The National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) welcomed seven new supporting partners to its ranks of industry partners recently. The NPAA was formed in 1997 to increase professionalism within the competitive anglers’ community, and today the association continues to achieve that goal with an increasing number of professional anglers participating each year.

The new companies backing the goals of the NPAA and attending the annual conference, January 8-10 at the Bloomington, Minnesota Holiday Inn & Suites, are Liddle Marketing, the US Forest Service, Optima Batteries, Do-it Corporation, John Butts Outdoors, Oahe Wings and Walleyes Guide Service, and Pasha Lake Cabins in Jellicoe, Ontario.

The Do-it Corporation is a 50-year old company based in Colorado, operating under the motto, “When pride is on the line.” They manufacture molds for making jigs, sinkers, lures and fishing products, according to Tom “Doc” Johnson, pro staff director. They also offer powder paints under the CS Coating brand and a UV spray coating for lures and jigs under the UV Blast name. They display a wide line-up of accessories at www.do-itfishing.com.

Johnson said, “We’re trying to make people aware they can create their own fishing tackle inexpensively and to their personal specifications.” He will be announcing a special program for NPAA members and also is expanding the pro-team. “It’s a multi-level team and not limited to walleyes. Call me, 303-913-4571,” he noted.

George Liddle manages Ranger and Stratos boat sales in 10 upper Midwestern states. His promotional company, Liddle Marketing Co. (www.liddlemarketingcompany.com ) was designed four years ago to host corporate on-water events. “Fishing hasn’t fallen off as an activity, in fact it’s getting stronger,” Liddle said. With the fishing and boating, clients are shown a good time by Ranger pro anglers, they catch fish, and even experience a weigh-in. “The pro anglers are the biggest part of these events.” he said, “And, this is an ideal way to introduce people to the outdoors who might even consider buying a boat.”

The goal is to double the number of events to 20 in 2010, with several in his home state of Minnesota, but also branch out to Wisconsin, Kansas, North and South Dakota, Arizona and Georgia. Liddle said, “I feel one of our strengths is we understand tournament anglers, and joining NPAA allows us to support the organization and become directly involved with pros and promotions.” Ranger Boats has been a NPAA member for many years, and Liddle is now expanding that relationship with his marketing company.

John Butts Outdoors (owned by John Butts, Dryden, Ontario, johnbutts.com), Oahe Wings and Walleyes (owned by Chad Schilling, Akaska, SD, oahewings.com), and Pasha Lake Cabins (owned by Chad Thompson) will be providing significant prizes for the NPAA new-member recruitment drive that will kick off at the NPAA Annual Conference. Contest winners will hunt trophy whitetails on Butts’ private land with permanent, baited stands in Ontario. In South Dakota, they’ll hunt pheasants with Schilling. Two hunts, each for two people, will be awarded. Pasha Lake Cabins provided a 7 Day cabin rental for two along with a ½ Day guide tri p and bait on Pasha Lake and surrounding area. They are multi-day packages, and each NPAA member who recruits a new member and the new member will receive a shot at the prizes. There is no limit on the number of new members an existing member may recruit. The contest will run through August 31, 2010.

Cody Roswick, NPAA executive director said, “It’s great bringing new supporting partners aboard. Growth is important, but I want to also applaud those who’ve been with us since day one, Off-Shore Tackle, Lund Boats, Mercury Outboards and Northland Fishing Tackle.” John Peterson, president of Northland said, “The NPAA has done more to professionalize walleye fishing than any other organization. I want to continue partnering with them.”

The new supporting partners and individual members will gather at the NPAA annual meeting in the Twin Cities Jan.8-10, 2010. Many new products and services will be showcased here for the first time. The NPAA and its supporting partners are focused on growing the sport of fishing and increasing the professionalism of its members. They include Northland Fishing Tackle, Navionics, Mercury Marine, Evinrude Outboards, Lund Boats, Ranger Boats, Off-Shore Tackle, Fin-Tech Tackle, Berkley, Walleye’s Inc., AIM Walleye Series, Masters Walleye Circuit, FLW Outdoors, Frabill, and the newest supporting partners: Liddle Marketing, US Forest Service, Do-it Corp, John Butts Outdoors and Oahe Wings and Walleyes guide service. More NPAA member and association news can be viewed at www.npaa.net. Anglers who want to become involved are encouraged to join.