Professional Anglers Set Annual Conference in Milwaukee

Al Lindner to Speak on the Future of Fishing; Media Invited to Interview Tackle and Marine Industry Leaders and Top North American Anglers

by Cody Roswick, Exec. Dir.

(Nov. 27, 2008)… The National Professional Anglers Association will conduct their annual Conference in Milwaukee, Jan. 2-4, 2009. The gathering will consist of the top anglers in this country and Canada, and bring together representatives from 15 boat and outboard manufacturers, insurance companies, tackle companies, outdoor media companies and the major walleye tournament organizations.

The NPAA membership has grown nearly 20 percent through 2008 in it despite turbulent economic times in the outdoor recreation industry. The conference will address important trends and opportunities with anglers and bring them up to date on the future of their sport and the organization.

Pat Neu, NPAA President, and Promotional Angler said, “Our goal is to maintain the growth momentum that started in 2008 by inviting non NPAA members to attend the Conference this year. We feel that the Conference is one of the shining stars of our association and a must attend for a member to see first hand what the NPAA is doing for it’s members, the tackle/marine industry and sport fishing. The Conference program is geared for our members and our Supporting Partners. It’s an opportunity for our members to learn from some of the best in the industry and it’s an opportunity for our Supporting Partners to meet with their Pro-staff and the sport fishing industry opinion leaders. The NPAA objectives for the coming year include continued growth of or member base, enhancement of existing programs, continued involvement in youth activities, development of a natural resources watchdog committee, and an increased emphasis on media exposure for our members and Supporting Partners.”

Writers, TV and radio news crews, magazines and web sites are welcome to attend the open conference sessions. NPAA members and keynote speakers will be available for interviews throughout the weekend. Friday evening, Jan. 2 is a social event in the Honors Lounge at the Hilton City Center Hotel (hiltonmilwaukee.com or 414-271-7250). To cash in on the very attractive room rates at the Hilton Hotel, reservations must be made by Dec. 12. For conference registration and NPAA membership contact the NPAA through their email address npaa@npaa.net or phone #701-845-0381.

Saturday and Sunday are full days with speakers and supporting member breakout sessions. Additionally, the newly formed organization, Anglers Insight Marketing, will unveil their 2009 tournament plans. AIM is owned by competitive anglers. The other tournaments with major announcements and 2009 plans, payouts and sites include MWC and FLW. The MWC will discuss their new western tour, while FLW will discuss sites and deeper payouts.

Other breakout sessions will be for anglers associated or interested in Lund Boats, Ranger Boats, Mercury Outboards, Evinrude Outboards, Northland Tackle, Fin-Tech Tackle, Navionics, Berkley, Greater Insurance Services, Bartness Rods and Tackle, Outdoors First Media and Off-Shore Tackle. NPAA Executive Director, Cody Roswick said, “We appreciate these leading companies and their support of promotional anglers and their activities to propel this sport forward.” Read the rest of this entry »

Walmart FLW Walleye League Schedule Announced For 2009

(Nov. 25, 2008 - Minneapolis, MN)… FLW Outdoors has announced its 2009 Walmart FLW Walleye League schedule featuring four divisions, each with three one-day qualifying tournaments.

The Heartland Division will kick off the 2009 season March 21 on the Illinois River in Spring Valley, Ill., followed by events April 25 on the Mississippi River in Dubuque, Iowa, and May 30 on Lake Rathbun in Centerville, Iowa.

Anglers fishing the Michigan Division will visit Lake Erie in Port Clinton, Ohio, April 4, followed by tournaments June 20 on Lake Erie in Monroe, Mich., and Aug. 22 on Saginaw Bay in Au Gres, Mich.

Competition in the Minnesota Division will begin May 2 on the Mississippi River in Red Wing, Minn., followed by tournaments June 6 on Leech Lake in Walker, Minn., and July 11 on Lake Bemidji in Bemidji, Minn.

Wisconsin Division competition will start May 16 on Lake Petenwell in Arkdale, Wis., followed by tournaments June 27 on Green Bay in Oconto, Wis., and Aug. 8 on Lake Winnebago in Oshkosh, Wis.

After all qualifying events are complete, the top 30 boaters and co-anglers in the points standings from each division will advance to the no-entry-fee Walmart FLW Walleye League Finals to be held Sept. 17-19 on Lake Wissota in Chippewa Falls, Wis. The boater and co-angler points champions from each division will also advance to the Walmart FLW Walleye Tour Championship on the Missouri River in Bismarck, N.D., Sept. 30-Oct. 3, where they can win as much as $150,000 and $20,000, respectively. The top 10 boaters and co-anglers from each division will receive priority entry into the 2010 FLW Walleye Tour. Read the rest of this entry »