“There’s a need for it, so we built a custom insurance package for tackle, electronics and gear used every day by guides and pro anglers,” said new NPAA supporting partner Kelli Rolstad of RDM Insurance Agency. She said this effort started because a news story caught her attention.
A pro angler in route to a tournament had a home fire and lost everything. His homeowners insurance did not cover the loss of fishing gear. Neither did his boat policy. “The reason for no coverage: the fishing-related property was deemed business property, used with the intention of making money for the fisherman,” Kelli said. Another angler suffered a break-in and theft of gear from his hotel room. “Again, it wasn’t covered by homeowners or boat insurance because he was a tournament fisherman,” she emphasized.
Specializing in commercial, home and auto insurance, Kelli and the 50-year old family-owned agency went to work. “There was nothing that we could find in the market, so we designed a special policy that covers a pro anglers’ gear everywhere – at home, in the boat, in the hotel room, in transit and in storage,” she said. She estimated that many pros and guides have a gap in their current coverage and are vulnerable if a loss should occur.
“What hurts is when a pro doesn’t learn about this gap until it’s too late,” Kelli said. She urged NPAA members to stop and visit her at the Annual Conference. “Better yet, call to review policies and determine the best course of action,” she offered. Her phone in Circle Pines, MN is 763-784-2426; and her email is kelli@rdmagency.com.
Pat Neu, NPAA executive director said, “Its partners like RDM Agency that give our Members the products they need to pursue their passion. In this case the correct insurance coverage will help professional anglers be more secure as they go about their business.”
The NPAA is a non-profit organization focused on growing the sport of fishing and increasing the professionalism of its members. Supporting Partners include: Advanced Tex Screenprinting, AIM, Cabela’s National Walleye Tour, Evinrude Outboards, Fishouflage, FLW Outdoors, Foley-Belsaw, Frabill, Great Lakes Sea Grant, John Butts Outdoors, Lund Boat Co, Mercury Marine, Milwaukee Muskie Expo, Navionics, North American Media Group, Optima Batteries, Outdoor First Media, PK Lures, Pure Fishing, Ranger Boats, Skeeter Boats, The Next Bite, The Reel Shot, U.S. Forest Service, Wildlife Forever, Worldwide Marine Underwriters, Yamaha Motor Co., Arrowhead Promotion and Fulfillment, Bait Rigs, G2-Gemini, Kingfisher, Liddle Marketing Company, Motor Guide, Mutual of Omaha, National Fleet Graphics, Northland Fishing Tackle, Oahe Wings and Walleyes, Off Shore Tackle, Pasha Lake Cabins, PK Lures, RDM Insurance Company, Simms Fishing, SmarTech Inc., Strike King, Warrior Boats, High Tech Fishing, Financial Planning Services, Lowe Manufacturing Co Inc, and O2 Marine Technologies Inc. More NPAA member and association news can be viewed at www.npaa.net.