. Niemi
pwt pro #265

P.S Turn off the snow machine.

[rtmg]

I have followed with amusement the goings on with this post & the "other" post.I'm sure it will not take long for this one to get axed as the "other" one did. Sure is strange how one could ask questions and then be censored because he did so. I always thought freedom of speech was a American right but from what I have gotten from the deletions is that not getting any sponsors angry with the "board" is more important. ANYWAYS......my point is that some of us up here in Canada have considered going to this type of group to give us "one voice" etc. WOW, am I glad we never did so. It certainly looks to us that this can & does lead to a "self serving" attitude amongst some, a "elitist" group (top 100?), needing to "qualify" meaning that if you don't fish such & such tournaments, you can't join ? All this just to get some tournament info (which is sent out by the indv. tournaments),insurance "deal", boat numbers (which we all have anyways) & product discounts (which I am almost positive / convinced that the companys are paying for just to get on the "NPAA Mailing" list). It appears that this is is just a "status" symbol if you have a group like this. All of which leads me to think that creating a group like this can be a waste of time.I would think that one keeping their money & using it towards their costs will be better off then sending it off to some group.
Just my personal thoughts, I wish you all the best in the future.

Good fishen
Rob

[Scott Fairbairn]

I am truly sorry to hear that you view our organization with such distaste. You mentioned that you believe the group is a waste of time and money. Perhaps for you it is. Many of our members do not feel the same way.

As for whether or not the NPAA can accomplish anything by having "one voice" we have, and we will continue to do so. I would refer you to my post above where I described the proactive organization and the NPAA lobbying South Dakota for a change in their regulations to accomodate boaters from other states with different registration requirements. If you don't believe this is going to help our membership in the future try talking to one of the thirty or so NPAA members who received hefty fines from the SD GFP for improper registration last year. Truth is their boats were registered properly in their home states but a technicality in SD law needed revision. No NPAA = No Change.

Again, I am sorry that you feel our organization can be of no assistance to you and I wish you well in your angling pursuits.

Scott Fairbairn #99

[confussed]

i have to many ? to say i will or wont join but it does sort of sound like the few decide for the many and make the many pay to keep the few on top mabey i m wrong and yes i did e mail the npaa for anwsers to my ? s if i decide i like what there doing i will join if i dont i wont thats what makes america great we still have a small choice on who gets our money.

[NPAA265]

A good way to approach a membership would be if you created a sole proprietory business and file schedule C for writing off expenses. A membership, insurance, tackle, boats, travel, gas. You name its all deductible if you fish a tournament for a cash gain. You may not profit but its still deductible. The insurance is a great deal. It is a group rated price. Commercial policy, allows you to guide and buy that permit needed to guide. Liability coverage is better than a homeowners. Theres a least $200,000 more coverage for less cost. Take advantage of the offer.

[Charlie Moore]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-07-01 AT 10:23PM (CST)[p] I am sorry to see that "unreal" feels the way he does also. One thing to mention, is that anyone can join the NPAA. The NPAA is open to all anglers of all species. We have many members who fish tourneys, many who are full time guides, many who just plain fish. I am not sure where people have gotten the idea you must qualify to join. This is not true.
"Confused" I do not believe I received your email. Please try it again. I will be glad to answer your questions.

Thanks,

Charlie Moore

[FISH 24 7]

I repeat again.....

OK. Can we all agree that we're going to spend money on line, lures and some other ancillary items throughout the fishing year?
Let's say that in the course of a normal fishing season you would go through 2 bulk spools of line, 12 crankbaits and a couple of planer boards (just because 8 isn't enough...LOL). If I did the math correctly, my savings over normal retail on these things would be as follows: 2 bulk spools @ $7 versus $31.49 - Savings $49; a dozen Crankbaits @ $1.75 versus $6.00 a pop - Savings $51; 2 planer boards @ $14.50 versus $29.00 - Savings $29. When you count up all the additional handling charges and subtract what the shipping charges would be from Cabela's (not including taxes for us out of staters) the difference would be almost exactly $100. That goes a pretty darn long way toward paying for my annual fees. If you want to join, join! If you don't, don't! But let's quit all the *****in' that's going on about the merits of our spending habits.

You made a conscious decision to buy a vehicle with power windows, right? Well, the cost for that option is actually quite expensive versus not having it! You own a boat, right? Have you figured out the annual cost of owning a boat versus just finding a buddy who's dumb enough to take the depreciation beating each year and fishing with him/her? Or worse yet, have you figured out the cost per pound of your annual fishing pilgrimage with your buddies? You don't even want to know what that figure is... go to the store and buy your fillets from the meat counter. Much less expensive, right?

My point is this... We all make personal decisions on how to spend our money. Let's not criticize others who have chosen to do something different than us, just because we don't agree their thought process. It's your own decision... we're all adults, right?

Mark Gilbertson
NPAA #556

[Driftr]

My original thoughts to all the negatives I have seen on this and other topics was something like this:
Dear God,
Let winter be gone soon.
Amen
After reading your post Mark I will just say Amen
Driftr
#611

[Driftr]

LAST EDITED ON Mar-08-01 AT 00:17AM (CST)[p]LAST EDITED ON Mar-08-01 AT 00:13*AM (CST)

:-)

[Backwater Eddy]

If you don't like the organization don't join. If you join, then join because you think it is a worthy cause and has value to the greater whole and to yourself as a angler. No one has forced anyone to join as far as I know?

No evil Walleye empire is conspiring to rule the waters of the world by offering member inducements are they?

Jeez get a grip!

I am not a member to date, but that is not to say I do not think it is a worthy organization to join, I feel it very well may be. I am not in the walleye tournament game at this time but if I were I would join or at least reconsider not being a member.

Deep breaths now.......Spring is near.......All is well...........It don't mater.......we will all make it to the boat ramp on time.

Backwater Eddy

[cisco]

I read so often on this site that YOU GET WHAT YOU PAY FOR, it comes as a surprise that folks want a discount.

Why a discount? Don't you know that will diminish the quality of the product?

[rd]

Why not the MWC? Isn't it the oldest and one of if not the largest team circuit in the USA? Isn't that where a lot of the PWT anglers roots are? It is not uncommon to see PWT pros fishing individiual MWC tournaments. It would be interesting to see how many NPAA members fished or will fish the MWC.

[MWC Fisherman]

I really think the NPAA is missing the boat on the MWC.If it was not for that circuit the PWT would not be here. I fished both the PWT and MWC and have went back to the MWC. I see more boats in the MWC with NPAA numbers than the PWT. You do not see many from the top 100 but they did not have a chance with the PWT guys scooping them all up. I see alot of PWT guys coming in to fish a tourney or 2 throughout the year and they have do not have an easy time competing with the MWC guys. I feel that by not doing anything in the MWC is a slap in the face by the same guys who are on the board of the NPAA and got their start on the MWC circuit. Please take a look again at the MWC it's not the Minor leagues.

[Rub guy again, eatin crow]

Thanks Charlie for settin me straight. Anyone can join. I said see what you need to do to qualify, evedently breathing and fishing are about it. I do stand behind the rest of my post however.

[NPAA265]

And why not a discount.
If these companies can offer VIP programs to some that has an allocation and discount . Why not us too.
Ford emplo, Chrysler, That get discounts as employees on what they make. How bout us as an organization for promoting products that we use in professional or rec events. They are supporting companies to NPAA .. So support.

[JerryK#530]

I thought the discounts that were offered were a fair deal but what's up with the other "supporting" sponsors, i.e. Minn Kota, Lindy, Normark, Aqua View, etc. Where are they? We support them by purchasing their products, now is their time to show their support towards the NPAA and its members. The discounts that are being offered are basically the same as last year. I'm not complaining as I can always use more Wally Divers and mono but I sure was looking forward to seeing a fresh, new look to the membership packets.

[cisco]

I wonder if Rolls Royce employees have an employee discount program.