BENTON, Ky. (Jan. 7, 2011) - Registration is underway for PAA Member Observers, who will have the opportunity to learn from some of the nation's best pro bass anglers during the 2011 PAA Tournament Series.
Registration is easy to complete, and a complete set of forms can be downloaded at www.FishPAA.com/2011-observer-information/. The entry fee includes a PAA membership, but more importantly it's the first step to seeing how the top pros dissect a lake, strategize and then make adjustments during their day.
After Paul Fisler rode as an observer with Gene Larew pro Tommy Biffle on the final day at Lake Tawakoni during the 2010 PAA Tournament Series event, he left with a strong impression that lingers to this day.
"The way he was flipping that bait out, it was amazing," said Fisler, who lives in The Woodlands, Texas, near Houston. "He was putting the bait through holes and gaps in the brush about four inches wide. You don't get that good without practicing and years of experience.
"Now, when I go on the weekend, I have two 2-pound coffee containers that are weighed down and I'll stand there 15-20 minutes at a time flipping my practice plugs at them trying to drop them in the bucket. I'll get one in every now and then."
Fisler was one of many PAA Member Observers last season and is looking forward to going again. Registration is open for participation in the three PAA Tournament Series events and the inaugural PAA All Star Series event.
Tournament Series dates are March 31 to April 2 on Lake Lanier in Georgia; June 23-25 on Table Rock Lake in Missouri and Aug. 18-20 on Neely Henry Lake in Alabama. The PAA All Star Series is scheduled for April 21-23 on Lake Ray Hubbard in Garland, Texas.
PAA Member Observers pay a $100 entry fee per event, which is good for one to three days of joining the nation's top professional anglers on competition days. The fee, for new members, includes a free one-year General membership, PAA cap, decals, Affinity Program access for discounts from PAA partners and eligibility to earn bonus cash through the PAA PayDay Program for sanctioned local or regional weekend tournament events they may win while they are a member of PAA. Current PAA members pay only $50 to be a Member Observer.
Member Observers do not fish during competition days. Those who register for at least two days will be eligible for a drawing for prizes including Bass Pro Shops gift cards. Observers who register for all three tournament days will have priority placement for the final day when the Top 20 pros will compete.
Participation provides a first-hand experience of an angler's decisions on the water, from location and strategy to lure selection and the "little things" that can make a difference in success or failure.
"I rode with Pete Ponds at Toledo Bend in 2009 and then with Tommy last year, it was like having my own private fishing lesson," Fisler said. "He talked about his baits and some of the specific things he does with them. Getting to see all that was great." To register as a PAA Member Observer, download the complete information packet available in the gray PDF link atop the page at www.FishPAA.com/2011-observer-information/ . Registration forms may be returned to the PAA office via fax at (270) 527-2032.
For other questions, contact the PAA office at (270) 527-2030 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.