From the PAA President, Dave Mansue

I have been a PAA member since the organization began and I have always been proud to say that.

Now, I am extremely honored to lead the greatest bass anglers in the world. With that honor comes great responsibility, for the livelihood of many depends on the decisions made now and in the future.  Those who know me, know that integrity is extremely important to me. I will do nothing to compromise my integrity or that of the association’s. Thirty years in law enforcement and 13 years competing in tournaments from the Federation level to the highest B.A.S.S. level have provided me with many life experiences I hope will translate into a very successful period for the PAA.

I must commend all the past presidents for the outstanding job in leading the organization to this point.  I would personally like to thank outgoing President Chad Morgenthaler for leading the PAA through a very difficult economic period while providing many outstanding opportunities for our members. The coming year will be no less trying. Other organizations appear to be regaining their health in the industry and many of our members have enjoyed great success with these organizations. We hope that trend will continue.

More opportunities

The PAA has provided additional opportunities for our members to make a living through the PAA Tournament Series. During the last 12 months our anglers have earned more than $1.1 million through our series. In April we held our first PAA All Star Series tournament, an entry-free event. The All Star Series event was truly an organizational success, featured a $100,000 payout and

proved to be a fan favorite. Through our successful relationship with Gulf States Toyota and the Toyota Texas Bass Classic, we have provided PAA members with a great opportunity to participate in an entry-free event with significant payout and outstanding exposure to anglers and their sponsors. To date, the TTBC has paid out approximately $1.5 million to our anglers. During my presidency this organization will continue to work hard at providing such opportunities, and more, to our anglers.

I have always believed PAA membership should come with benefits. In addition to no-entry fee events, the PAA currently provides discounts to our members on all types of tackle and services through our Affinity Program. Discounts on boat insurance, term life insurance and commercial liability insurance, accident, cancer and illness plans, as well as a vote in the direction of our organization, are but a few of the benefits.

We will work very hard at providing more benefits to all levels of our membership. Far too many of our Tour level anglers are competing on shoestring budgets and cannot provide essential benefits of any kind to their families. Our recent membership initiatives have led to more than 50 percent growth during the last 12 months alone. This organization will strive to continue on this path to increase our membership to levels necessary to negotiate additional benefits for our members.

Over the years the PAA has worked as an advocate for angler rights. We will continue to be a strong voice for change. I would invite an open dialogue with all the major organizations to discuss making a better way of life for those of us who compete. The PAA’s position as an advocate will grow stronger. Many organizations covet our anglers as the athletes and celebrities who drive the bass fishing fan base. We, as athletes, have rights and we must explore them all. Many talk of progress but too many signs indicating otherwise have already been exhibited. I speak of anglers having to purchase their own fuel in a world championship for the first time, anglers still unable to promote their own sponsors on championship day, field sizes being reduced, while entry fees rise and payouts decrease. These are but a few examples of the many issues confronting our anglers. These are issues on everyone’s mind, including my own as your President.

We should never forget, especially during tough economic times, that as the only not-for-profit organization and the only angler-owned and angler-driven organization, the PAA has the ability to ensure the funding we receive goes directly to the anglers. No other organization can do this. The economy has caused many anglers to make hard decisions about the number of events they will compete in. The PAA understands this. Although having strong, full fields at our events is important, it is equally important that we maintain a strong membership. Your membership allows the PAA to provide opportunities and benefits to all.  Your membership provides the PAA a strong position in the industry and strong voice for change.

Continue to grow

During my Presidency I will encourage the PAA to continue to broaden our base of awareness and introduce more people to our sport. I believe we have done a great deal and brought a new awareness to this great sport we all love. I will encourage the continued growth of our sport through developing relationships with collegiate and high school organizations. These young men and women are the future of our sport. In my eyes, we need to include more young anglers to ensure not only the sports growth but also the future of bass fishing. From collegiate champions, to those hoping to launch a professional career, the PAA has proven our Tournament Series can be a solid foundation to build upon.

As a board member, I have helped the PAA develop relationships with charitable organizations that benefit children. I would like to see this trend not only continue but also become stronger. I have also helped the PAA recognize the contributions of those who have forged this road we all now travel through the Legends membership.  I would also like to see this continue. I will work hard to make the PAA a part of every angler’s resume and strengthen our position in the industry.

It is very clear that those who control the media, control the industry. The PAA needs to continue to develop a stronger presence in the media. We have a better website to promote our message, our membership and our presence in the industry. Daily web traffic has increased 150 percent. Recognizing the need for a greater identity, our “FishPAA Television” shows and our tournament telecasts are now aired on VERSUS, Sportsman Channel and the Texas Channel. Collectively our programming in this quarter alone is being broadcast to more than 100 million households several times a week. Our Facebook audience now exceeds 5,000. All of that has helped us grow from four sponsors to 18 in the last two years.  A special thanks to Danny Blandford, Lisa Bell, our entire staff and Board members for their tireless efforts on these projects.

We must continue our efforts of changing the mindset of the anglers who willingly play for their own money, while large corporations profit from their fame and notoriety. We must continue to develop a belief in the PAA and its important place in the fishing industry among the anglers. Anglers must recognize we are the athletes and together we established a voice. We must make it clear to the anglers that we will make this sport better for them now and in the future.

Many of my predecessors were men of tremendous vision and insight who helped form the foundation of this great organization. I invite them, as I invite all of you, to continue to participate in building the PAA by sharing your thoughts and ideas with us.

It has been said that as long as the patients are running the asylum, the PAA will never be successful. I believe we have been grossly under estimated and the proof is all around us. Let us continue to grow this great organization, built around the sport we all love, and to lead the industry into the future.

Thank you for being a member of the PAA. You can call me anytime.

Sincerely,

Dave Mansue

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Tags: bass fishing, Dave Mansue, PAA, Professional Anglers Association