Aims to help recreational fishing-industry professionals control their own destiny.

Forestville, WI (October 13, 2022) – Anticipation is ramping up for the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) 2023 Annual Conference to be held in Fort Myers, Florida, January 6 through 8. The premier event for recreational industry fishing professionals ranging from tournament anglers and guides to tackle shop staff, service crews and industry representatives, will be held at the Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport – Town Center, an awesome venue with a central location just five minutes from the SW Florida Regional Airport (RSW), Southwest Florida’s largest airport offering direct flights daily to most major cities across the country.

“We’re really looking forward to this event,” says NPAA’s president, Patrick Neu. “Our conference theme is ‘Control Your Own Destiny,’ and our focus will be on providing attendees a better understanding of the tools needed to be successful in this industry on a professional level. The conference features in-depth seminars, opportunities to network with successful professionals and industry leaders, supporting partner booths and more. Additionally, the early January timing should be perfect for attendees to sample the amazing fishing opportunities available in this part of the Sunshine State.”

Among the seminars slated, the father/son team of Jason and Jay Przekurat from Stevens Point, Wisconsin, should be especially enlightening. Titled “Living Our Family Dream,” it details how the pair created a pathway to their angling careers. Jason, 52, is a long-time member of NPAA whose storied career includes FLW Walleye Tour championships in 2003 and 2007, National Walleye Championships in 2016 and 2020, plus a Masters Walleye Circuit Championship in 2000. Jay, 23, specializes in bass fishing. He’s also the 2022 Bassmaster Elite Series Rookie of the Year, and he captured his first Elite Series win on the St. Lawrence River in July.

“You couldn’t find a better example of two professional anglers to represent our conference theme – and it’s even more incredible that they are father and son,” states Neu. “Jason has made a career as a tournament walleye angler and an exceptional angler educator. Jay is now on his way to do the same as a BASS Elite Series angler.”

The Przekurats will outline what they did to take control of their collective fishing destiny, including how they’ve managed to fish for a living, run a successful business, and claw their way to the top of the leader board while staying grounded and having fun. If you’ve ever thought about being a pro angler, you don’t want to miss this dynamic team.

I’m thrilled to be speaking at the NPAA Annual Conference,” says Jason. “This organization provides all members of the recreational fishing industry a platform for tackling important issues that affect our livelihoods. At the same time, the networking opportunities, contacts, guidance and insights you’ll gain from being a member can help advance your career – especially if you attend the annual conferences. Many industry leaders make it a point to be there, and it’s great to be able to network and to get to know one another on professional and personal levels.”

Jay agrees with his father, noting that he owes a lot of his success to growing up in a fishing family but has augmented that head start with his NPAA membership. “My Dad has been an NPAA member for as long as I can remember, so it made sense for me to join when I decided I wanted to become a full-time pro,” he explains. “I especially appreciate the Annual Conference because of the seminars and chance to speak with successful pros that really understand the business side of the sport. The discounts from the organization’s supporting partners are another great reason to become a member. Simply put, NPAA helps me from personal, educational and financial standpoint.”

The Annual Conference is a key component of the NPAA platform, which exists to help members grow their professional angling careers and run successful industry businesses. The event will also host a Benefit Banquet presented by Yamaha and Skeeter Boats that will benefit the Future Angler Foundation (FAF), which introduces millions of potential new anglers and boaters each year to the thrill and fun of sportfishing and boating.

In addition to superior networking opportunities, sportfishing advocacy and promoting entry into the sport, NPAA offers a monthly member newsletter, a weekly industry NewsBLAST, and access to significant discounts on gear and services provided by many of its nearly 80 supporting partners.

The NPAA 2023 Annual Conference is expected to sell out quickly this year because registrations are limited to the first 200 registrants. “Pre-registration for NPAA Members began on October 5th and are coming in at a quick pace,” said NPAA Administrative Manager Ashley Garland. Registrations for non-Members open today, October 12th. Registration fees include all activities, meals, and one ticket for the FAF Banquet. More information on registration can be found on the NPAA Conference Page.

(Note: Non-Members who pre-register for the Conference and opt to join the association prior to the end of the Conference will receive a $50 rebate on their Conference Registration Fee.)

For more information on joining the NPAA, attending the Annual Conference, and exploring the many benefits membership provides, visit www.npaa.net.