NPAA NEWS RELEASE – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 29, 2009
The Future of Fishing is in Their Hands
Teaching future fishermen is one of the goals of the National Professional Anglers Association. The members work with youngsters by explaining the basics of fishing, how to catch fish, where to fish, answering questions, and distributing rods, reels and tackle that will lead to success.
Most of their work is done in conjunction with high-profile AIM, MWC and FLW fishing tournaments. The professional anglers take time from their hectic schedules to sit one-on-one with the next generation, and attempt to instill their love of the outdoors.
At the FLW Outdoors youth and family clinics held at Port Clinton, Ohio and Red Wing, Minnesota earlier this season, NPAA youth committee chairman Rich Zachowski, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, said, “In addition to giving the kids rods and reels, they are enthusiastic. Their parents talk with us and tell us fishing will be part of their family activity plans. The kids really like crawling in pro boats and it’s amazing how quickly they pick up on the Navionics mapping features on our electronics.”
He told of a big seminar last year on Cass Lake, and when going out the next morning, he talked with many youngsters who were fishing from a nearby “fishing bridge.” That tradition will continue this year at Leech Lake, Minnesota, with two major youth events. The first, June 7 at Walker City park from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. could exceed last year’s event of 130 youngsters, said FLW tournament director and NPAA lifetime honorary member Sonny Reynolds. The second will be held prior to the final day weigh-in of the FLW tournament at Northern Lights Casino, June 13, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. Thanks to the support of the FLW, their sponsors, and the US Forest Service, most kids will receive rods and reels.
“I feel these events with NPAA members doing the teaching are big educational events and great for the sport,” Reynolds said. He also noted that pro spots remain for the Leech Lake League and Tour events, set for early June, and interested anglers should call him at 270-252-1591 or 270-703-2386.
NPAA members Johnnie Candle and Frank Pilney coordinate youth clinics at MWC events. John Schneider and John Butts do the same at AIM tournaments, and noted that the first event at Bay City, Michigan was well attended and very popular. Youngsters are receiving tackle from Northland, Fin-Tech, Lindy, Berkley, Rapala, JT Custom Tackle and Navionics. “Most of all, they get to spend quality time with the top professional walleye anglers in the country, the NPAA members,” said Cody Roswick, NPAA executive director.
The NPAA is a non-profit organization focused on growing the sport of fishing and increasing the professionalism of its members. Cody Roswick, NPAA executive director said, “All anglers who want to become involved are encouraged to join.” NPAA supporting partners are also dedicated to helping grow the sport of fishing. They include Northland Fishing Tackle, Navionics, Mercury Marine, Evinrude Outboards, Lund Boats, Ranger Boats, Off-Shore Tackle, Fin-Tech Tackle, Berkley, Bartness Industries, Walleye’s Inc., Greater Insurance Services, Masters Walleye Circuit, Anglers Insight Marketing, and FLW Outdoors. More NPAA member and association news and to join the organization can be viewed at http://www.npaa.net
