Please select your home edition
Edition
Savvy Navvy 2024

NPAA members headed to the Bassmaster Classic

by National Professional Anglers Association 22 Mar 2023 21:45 UTC 24-26 March 2023
Mike Iaconelli: Only angler to win a Bassmaster AOY, Classic, B.A.S.S. Nation Championship and Bassmaster Kayak Series tournament © National Professional Anglers Association

When it comes to knowing how to represent, members of the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) are at the head of the class. Indeed, that's what ten of them plan to do at the 2023 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic® presented by Toyota.

The ultimate title bout of professional bass fishing, the event is scheduled for this Friday - Sunday (March 24 - 26) on the fertile waters of the Tennessee River in Knoxville, TN.

"We are proud to have double-digit representation at 'The Classic'," says NPAA's president, Patrick Neu. "It really speaks to the quality of the membership in this organization. The caliber of the competitors at this event is unmatched in the world of professional bass fishing, and we couldn't be happier than to see the hard work of our members pay-off when they qualified for the big show. At this level of fishing, anything is possible once you get out on the water, and we like the odds of seeing stellar performances from several of our members."

Certainly, that's a possibility this year as Jeff Gustafson has been red-hot all season long, Mike Iaconelli already has a Classic title to his credit, Gerald Swindle has appeared in 20-straight Classics, Jay Przekurat is 2022's Rookie of the Year and the youngest angler ever to win an Elite Series Event, and Chris Johnston is third in the Bassmaster Angler of the Year (AOY) rankings.

Check out this brief summary of NPAA members expected to participate, and reasons they should excel:

"We can't wait to see who shows out, who finishes in the money, and who might pull off the victory of a lifetime at the Bassmaster Classic," says Neu. "Good luck to all of our NPAA competitors. Know that your fellow NPAA members will be cheering along and rooting for your success."

NPAA represents all who make a living in the sportfishing industry. Membership includes everyone from guides and captains to tournament anglers, fishing department associates/management/shop owners, manufacturing personnel, engine mechanics, and professional rep groups. In addition to superior networking opportunities, sportfishing advocacy and promoting entry into the sport, the organization 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.

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

Related Articles

Membership has its privileges
2024 & 2023 Bassmaster Classic Champs Hamner & Gustafson talk about the NPAA Ask any serious angler about the NPAA and you still might get some head-scratching, despite the fact that top finishers in the last two Bassmaster Classics - and the past two champions - are members of the organization. Posted on 4 Jun
Tournament performers have something in common
Five of the top 12 finishers at the 2024 Bassmaster Classic are NPAA members While the 2024 Bassmaster Classic is now history, it is still worth talking about. And not just how these esteemed anglers caught their springtime fish... Posted on 5 Apr
Angler Rights Activism
Is your right to fish in Jeopardy? Those who would nix your right to fish in an instant are active and organized - recreational anglers need to be equally vigilant. Posted on 13 Feb
Passion to Profession
Keith Kavajecz discusses building a platform to success, geting paid to share secrets, and much more "He's probably the most passionate angler alive," said NPAA President about lifetime NPAA member and past president Keith Kavajecz. Posted on 27 Jan
World class fishing awaits
Phenomenal fishing opportunities provide backdrop for 2023 NPAA Conference The upcoming 2024 "Passion to Profession" NPAA Conference will not only provide attendees with incredible career-building, educational and networking opportunities, the location couldn't be better for nearby inshore saltwater and freshwater fishing. Posted on 18 Nov 2023
Keep a watchful eye on forward-facing sonar
New fish-finding technology has changed the way many fish From fully-rigged fishing boats filled with high-tech electronics to amazing reels, rods, lures and even superlines, better tech has equated to more effective, fun, and productive results. Posted on 4 Oct 2023
Father & son pro anglers share success story
NPAA Conference presentation reveals thrills of father-son fishing connection Ask professional anglers Jason and Jay Przekurat about their days on the tourney trail and both will assure you they're living the family dream. Posted on 10 Mar 2023
Bill to cap unfair tournament fees progresses
Grassroots push and NPAA backing float bill to Senate with high hopes for approval The economic impact for a community hosting a major fishing tournament can be substantial. Local and regional tournaments generate commerce, too, and add to the vitality of a region. Posted on 9 Mar 2023
Advice from Bobby Lane at NPAA Conference
Willingness to persevere, flexibility to change and cultivating sponsors Members of the NPAA attending their 2023 Annual Conference were treated to a tremendous event packed full of great advice on the conference's main theme of “Controlling Your Own Destiny” in the sportfishing industry. Posted on 11 Feb 2023
G-Man shines at NPAA Conference
Bass Legend Gerald Swindle dishes truths on controlling your destiny in the sportfishing industry No doubt about it, the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) 2023 Annual Conference held in Fort Myers, Florida, this January 6 - 8, was a huge success. Posted on 20 Jan 2023
Savvy Navvy 2024Maritimo 2023 S-Series FOOTER