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Oconto AIM Event Attracts Future Anglers

 Aug 7th, 2013 by OutdoorsFIRST 

Modified Aug 7th, 2013 at 12:00 AM

Oconto, WI-An enthusiastic crowd of nearly 90 Future Anglers came to here National Professional Anglers Association(NPAA) Pro, Marianne Huskey of Shawano, WI, share here knowledge and passion for catching fish prior to the weigh-in on the final day of the AIM Pro Team event in Oconto, WI recently.  Marianne, a seasoned walleye tournament veteran, gave a seminar fishing basics to a crowd of young anglers and their parents.  In all approximately 160 people were in attendance.

A very important part of the seminar included information on boating safety and the necessity to use of life jackets along with a strong message on the importance of taking steps to stop the spread of Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS).  Marianne shared the AIS prevention message of “Clean, Drain, Dry” with the attendees and emphasized the role each person can take in slowing the spread of these invaders.  Marianne went on to say, “if you convey the message to the kids, they will make sure their parents take the steps needed to slow the spread of AIS the next time they go boating.”

Following the seminar, NPAA Pros including Mark Brumbaugh, Adam Neu, and Pat Neu, gave out nearly 70 rod/reel combos and a corresponding number of “Future Pro” T-shirts to the attendees.   These shirts and Rods/Reels were donated to the event by the Future Angler Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service.  The Future Angler Foundation supports many of the NPAA events each year to help achieve their mission of exposing the sport of fishing to as many people of all ages as possible. 

The Forest Service has shown support for these “Future Angler Events” as a way to showcase the vast amount of aquatic resources they have available in this region and as a way to reach the public with the import “Stop AIS” message.

The NPAA Members and the NPAA would like to thank AIM and the city of Oconto for allowing them to use the stage at their event. This Oconto event was extremely well attended by the community resulting in a tremendous attendance at the Future Angler Event. 
For more information about the NPAA, or to view video of NPAA Future Angler Events go to the NPAA website at www.npaa.net.