Want Sponsors? 2024
JT Bagwell reply :
After reading what seems like hundreds of posts on BassResource.com
I am curious to know why kids these days are so infatuated with getting
sponsors?
I did some "Ask A Pro" stuff for a childrens fishing program and I got asked,
by kids that were 11 or 12 years old, how to get sponsors.
In reality "most" people (regardless of age) shouldn't even be concerned
with trying to get a sponsor. That energy should just be focused on fishing.
I want to hear from the 18 and under crowd as to why they are looking for
sponsors? I am also curious as to why they would even think that a company
would even be interested in dealing with someone with little to no business experience?
I would also like to hear from some of the over 18 group as to why they are looking
and why they think they are worthy of a sponsorship deal?
This topic is something that I have thought about numerous times.
JT Bagwell
squid reply :
GREAT TOPIC...YOU GONNA WRITE UP AN ARTICLE ON THIS?
WOULD MAKE FOR SOME GOOD READING!!
basspro05 reply :
I just turned 20 years old a couple of weeks ago, and I too have realized that I need to concentrate on my fishing skills more than gaining sponsors. People will respond by saying that they read how much more important it is to be marketable than a skilled fisherman, but honestly when it comes to tournament fishing I am out to be the best, not the most popular. I want to be the best bass fisherman I can be, and then I will market myself.
I am not putting sponsors on the wayside, I have worked in retail and wholesale sales since the age of 15, so I have five years of sales experience. I also am starting my second year of college. I have completed courses in public speaking, marketing, accounting, business, and interpersonal communications in order to complete my bachelors degree in business administration.
Eventually I will pursue sponsorships to enable myself to compete on a national level, but for now I will keep fishing. When I find products I use and have confidence in, I will pursue them. One thing I will not do is pursue companies I don't believe in, maybe it is just me, but I can not promote a company and sell product for a company that I don't believe in or use myself. I will put as much as I can into the business relationship my sponsors and I have. This means promoting products through media exposure, and just standing behind what a company has to offer.
I think that most of the young anglers out there have the same mindset I used to have, and that was, I get to wear a cool shirt and get free product. Well that is not how it happens. Sponsorship is a business that is what young anglers do not understand. You as an angler are working for whatever company may be sponsoring you, and believe it or not you can get fired, if you do not promote the product or help in there sales, you will not be sponsored.
I guess when it all comes down to it, you can pursue sponsors your whole life and never be a competitive fisherman. I want both, I want to be the best bass fisherman, while at the same time I am helping companies I believe in sell there product.
JT Bagwell reply :
QuoteGREAT TOPIC...YOU GONNA WRITE UP AN ARTICLE ON THIS?WOULD MAKE FOR SOME GOOD READING!!
It may have crossed my mind. lol
JT Bagwell
Root beer reply :
First off I'm 17 and I have experience in sales. 
Reason why I want to be sponsors is because I really love fishing. I want to compete in these tournament and since nobody hiring around here it hard for me to come up with money to get baits, gas, etc. All I wanted to do was do something for the company in exchange equipment to fish with.
I love business and sales I was hoping if I could gain a sponsor at this point in life it could look good on my college resume and future jobs. Even thought my future job is professional fishing, but I got to pay for that somehow so when I'm trying to get a job in marketing, advertising, or sales and they read that I've been sponsor or I'm currently am sponsored. My sponsor could tell them I do an excellent job in sales and marketing. Basically I'm doing this to learn business for future jobs, and to gain relationship with companies in the fishing business for when I get older and ready to pursue a career in Bass fishing on professional tour.
I'm just looking to gain long term relationship with companies for near future.
Am I making sense or should I try to re-exlain?
Hale reply :
From everyone I have ever talked to about this (youth) its a badge of status. They believe that it is the industry's seal of approval on being one of the best. They very much want people to look up to them as they look up to their heroes. Its not just happening in Fishing. Take any indiviudal sport (skateboarding, surfing, biking, etc) and its the same misguided ambitions.
Its sad that most people dont understand that they could just get a job with the same company they are seeking a sponsor from. Being the regional sales manager for Shimano looks way better on any resume than being 'sponsored' does.
ABA CAST CHAMP 2006 reply :
I am 24 years old and a student. Like many others, I've felt the pressure to acquire sponsors but have not pursued any as my studies have become more important to me at this time than fishing. I realize that competing at a national level, such as BASS or FLW, that the fees for the events can be quite high, and there is just not enough time or money during the week to work a regular 40 hour job, travel 1 or more days to an event, practice, and do well in a competition. That, perhaps, is a reason why many anglers from the younger generations feel as though sponsorship is an absolute necessity.
Also, I've noticed the hard work ethic of professional anglers. The stories of how they came to be professionals are not always puppy dogs, unicorns and four-leaf clovers. They've all worked very hard in the past and that hard work has proven to be economically viable for them. Some of us want to be the best, and we can be, but we're going to have to take the ride. Some of us will get there faster than others, and some of will get there less scathed than others, but if we work just as hard as the professionals to get where we want, then we will. Someone will notice.
Jarodgb reply :
J.T.,
My desire to get sponsored comes from years and years of hard work and sacrifice. As a freshman in high school I was asked by my counselor, what I wanted to do after school. Without hesitation, I looked him dead in the eye and responded I want to be a professional bass fisherman!
I'll never forget that look on his face; he quickly changed the topic by asking me if I had a backup plan in mind. Since that day, I have done all I could to create a back up plan. In a previous post (Advice Please) I've listed some of my recent accomplishments.
I believe whole heartedly, that a company would be silly not to see worth in someone with my credentials.
In no way do I want to paint a picture of myself as better than everyone else, I'm just a former kid who listened to the advice of past pro's and feel like now is the time to make my move.
P.S. I currently have 0 sponsors.
Jarod
Banor reply :
QuoteI just turned 20 years old a couple of weeks ago, and I too have realized that I need to concentrate on my fishing skills more than gaining sponsors. People will respond by saying that they read how much more important it is to be marketable than a skilled fisherman, but honestly when it comes to tournament fishing I am out to be the best, not the most popular. I want to be the best bass fisherman I can be, and then I will market myself.I am not putting sponsors on the wayside, I have worked in retail and wholesale sales since the age of 15, so I have five years of sales experience. I also am starting my second year of college. I have completed courses in public speaking, marketing, accounting, business, and interpersonal communications in order to complete my bachelors degree in business administration.
Eventually I will pursue sponsorships to enable myself to compete on a national level, but for now I will keep fishing. When I find products I use and have confidence in, I will pursue them. One thing I will not do is pursue companies I don't believe in, maybe it is just me, but I can not promote a company and sell product for a company that I don't believe in or use myself. I will put as much as I can into the business relationship my sponsors and I have. This means promoting products through media exposure, and just standing behind what a company has to offer.
I think that most of the young anglers out there have the same mindset I used to have, and that was, I get to wear a cool shirt and get free product. Well that is not how it happens. Sponsorship is a business that is what young anglers do not understand. You as an angler are working for whatever company may be sponsoring you, and believe it or not you can get fired, if you do not promote the product or help in there sales, you will not be sponsored.
I guess when it all comes down to it, you can pursue sponsors your whole life and never be a competitive fisherman. I want both, I want to be the best bass fisherman, while at the same time I am helping companies I believe in sell there product.
I could not have said this better myself.
I'll resort to "ditto". My only regret is that I did not start this journey 14 years ago when I was 20.
B
earthworm77 reply :
Basspro05- You my friend have the right idea or at least a good plan. I appreciate reading this type of post from someone your age. You know what your priorities are. I honestly believe if you do well with your fishing, you will find a way to make yourself marketable, don't underestimate the importance of that. In my experience, my tournament success and marketing went hand in hand. One relied on the other. Start off small and let it manifest itself. Good luck with that.
Kevin, your explanation sounds like you are interested in a sales position at a lure company. A sponsorship will most liklely require you to promote your companies products to some degree but the marketing we are talking about is how you prepare to portray yourself to a sponsor. The package you put together will allow the sponsor to base his decision on picking you up. If you are marketable, meaning appealing to the many aspects of representing that company through but not limited to public speaking, moral and ethical issues, responsibility, dependibility, enthusiasm etc. then you may find yourself in the thick of things.
basspro05 reply :
Thanks Earthworm77, I still have alot to learn about the fishing industry, I am glad that others think I have my priorities straight. I guess my plan is sending me in the right direction.
Root beer reply :
QuoteKevin, your explanation sounds like you are interested in a sales position at a lure company. A sponsorship will most liklely require you to promote your companies products to some degree but the marketing we are talking about is how you prepare to portray yourself to a sponsor. The package you put together will allow the sponsor to base his decision on picking you up. If you are marketable, meaning appealing to the many aspects of representing that company through but not limited to public speaking, moral and ethical issues, responsibility, dependibility, enthusiasm etc. then you may find yourself in the thick of things.
Well, yeah I know that. But I want to be involved with a company in a way of helping them come up with products and technique with that new products. Problem with me is I cant tell a company everything about me on a single application they just have to talk to me more, etc. Until they learn about all of my quality before they are giving a decieson about me. I'm just one of those person that cant explain all of my qualities and reasons why I would be a good person to sponsor on one piece of paper.
I'll try to work on putting everything into one resume. I just feel you can learn more about me better while talking to me rather then reading about me.
But back to my explanation being part of a sales is also like being sponsors (well not exactly) But hey if the guys that are sponsors are not promoting anything then you aren't making any profit.
To me that almost same thing as being in sales. You got to promote and tell everything about the product in the end if they buy you are pretty much person responibile for that sale. Am I right?
Anyway I'll try to work on my resume when I'm out of school on president day and see what happens. I hope one day get a chance to prove my worthy. ;D (I hope that didnt sound cocky)
CSB reply :
I think a lot of the 18 and under crowd sees sponsorship as "the cool thing". Free stuff and a status sysmbol. What they dont see is the hard work it takes to attract and maintain business partners. I compare sponsorship to having a credit card. Yes you get some things up front, like money, product, etc.. But you have to pay for it somehow, spending about 20% of your yearly budget on promoting your partners, traveling to to promotional events, etc. and if you dont pay back the debt in a timely fashion, bad things happen like losing your partners.
My advice to the younger crowd if you're serious about fishing for a living is to fish for the purest of reasons - because you love it. Go to school, get a degree in marketing. Save up some money, stay out of debt, enter some mid-sized tournies and learn.
earthworm77 reply :
I think the biggest, most misleading thing about the sponsorship game is that most anglers assume they are entitled to something just because they fish. This simply is not the case.
jcbass1 reply :
QuoteI think the biggest, most misleading thing about the sponsorship game is that most anglers assume they are entitled to something just because they fish. This simply is not the case.
I think I'd probably have to agree with that.
In my case, I've yet to approach anybody about a potential sponsorship, simply because I don't feel like I've earned that right. I've been fishing since I was old enought to hold a rod, but have only been tourney fishing for 2 seasons. I've yet to win a single tournament (other than club T's), let alone more than one, so who in their right mind would sponsor me anyway??
I guess my opinion stems from being a business owner myself. Although my industry isn't fishing, the advertising side of things is similar. When I look at myself as an angler, I ask myself if my company would sponsor someone with my qualifications. So far the answer has been "no", and until it is "yes" I believe I'll continue to be "self-sponsored".
On another note: I was at a fairly large tournament last year, and saw exactly how NOT to attract a sponsor. This fellow happened to catch the big bass of the day, and when he got on stage he flat-out cried for someone to pick him up. He had to have talked for 2 minutes about how "hard" it was trying to compete, and how he "needed" a sponsor or two, blah, blah, blah. If I was in the market for an angler, this guy would have fallen off the bottom of my list right then and there.
-J
Root beer reply :
Not to sound cocky, but I understand that business side I really do. I just wish I can make a decent resume and get notice. Anyone wants to email me what a good resume should look like for attracting sponsors?
What exactly are the sponsors looking for? Looking for what I can do for company, exposure I recieve, my maturality, and personality? Is that what sponsors looking for?
I'm stuck on trying to type and have a good organize resume. I've just written down rough drafts and stuff, but it not ready to be offical.
senko_77 reply :
QuoteNot to sound cocky, but I understand that business side I really do. I just wish I can make a decent resume and get notice. Anyone wants to email me what a good resume should look like for attracting sponsors?What exactly are the sponsors looking for? Looking for what I can do for company, exposure I recieve, my maturality, and personality? Is that what sponsors looking for?
I'm stuck on trying to type and have a good organize resume. I've just written down rough drafts and stuff, but it not ready to be offical.
All sponsors see when they look at you is a large $100 bill. The goal of them sponsoring you is to get them more business. IMO, angling skill has nothing to do with it. Selling yourself has everything to do with it. If you cant throw anything but a zebco, but you can sell 1000 packs of GYCB senkos at a trade show, then your going to be sponsored over the guy who can put a jig in a thimble 20 yards away, but doesn't have marketing skills. If your hellbent on sponsors, concentrate your efforts on how to effectively sell yourself.
JT Bagwell reply :
Senko77,
You got it man!!!
JT Bagwell
squid reply :
ALL THAT FROM A KID......... ........SMART KID........ 8-)
Banor reply :
Well said, Senko.
JT,
For me, when/if I ever begin actively seeking sponsorships I would hope that I wont need a blanket resume or have to introduce myself to a complete stranger and hope that he might be looking for an extra staffer.
When I do approach a prospective sponsor I want them to already know that I use their product and recognize me (even if only faintly) from some venue where I was already associated with their product. I would hope that I had crossed a stage somewhere with a limit of fish and the MC asked me how I caught the limit and this prospective sponsor had seen it.
I also dont believe in free advertising. You wont see me with a logo plastered all over me hoping that company will pick me up. If I wear a logo or actively talk about a product it will be because I have used it and am confident in it to the point that it has won me some money or given me a good measure of success.
This is why you have not seen me post a resume on this board or any other board for that matter. When I write a resume I will know my target audience and tailor it so that they know it was written for them. My mission statement will be wholeheartedly emphasizing how I will or have marketed THEIR product. Not products in general.
Let's take a rod company for instance. In my cover letter you wont see words like "your product" or "your baits". You will see something like "this past season I won two tournaments caught on a limit anchored by the big bass for one tournament using your UXLC701MH. When asked what contributed to my success I confidently gave credit to the sensitivity and power of this rod."
etc etc etc.
In a perfect scenerio I wouldnt be writing a cover letter I would be shaking a hand and asking "Dave" or "Bob" how his season is going this year and verbally communicating in a face to face what would be on my cover letter.
Just my take,
B
basspro96 reply :
I am twelve years old first year in a bass club and I am looking for sponsors. For one I know the responsibilty it is to have a sponsor. Like senko said you have to know how to talk have good personality to in fishing terms "Get the fish to bite the bait" meaning the customer take your sales pitch. Ray Scott for example I do not know if any of you have read his book,but he is a perfect example he could sale anybody anything. He is a perfect candidate for a sponsorship. Bottom line is I would love to be a sponsored jr. angler. At my age to get sponsored you have to like to talk know what you are talking about and be a good sales person.Personally I can get anyone to buy anything.
RobbyZ5001 reply :
The question you have to ask yourself is what can you do for the company. What can you offer them worth them spending time/money/effort in you? Why would they give you a second sniff? Show the companies that you can provide answers to those questions and you should have a sponsor.
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
QuoteI am twelve years old first year in a bass club and I am looking for sponsors. For one I know the responsibilty it is to have a sponsor. Like senko said you have to know how to talk have good personality to in fishing terms "Get the fish to bite the bait" meaning the customer take your sales pitch. Ray Scott for example I do not know if any of you have read his book,but he is a perfect example he could sale anybody anything. He is a perfect candidate for a sponsorship. Bottom line is I would love to be a sponsored jr. angler. At my age to get sponsored you have to like to talk know what you are talking about and be a good sales person.Personally I can get anyone to buy anything.
The issue here is age. Most sponsors do not want to enter into a contract with a minor.
In all brutal honesty, a sponsor won't usually consider a youth till they make it to the JWC's. This is the route I would take if I were you... but be prepared to have your parents handle the details and contracts.
Tin reply :
QuoteQuoteI am twelve years old first year in a bass club and I am looking for sponsors. For one I know the responsibilty it is to have a sponsor. Like senko said you have to know how to talk have good personality to in fishing terms "Get the fish to bite the bait" meaning the customer take your sales pitch. Ray Scott for example I do not know if any of you have read his book,but he is a perfect example he could sale anybody anything. He is a perfect candidate for a sponsorship. Bottom line is I would love to be a sponsored jr. angler. At my age to get sponsored you have to like to talk know what you are talking about and be a good sales person.Personally I can get anyone to buy anything.The issue here is age. Most sponsors do not want to enter into a contract with a minor.
In all brutal honesty, a sponsor won't usually consider a youth till they make it to the JWC's. This is the route I would take if I were you... but be prepared to have your parents handle the details and contracts.
Yup, because JWC's equal publicity and LOTS of it. Some companies are even having an age limit. I talked to guys from the whole Booyah/Bomber comapny a few years back and they wont sign anyone till they are 21.
basspro96 reply :
well i have made it to both states this year won state in casting kids went to the semifinals I am determined to go to the JWC I am the president of my jr bass club so ya i do have alot of publicity i know i semi pro or pro i guess fisherman he could help me find some siminars and trade shows to advertise
fishfordollars reply :
QuoteQuoteI am twelve years old first year in a bass club and I am looking for sponsors. For one I know the responsibilty it is to have a sponsor. Like senko said you have to know how to talk have good personality to in fishing terms "Get the fish to bite the bait" meaning the customer take your sales pitch. Ray Scott for example I do not know if any of you have read his book,but he is a perfect example he could sale anybody anything. He is a perfect candidate for a sponsorship. Bottom line is I would love to be a sponsored jr. angler. At my age to get sponsored you have to like to talk know what you are talking about and be a good sales person.Personally I can get anyone to buy anything.The issue here is age. Most sponsors do not want to enter into a contract with a minor.
In all brutal honesty, a sponsor won't usually consider a youth till they make it to the JWC's. This is the route I would take if I were you... but be prepared to have your parents handle the details and contracts.
I think it is great for the 11-15 year olds to want to line up sponser ships...Remember the most important thing. You are not liable for your actions and you cannot sign a legal, binding document. Go stay in school and get an education.
7magJake reply :
I am 16 and I am looking into sponsorships for a pro- angler job I know I am going to pursue. bass master classic or bust. I am going to college and I am going to major in buissiness most likely fishing on a college team. I see that the youth of american fishing is good because we are younger and we will be around longer and at times we have better technology skills. The youth of american fishing is wanting sponsors because we are seriouis about something and sometimes it seems like a sponsor is the only one who will support us in our dreams. My parents think it is ridiculous I want to fish for a living, so basically they dont support me in my dream and they never really have for me or any of my three brothers. I wont be able to fish any JR tournaments but as soon as I turn 18 I will be fishing on a Amatuer level working my way to the bassmaster series.
fishfordollars reply :
QuoteFirst off I'm 17 and I have experience in sales.Reason why I want to be sponsors is because I really love fishing. I want to compete in these tournament and since nobody hiring around here it hard for me to come up with money to get baits, gas, etc. All I wanted to do was do something for the company in exchange equipment to fish with.
I love business and sales I was hoping if I could gain a sponsor at this point in life it could look good on my college resume and future jobs. Even thought my future job is professional fishing, but I got to pay for that somehow so when I'm trying to get a job in marketing, advertising, or sales and they read that I've been sponsor or I'm currently am sponsored. My sponsor could tell them I do an excellent job in sales and marketing. Basically I'm doing this to learn business for future jobs, and to gain relationship with companies in the fishing business for when I get older and ready to pursue a career in Bass fishing on professional tour.
I'm just looking to gain long term relationship with companies for near future.
Am I making sense or should I try to re-exlain?
First things first. good for you for wanting something and expressing an intrest.
Second, if this is an example of your writing skills, you will need someone that knows how to build a paragraph, the correct usage of plurals, pronouns, and composing legible, defined sentences.
Please do not take offense. You need to know that correctly communicating with an individual or company is the most important step in opening doors. Good luck
Tin reply :
QuoteQuoteYou need to know that correctly communicating with an individual or company is the most important step in opening doors. Good luckYup. Maybe a degree in Marketing with a minor in Communications?
Kimbro reply :
I think it is great that the select few young kids and teens on these forums have recognized their passion for fishing and want to pursue a career in professional fishing. I also think that they are seeking sponsorship because they have neither the financial means or support to finance their fishing plans. I feel it would be next to impossible for someone so young to garner a sponsor, but the fact that they are expressing interest at this age may put them light years ahead of most of us once they become young adults.
Personally, I would love to be a sponsored angler but my priorities, family and military life keep me from fishing as much as I feel is necessary to be competitive on the tournament circuit. If I were to seek out sponsorship it would only be from the companies I truly believe in such as Daiwa, GYCB, Lucky Craft etc. For instance, at my local lake I am approached routinely about my catches and have turned countless young and older fishermen alike onto GYCB. Why, because I know they flat out catch fish and if I can make a difference in somebody else's life it not only makes my day but it helps the sport we all love to grow.
Bottomline is I will most likely never be a sponsored tournament fisherman but I think it is great that some of today's youth have recognized their passion early and are trying to pursue their dream.
Joe
rolltide reply :
I am 15 and I believe that teens should be sponsored in fishing. I currently have a 4.0 GPA as a freshmen in advanced honor courses. My explanation is that it can help not only the angler, but the company that sponsors them. For kids it gives them valuable real-world business skills that can help them in not only angling, but for any type of marketing. So free tackle is like an incentive to maintain good grades so you can attend a college. What does the company get out of this? Young adults are the future consumers of their products. I also think some teens could give informative opinions on the quality of prototype tackle to make products even better. I have not asked for sponsorship yet because I don't think anybody should ask a million companies to sponsor them. Being sponsored is like a business agreement. You should always give a 100%.
Tin reply :
QuoteI am 15 and I believe that teens should be sponsored in fishing. I currently have a 4.0 GPA as a freshmen in advanced honor courses. My explanation is that it can help not only the angler, but the company that sponsors them. For kids it gives them valuable real-world business skills that can help them in not only angling, but for any type of marketing. So free tackle is like an incentive to maintain good grades so you can attend a college. What does the company get out of this? Young adults are the future consumers of their products. I also think some teens could give informative opinions on the quality of prototype tackle to make products even better. I have not asked for sponsorship yet because I don't think anybody should ask a million companies to sponsor them. Being sponsored is like a business agreement. You should always give a 100%.
But most teens and young people don't have a mindset like that. Most are just happy getting free stuff and don't want to give back to the company, and do not know what "Constructive Critisism" is. If I'am starting a company and want to start a staff, hate to say it but teens would be the last group I would look at. But then again, up here we don't have many young people who do fish. :
Bassnajr reply :
Read the last few chapters of Iaoconelli's book as it applies to sponsors. Sobering stuff...but don't stop trying!!
ajr
utahbasser reply :
it would be cool to be sponsored, but i think a lot of the younger people want to get sponsored because its like competition. the younger guys always wanna be the best and get known. i used to think about how cool it would be to get sponsored, but i just like fishing and i do'nt need sponsors to help me with that.
jrhennecke reply :
I think most people regardless of age want to get sponsored so they feel as if they "made it". Any time you go to any bass fishing event all you see is the "pros" running around in Ranger or Triton tournament shirts. For some it is about giving back to a Company but not in the poetic way some make it sound. To be sponsored is just like being employed. You do the work for your employer and they compensate you. Sponsorship is nice but it does not define who you are as a fisherman. I don't think KVD or Skeet would catch any less bass if they weren't sponsored.
Bassnajr reply :
JUST FISH!!!!
If you are good enough...sponsors will find you. I hate the idea of a youngster having to SELL themselves. Get good grades, do community service, and fish your best. if it's meant to be it will happen. IMO
ajr
littlefisher reply :
Being a 20 year old college student with only about 2 years of serious fishing under my belt, sponsorship really hasn't crossed my mind all that much. After listening to that link to BassFeed though, TruTungsten really does peak my interest a little bit. I have a lot of confidence in their weights and it's all I use now.
I am in the process of working on website for my fishing tournaments and resume and, well just for fun, because I like to make websites. I am interested in the Tru Tungsten step program he mentioned. I really am not looking for handouts, I like to earn everything I get on my own, but a discount program would make things a lot easier on the pocketbook. I know my dad is part of Fluegers select angler program and he gets really good deals on stuff through them so I do have a hook up there.
I do believe most fisherman my age are looking for sponsorship solely for free stuff and a cool shirt like someone mentioned. To me sponsorship is so much more than that. The fact that a company is allowing you to represent their product and company is a huge responsibility. The way you uphold your own, and the companies image, can reflect directly on sales.
I take great pride in my confidence to promote myself and my ability to speak openly in public. I feel it's a great skill that I have and I know that some day it will work to my advantage just like it does for other fisherman. Whether I get a job working for a fishing company or become a professional fisherman myself someday, I know if I'm not the most successful fisherman, I will at least be able to generate sales for my sponsors because of the image I portray.
JT Bagwell reply :
Wow, this thread is over a year old. It is kind of cool to see someone revived it.
JT Bagwell
maxke01 reply :
To me sponsorship is something that needs to be earned, not asked for. I wouldn't even consider requesting sponsorship unless i knew 100% i could produce on the water. Would i like to be sponsored? Sure. But that doesnt excuse the fact that i have NO business experience and certainly I am not KVD material.
Peyton reply :
im 18 and i dont want a huge sponsor right now i still have alot of fishing to learn and stuff like that but i would just like a sponsor from like around my area just to get me through my tournaments until i get older and better at fishing and promotional sale so if even if anyone knows about field staff opportunities plzz hit me up and i think i have a great resume and alot of promotional opportunities for companies and i will not fail anyone i have business in my blood because my dad owes a roofing business so i know how promotional sale and stuff is
stoobie reply :
I'm 32, and thought that I wanted to have sponsorship. However, I have come to realize, as has been mentioned, nothing comes without effort. Up until recently, I had all the comfidence in my fishing skills. I have a true love for the sport, but don't think that I bring anything to the table that everyone else can bring. I'm a very well spoken, outgoing, and business minded person, but so are thousands of others. Like someone else said, I'll continue to sponsor myself(or let my friends sponsor me with the money they lose to me when we bet on our fishing trips ;D).
Don't forget why we fish! It's fun and we enjoy it.
squid reply :
QuoteTo me sponsorship is something that needs to be earned, not asked for. I wouldn't even consider requesting sponsorship unless i knew 100% i could produce on the water. Would i like to be sponsored? Sure. But that doesnt excuse the fact that i have NO business experience and certainly I am not KVD material.
You don't always need to produce on the water. You also need to know how to be a salesman. That is sometimes more important when starting out looking for a sponsor. What can you do for them.
Bassnbrett101 reply :
I just turned 19 a few weeks ago and havenever been concerned with getting sponsers. I always put fishing first, but in this off season (ice on all my lakes) i did make a resume and post it on this site. I'm not expecting to get any responses or sponsers out of it but i figure it wouldnt hurt to try either. I mean my fishing skills have gotten me really far for my age and i'm hoping the sponsors are just gonna take care of themselves in a couple years or so. I made Mid-Atlantic Divisonals for the state of PA this past year and thats just 2 steps away from the classic
basspro96 reply :
Sponsors really don't care if you fish the classic.All they care about is you selling their product. Sorry if I burst your bubble gut get ready for the "Dear John" letter. My friend Pat a semi professional angler is sponsored by G. Loomis,Vicious,Ranger/Evinrude,Abu Garcia, National Guard,and Minn Kota. It took him FIVE years to get sponsored by Ranger. He had to by 33,000 dollar boat and work boat shows even before they considered him. I know this is coming from a 12 year old. But this is some precious stuff here and I hope you take it to heart. If you consider college fishing DO NOT try to get sponsors. It may make you NOT ELIGIBLE for college fishing. If the fishing is backed by the NCAA. Just my $0.02
Bass XL reply :
QuoteSponsors really don't care if you fish the classic.All they care about is you selling their product.
Although I agree with the second part of your statement, I strongly disagree with the first part. If you qualify to fish the biggest event in bass fishing, and are a part of all of the publicity that comes with it, it is going to appeal BIG TIME to sponsors or potential sponsors.
basspro96 reply :
I guess I was sorta wrong with the first part
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
Here's a great example. It's Saturday morning,....Ice is out on a few lakes as of last night. 2+ inches of rain. ...........Its 55 degrees in RI.
I'll be spending the day at the new REI store answering all kinds of North Face questions about Gore-Tex, Hyvent, etc. My fishing partner Eric will be wearing his gore-tex as he makes his 1st casts of the yr. 
Welcome to the sponsored life.
Bassnbrett101 reply :
hey thats something i wouldnt mind lol. you could always go out after your meeting
CPT Scrap reply :
im 22, and fish competitively on two/three tourney series. granted they arent the big names, like flw or bass, just the ABA and the college smash mouth series. there are currently two views on sponsors i have, with the first being in relation to other colleges. schools like atu, eku, ou, vt, etc.; they all have sponsors, or atleast have their patches on their jerseys. those of us who dont seem to get looked down upon, and thats just not right (goes back to a status symbol). second, i work hard, and that money goes to my rent, truck payments, boat payments, expenses, etc. sponsorships are more of a discount/free product in return for me doin well and pushing the product. with tournament costs goin up as well as gas, any help i can get when it comes to the fishing essentials, i all for it.
Bassnbrett101 reply :
tell me about it. its almost as if you have to have atleast some kind of sponsership to even fish really competitive tournament series anymore. What is this college smashmouth series you're talking about? is that the college series you see on tv as in the bassmasters college league or is it different?
CPT Scrap reply :
it held through espn, and fcs has a series too. it colleges holding invitational tourneys, and then there are two national championships, the smash mouth series is held in pine bluff, ar and the fcs series is held on lake lewisville, tx. Check out collegebass.com, it has quite a bit of info.
Bassnbrett101 reply :
ok its the same series i've sent then. i want to start a club really bad but idk i'f i'll be able to get any sponsers for it before i have to graduate, and i don't want to be paying out of pocket
Daiwa reply :
Well JT. Its just fun to be apart of something. I think it would be great for someone to make just a kids sponcorship. Im alread sponcored by Blackdogrc.com for rc planes. Its alot of fun! check it out! http://64.33.154.92/blackdogrc/
Bass XL reply :
QuoteIm alread sponcored
Seriously, I've always wanted to try those R/C jets...Some cool stuff.
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
QuoteI think it would be great for someone to make just a kids sponcorship. Im alread sponcored by Blackdogrc.com for rc planes. Its alot of fun! check it out! http://64.33.154.92/blackdogrc/
Do your sponsor a favor and SPELL CHECK !!!!
Bassnajr reply :
I weep for the future.
ajr
Bassnbrett101 reply :
I'm in college right now and if i misspell a word on my paper and one of my professors notices you pretty much lose 10 pts. it kinda sucks, but it makes me look more at my word choices lol. if you cant spell the word dont use it. i tend to type sponser* instead of sponsor* sometimes though
preach4bass reply :
QuoteI'm in college right now and if i misspell a word on my paper and one of my professors notices you pretty much lose 10 pts. it kinda sucks, but it makes me look more at my word choices lol. if you cant spell the word dont use it. i tend to type sponser* instead of sponsor* sometimes though
When I was in college my professors docked us if we didn't capitalize the word "I" or the first word of each sentence. :
Bassnbrett101 reply :
lol i know but microsoft word does that for me lol. the forum doesnt
Pond Hopper reply :
No offense to those seeking sponsors or pro-staffs, but after a nice talk with 4bizz we both agreed that if you fish, and do it well, whether it be on a professional or recreational type, sponsors will find you. Too many people are looking for the easy way out and to fame and fortune.
Tin reply :
QuoteNo offense to those seeking sponsors or pro-staffs, but after a nice talk with 4bizz we both agreed that if you fish, and do it well, whether it be on a professional or recreational type, sponsors will find you. Too many people are looking for the easy way out and to fame and fortune.
Right on!
To add on the other subject, I just can't figure out why people who want sponsors come to this site and well, their post reads.... " i wud like to get sponsered and dont care what i hav 2 do as long as i can say i hav a sponser were shud i start"
I have said it before and will say it again. Who the ____ is going to want anything to do with a __________________? :-X : :-?
Bassnbrett101 reply :
QuoteQuoteNo offense to those seeking sponsors or pro-staffs, but after a nice talk with 4bizz we both agreed that if you fish, and do it well, whether it be on a professional or recreational type, sponsors will find you. Too many people are looking for the easy way out and to fame and fortune.Right on!
To add on the other subject, I just can't figure out why people who want sponsors come to this site and well, their post reads.... " i wud like to get sponsered and dont care what i hav 2 do as long as i can say i hav a sponser were shud i start"
I have said it before and will say it again. Who the ____ is going to want anything to do with a __________________? :-X :
Lol i did that. I came to the sight and saw the post resumes thing and the first thing i thought was "hey maybe thats where sponsers go to look for guys to sponser." so i went and i made my resume up and i posted it in the forum. sure enough the next day Bass XL tells me its a great resume but thats not what this particular forum is for. All i can think now is how dumb i was for thinking that lol.
Ehh no harm no foul though
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
Don't feel dumb, many, many, many manufacturers are here watching. Most take advantage of the free market info here. They use the site for lots of reasons from monitoring the publics reaction to a certain products (tackle, rods, boating) to looking for guys to help move business along (resume's)
BassResource is the pulse of the industry,.......They are here, and they are reading.
Daiwa reply :
QuoteQuoteIm alread sponcoredSeriously, I've always wanted to try those R/C jets...Some cool stuff.
Jets are alot of fun. Alot of people think its easy to fly rc planes but ITS NOT! Its one of the hardest hobbies Ive got. Its about 100x harder than flying a real airplane (ive gotten to co-pilot a cessna 152 skylane)
bass_101 reply :
I am on the pro-staff of Indian Creek Lure Co. I was approached by them to do some product testing. I got some free baits, and in return I wrote them an article about their baits. After doing so, they asked if I would like to be on their pro-staff. I agreed to and in return do articles on the internet and help with some fishing expo's in the future. I don't wear a fancy tournament shirt decked out in their logo's. I don't hop onto fishing forums bragging about having a sponsor. And I didn't approach them. My philosophy is you should let the sponsors come to you. If you HAVE what it takes to have a sponsor, they will get ahold of you! I am not sponsored by them to simply save money, I am also working to improve their products and sales. You should not feel you get free stuff in return for a few kind words. You need to be aware they sponsored you so that they can increase sales and awareness for their business reguardless of their level.
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
Where can we go to read the articles? Link please.
bass_101 reply :
I could not find the link due to the forum changing domain names, but I had it saved in my email. Here it is. If the mods think its too much of a spam, feel free to delete it; however, that is not what I intend this to be. When doing this, I first asked what they would want out of this article. Using what they were looking for, this is what I came up with. It is not a mile long yet it covers everything they were looking for. Pictures always improve an article!
Fishing with Indian Creek Lure Co. Baits
The Indian Creek Lure Co. Craw Tube and Brushy Pig are phenomenal plastics. My experiences with the baits have left me in awe. The baits have produced numerous 2-3 pound Iowa largemouth bass for me, more than any of my other fishing seasons. I Texas-rig the baits on a ¼ - 3/8 oz worm weight and a 3/0 4/0 EWG hook and pitch them to weed edges. The best presentation has been to slowly shake or drag the baits, inch by inch.
I have fished the bait in both clear and muddy water, and the fish seem to always want the bait. I have noticed an increase in then number of bites with cloudy conditions with wind. The more natural colors work best, mostly due to it being late in the fall. Having a mixture of cover and structure, such as a weed edge running next to an old Christmas tree is an ideal spot to fish the Indian Creek plastics.
Just as surprising as the results these baits produce is the durability of the baits themselves. Most plastics in today's market tear easily after a fish or two. Not these baits. I have caught 10+ fish on each bait before having to apply a little super glue to them. This is nearly unheard of in today's market.
Attached are a few photos of the average fish I have caught using the Craw Tube and Brushy Pig. All of the baits had CB's Hawg Sauce on them, which was just an added factor in attracting bass. I look forward to experiencing the results of the Indian Creek Lure Co. baits in next year's tournaments.
Cory D.
Just an average fish:
Pitchin' Fish:
Bug-Eyed:
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
"I got some free baits, and in return I wrote them an article about their baits." (above)
No,...that's just a testimonial,....I mean this stuff
"After doing so, they asked if I would like to be on their pro-staff. I agreed to and in return do articles on the internet and help with some fishing expo's in the future."
Glenn reply :
QuoteDon't feel dumb, many, many, many manufacturers are here watching. Most take advantage of the free market info here. They use the site for lots of reasons from monitoring the publics reaction to a certain products (tackle, rods, boating) to looking for guys to help move business along (resume's)BassResource is the pulse of the industry,.......They are here, and they are reading.
This is very true. At the Classic, virtually every pro and company exec knew of BassResource.com, and admitted to coming here often. They don't register often, but they do read what's here.
I won't reveal their names, but some of the pros came up to us during the Classic to say something about a post that was made earlier in the day. I got the feeling they wanted to keep their privacy, otherwise I would mention names, but also don't want to come off as some site owner trying to sound "cool" by name dropping - like some other sites do. :
I respect their privacy and boundaries.
bass_101 reply :
I had only fished a few weeks with the baits before the ice came. I did not have enough time under my belt with all of their baits to write them yet, but that will come in the future. When it does, I will be more than happy to post a link here.
I only tested a few of their baits as they were still planning what all they were going to pour and what colors to offer. Sorry for the confusion. They refered to what I wrote as a short article, so I went with that.
HesterIsGod reply :
Glenn,
Are there ELITE series pros registered and contributing posts right now?
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
QuoteQuoteDon't feel dumb, many, many, many manufacturers are here watching. Most take advantage of the free market info here. They use the site for lots of reasons from monitoring the publics reaction to a certain products (tackle, rods, boating) to looking for guys to help move business along (resume's)BassResource is the pulse of the industry,.......They are here, and they are reading.
This is very true. At the Classic, virtually every pro and company exec knew of BassResource.com, and admitted to coming here often. They don't register often, but they do read what's here.
I won't reveal their names, but some of the pros came up to us during the Classic to say something about a post that was made earlier in the day. I got the feeling they wanted to keep their privacy, otherwise I would mention names, but also don't want to come off as some site owner trying to sound "cool" by name dropping - like some other sites do. :
I respect their privacy and boundaries.
HesterIsGod reply :
I didn't want any names, I just wanted a yes or no, I guess that is a yes.
preach4bass reply :
Alright, alright, you're on to me ;D
Glenn reply :
Are elite pros coming here? Definitely.
Are they posting? Honestly, a few told me they did once or twice, but honestly I didn't ask, so I don't know. I was just delighted they're coming here and finding the site useful to them.
J-Dog reply :
i am fifteen and i own a business and i am also twice as good fishermen than everyone i know 8-). it is a passion of mine. i have much business experience being a business owner. and i need sponsors to afford better fishing gear, this is my dream is to get a sponsorship for fishing.
QuoteGREAT TOPIC...YOU GONNA WRITE UP AN ARTICLE ON THIS?WOULD MAKE FOR SOME GOOD READING!!
preach4bass reply :
Quoteyou should ask yourself who you are to judge us. i am fifteen and i own a business and i am also twice as good as you'll ever be at the sport of fishing. it is a passion of mine. i have much business experience being a business owner. and i need sponsors to afford better fishing gear, this is my dream is to get a sponsorship for fishing.QuoteGREAT TOPIC...YOU GONNA WRITE UP AN ARTICLE ON THIS?WOULD MAKE FOR SOME GOOD READING!!
Yea, I knew everything when I was 15 too. ;D
Welcome to BR!
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
Quotei am fifteen and i own a business and i am also twice as good fishermen than everyone i know 8-). it is a passion of mine. i have much business experience being a business owner. and i need sponsors to afford better fishing gear, this is my dream is to get a sponsorship for fishing.QuoteGREAT TOPIC...YOU GONNA WRITE UP AN ARTICLE ON THIS?WOULD MAKE FOR SOME GOOD READING!!
1. He was serious, JT is a writer for the Yamamoto magazine
2. You might want to check Squid's background before claiming to be twice the fisherman he is. Regardless, saying you are twice as good as someone else, is one sure way to never see a dime from a sponsor. They are not attracted to empty arrogance.
3. Your grammar/spelling will need to improve if you wish to attract sponsors.
Tin reply :
Well then J-Dog, I guess you just don't know many fishermen then.
Anyone ever talk to you about first-impressions?
Bassnbrett101 reply :
Ehh the boy is still 15, I'm sure everyone (well maybe not everyone, there are exceptions to every rule) on this website knew they were the best at everything when they were 15 too.
I know I was at that age, now I know there are always people that are better at everything than me. I know I still got some growing up to do myself, I'm trying to fight it as hard as I can though. I don't wanna grow up!
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
lol, true, true. But sponsors DO sponsor Jr anglers, so hopefully it'll be an awareness call for him
The good thing about being twice as good as anyone else though is that the sponsors will come to you so just keep fishing.
Example: Senko77 has been sponsored since he was 15. He is well spoken, humble, willing to learn and of course,....one heck of an angler. (Multiple tourny wins and top 5 placements and 2 fish over 13 lb,s from public water, before he was 16, not too shabby)
This , in my opinion, is why he is winning everything he enters and why Tru-Tungsten, Rat-L-Trap,etc have been on board with him. He is a great example for the young guns here.
ZOOM BAITS reply :
I am a 15 and would love to be sponsored but just have not tried. I do agree with some people, that it give you a badge that says you a great angler.
How much does a sponsor really help you out. I understand if it is a large contract but lets say I ask ZOOM BAITS to sponsor me and they say ya. Are they going to give me a few packs of worms and stuff a month? This was just a question I have had.
Bassnbrett101 reply :
it all depends on whats in your contract, when you get one read it carefully
Tin reply :
All depends on the amount of attention you get.
Bassnbrett101 reply :
that too lol
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
QuoteI am a 15 and would love to be sponsored but just have not tried. I do agree with some people, that it give you a badge that says you a great angler.How much does a sponsor really help you out. I understand if it is a large contract but lets say I ask ZOOM BAITS to sponsor me and they say ya. Are they going to give me a few packs of worms and stuff a month? This was just a question I have had.
Some reading for you
http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?num=1173009274
Daiwa reply :
Great thread. For me, its because during the winter here in MN we got ice. So I dont get out fishing much and I want to learn as much as I can. Which also gives me time to find a sponsor for upcoming tournaments.
Josh Johnson
Bass XL reply :
QuoteGreat thread. For me, its because during the winter here in MN we got ice. So I dont get out fishing much and I want to learn as much as I can. Which also gives me time to find a sponsor for upcoming tournaments.Josh Johnson
Daiwa: Are you involved in a Junior Bassmaster club?
basspro96 reply :
BASS XL I am pretty sure that Diawa is not in a Jr. Club But that is just coming from me
preach4bass reply :
So You Want A Sponsor?
Check out the 3-part series of articles on this topic on Bassmaster.com
Elite Image Fishing reply :
I feel as though kids today see the professional anglers with their patches,badges,decals, etc. and feel as though they must have sponsors to be a good fisherman... or to get free equipment. I learned many new things from this site. As a young angler my goal is to make a name for myself by winning tournaments. Great all around topic.
basspro96 reply :
Ya wacky that is soooo true when kids see KVD they see a good fisherman with aton of logos and free stuff on his boat. It is my goal to become not only a good fisherman but business man. I have a website and a resume.And hey that is all I can do right now to promote myself on the business view besides writing a HAND WRITTEN. Letter to companies. A hand written letter comes way better. Than the computer trust me.
Bass XL reply :
QuoteYa wacky that is soooo true when kids see KVD they see a good fisherman with aton of logos and free stuff on his boat. It is my goal to become not only a good fisherman but business man. I have a website and a resume.And hey that is all I can do right now to promote myself on the business view besides writing a HAND WRITTEN. Letter to companies. A hand written letter comes way better. Than the computer trust me.
Actually, many companies would rather you send an email.
Brian_Reeves reply :
I think with many of the kids, it's more about the free stuff than the advertising, staffing, and tournament success. I could give you a hundred free jigs, but that doesn't mean that you'll be any more or less successful on the water.
I think that, when sponsoring someone, companies want to see someone who as a drive and desire to be successful, has shown results in tournaments, and will do what they can to promote, develop, and test their product line. Most people aren't willing to do that, I don't think.
JT Bagwell reply :
QuoteQuoteYa wacky that is soooo true when kids see KVD they see a good fisherman with aton of logos and free stuff on his boat. It is my goal to become not only a good fisherman but business man. I have a website and a resume.And hey that is all I can do right now to promote myself on the business view besides writing a HAND WRITTEN. Letter to companies. A hand written letter comes way better. Than the computer trust me.Actually, many companies would rather you send an email.
90% of the deals I have had in reference to sponsorships or business agreements have come via a short email to the "right" person followed by a telephone call.
You can send all of the letters and emails you want to a company. If they are not going to a decision maker, then you are wasting a lot of your time.
JT Bagwell
macmaster761 reply :
This is an awesome thread....
I started fishing about 2 years ago, now i'm 20. I have often thought about fishing as a profession. Right now i'm going into my last year at school going for a baking and pastry degree. I LOVE FISHING!
However I have come to a conclusion. First It must be a lot of work to maintain these business relationships and all. It must be nerve-racking to know that if you don't win the next tournament or sell a certain amount of items that you'lll be dropped and jobless...
Second, it must be hard work... every time i see a fishing show, they're at a new location, somewhere else with their boats, travel must kill these guys.
Third, it has always been said that a bad day fishing beats a good day at work.... What happens when the two combine? It must be absolutely heartbreaking and depressing when you can't catch fish, which happens to everyone :'(
This is what makes me think that fishing should be a hobby at least for me, and that if all of this extra business stuff and traveling would actually limit real dedicated fun fishing time. For me at least, all this business seems to take away from the real reason for fishing, and could potentially make a stressful situation from an amazingly fun sport.
so i'll take my ultralight rod and fishing kayak to the pond (which probably doesn't have anything over 4# in it) and have just as much fun as the next guy without a sponsor 8-)
The_Natural reply :
QuoteI feel as though kids today see the professional anglers with their patches,badges,decals, etc. and feel as though they must have sponsors to be a good fisherman... or to get free equipment. I learned many new things from this site. As a young angler my goal is to make a name for myself by winning tournaments. Great all around topic.
It's not just the kids . Having pro-staff links in your signature equates to your posts being taking more seriously...like you are a tournament competitior. It is sad, but a lot of younger folks see it that way and therefore aspire to be a pro-staffer. If you don't fish tournaments...you can't be a pro-staffer, and if you fish tournaments you are automatically placed in a different segment of 'better' fisherman. I wanted to say I was sponsored when I was 16-18, and when I got a pro-staff deal through Quantum when I was 14...I dropped that fact every time I got a chance, and wore all the garb and barked about Quantum reels in every reel/rod conversation. The young ones will learn in a few years that unless you fish the elite series you aren't really sponsored. Sure you can get some free baits thrown your way in a few pro-staff deals and get 10 reels/rods a year at cost via your reel/rod pro-staff membership, but it matters more about your writing/resume creating skills than it does your angling ability. Most companies aren't really investing anything by giving a few anglers merchandise at cost. They are still buying it. I certainly am not trying to ruffle any feathers, but look at the 'tournament anglers' that hang around the sites you frequent. What trail do they fish? How are they doing amongst their peers? A lot of times (especially on the Texas Fishing Forum) the guy with the least amount of links in his signature is constantly placing in the money.
basspro96 reply :
JT what do you mean the "RIGHT" person I am going to send my resume to Zoom and Bandit, but dont know who to send it to zoom doesn't have a website and Bandit doesnt have any info.
senko_77 reply :
QuoteJT what do you mean the "RIGHT" person I am going to send my resume to Zoom and Bandit, but dont know who to send it to zoom doesn't have a website and Bandit doesnt have any info.
Sending your resume to Zoom and Bandit will do nothing for you. You need to attend the Classic and any form of fishing expo so you can meet the right people. The first company that first showed interest in me was Tru-Tungsten. From there, I was introduced to more and more people that saw potential in me. None of my current sponsors ever recieved a resume from me. They were met face to face at the 07 or 08 Classic and through telephone calls.
So have a nice resume ready, print out a ton of copies, and hit up the biggest events of the year for the fishing industry. And don't be dissapointed if it doesn't happen anytime soon. Your 12, and 12 year olds usually have a difficult time meeting the demands that a company requires.
Good luck
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
QuoteJT what do you mean the "RIGHT" person I am going to send my resume to Zoom and Bandit, but dont know who to send it to zoom doesn't have a website and Bandit doesnt have any info.
In taking advice previously posted, I am pretty sure you will be directed to the "right" person when it is your "right" time. Also, if you do the things you are supposed to do, that "right" person may just contact you instead of the other way around.
Remember, dont rush it. You have plenty of time in life...
billbrum reply :
Hi. I am new to the forum and I am 16. Personally, I feel that a 15 or 16 year old that wants a sponsorship because they don't have the money to buy the stuff they need is ridiculous. Get a job, i have had one for two years now and I have all the money I need to buy rods reels and baits. I don't exactly go cheap when I buy stuff either.
I have gotten free baits from a couple companies. But, they weren't big companies, I bought baits from them frequently and developed a good relationship with the owner. This was for my muskie fishing habit though.
Brian_Reeves reply :
When I was younger, I would save my allowance, save money from my job, and steal from my dad's tacklebox ;D Of course, when I was young, I only NEEDED two baits, since I only fished for speckled trout and redfish 99.9% of the time. Top Dawg Jr and an H&H Cocahoe Minnow (Queen and Regular sized). But still, I would raid tackleboxes for one top dawg every now and then. Probably not the nicest thing to do, but I had one heck of a collection.
Top Dawg Pup and the She Dawg owns all other walk the dog baits, by the way...for fresh and salt water. There...the secret's out. :
bkoguy07 reply :
I played paintball on a pretty high level (world cup national level stuff) and I have had many many sponsors. I'm 19 right now started playing at 11. I haven't balled in a long time. The sponsors took out the fun in the game. I learned extremely quickly that its not what the sponsors can do for you its what you can do for the sponsors. Paintball took over my life, and to do something that seirous with that many sponsors is a fulltime job. I'm not ready to grow up so I quit (after my contract went out). I hope I never feel that way about bass fishing..
earthworm77 reply :
Guys, seriously now, first, ask yourself this- why would Zoom or Bandit sponsor me? What do I have to offer them that they would actually be interested in? If I am 12 or 15, should I not be more concerned with school than getting a few packs of free baits...which I may not get anyway?
This is just silliness. It is nice to dream and believe that one has what it takes to even be in the same sentence as Kevin Van Dam or other big time pro's, but in all actuality, only one in a million may get close. It is totally unrealistic to think that a really big company is going bank on a 12 year old. I hate to be a dream killer but I think far more people are infatuated with the idea of being sponsored than with doing the work to attain that sponsorship.
That being said, I've said this before, just because you enjoy fishing, it doesn't qualify you for a sponsorship with any company. It is crazy to expect that. If you are a young person get involved in a club or casting kids. Build some street cred. If this was easy, everyone would be getting their tackle for free.
I have been in this industry for over 15 years. I've experienced both sides of the coin as a angler and as a manufacturer and now as a journalist. The bottom line is that you may only get one real chance to do this correctly, so do it right and plan it out.
For one minute, put yourself in the shoes of the person reviewing your resume. Is what you are reading impressive enough for you to say "Hey, lets sign this guy up"? One of the most generic things I see in a resume is this and don't do it..."My partner and I would be willing to wear any patches, hats, shirts etc. with your companies logo" Think about it, what are you really offering? Unfortunately and all to often this is the only thing being offered by the resume submitter and , it ain't a heck of a lot. Most companies have tons of people who actually buy their logo merchandise and wear it regularly so why would this benefit anyone? The bottom line is that you need to explain how you can produce results. How will you directly influence sales? Talking to people at the weigh in nice but in reality, there is no real way for a manufacturer to know you are doing anything on your own unless people drop your name.
In 2003 I wrote an article about how I started using Kistler Helium rods after I developed a serious elbow problem. This all came on the heels of a gauntlet fishing season where I competed in like 25 events over a 4 month period. I literally flipped my elbow to shreds. I got my hands on a Helium and felt that due to it being lighter, my problems cleared up and allowed me to win an AOL title and the Classic in my local circuit. Two days after I published the article I got a phone call from Kistler and was invited to be on their staff. That year customers dropped my name over 65 times when purchasing rods. Considering the cost of those rods at 269. to 289., you get the picture. That is how you influence sales.
Why does KVD have all these great deals? Think about what he can offer a manufacturer. If he says I catch all my fish on a white buzzbait, guess how many white buzzers SK is going to sell. Do you have that ability? Do you have clout with the media? You don't, so that is why you can't expect any deal other than a discount on product and you should be happy with that.
I read posts in amazement when people get bent out of shape that they were offered a crummy discount. What do you think they are going to offer a very low level angler? The keys to a new Ranger? Common sense. Start at the bottom and work your way up. If you are serious, you make strides to succeed. If you complain about it and get offended at the offer, you don't even get your foot in the door. That is why only a few succeed at this. They get upset that they are not offered the key to the city right away. Common sense!!
Remember being a staffer is like a job in itself. The more you put in, the more likely you will get some decent return. If you are not willing to put in the effort, why bother. I think people do it as a status thing but in reality it means little.
basspro96 reply :
I understand you guys are dwelling on age. I just lost a state champion buy 2 ounces 2 weeks ago. That state championship was to go to the FLW championship. That almost 99 percent of this forum probably has not fished in in anyway. That tournament would expose that company to about a couple hundred thousand people maybe more. And ya know yall are talking about school work, Hey I fish almost every day and am on sports teams and I average a 96. I just get tired of yall draggin on us all the time saying we are to young. You are never too young. Just keep trying. One time I asked brent from *** about it but he never said anything back to me just looked at my website hey thats fine with me at least he looked.
earthworm77 reply :
Basspro, you are out there doing what you need to do and that is great. I'm sure if you stick with it and are serious, your day will come. However, you can't rest on the laurels of "If I won that event, the exposure would have been....." You need to approach this with realistic goals. What can you do now for a sponsor, despite not having won a big event? Unfortunately most people aren't as vigilant as you and try to get what they can with as little effort as possible. It may not be fair to drag a whole group of people down but based on experience, it is fairly accurate to come to the conclusions I have. So many people talk the talk but can't walk the walk.
It isn't because they are dishonest, it is that they don't realize what this entails, the expectations on them and that in their young lives, there are so many other important things going on to distract them from focusing on their responsibilities. In all seriousness, a young person who is a staffer, really needs to stand out to get the respect of a much older audience. I read a response on one of these threads where someone said "Your 15, what do you know about life and what could you teach me?" As harsh as that sounds, the guy was 100% accurate. That is the opinion that every older person will have flash through his head when he meets this kid for the first time. What would make someone respect that kid? If it isn't there, he just sounds like every other young kid with aspirations. You have to be able to fill some decent sized shoes because people are generally skeptical.
I went through it when I was young, I conquered it by fishing competitively and beating those skeptics. You gain a reputation and hopefully it is positive and leads you to opportunities.
Consider this: Let's say a 16yr old or younger kid gets a staff position and the responsibilities are to travel around to shows and shops etc. That burden falls on a third party to shuttle that kid around. What kind of deal is the kid going to get to make it worthwhile for the parent to do that work...considering gas prices what they are. Also consider the approach that many people use is that they have no job and have no money and need equipment. Times are tough but they are tough for manufacturer's as well. The loss in profit is reflective of what is going on in the economy.
Don't make the mistake of thinking this is about a young generation not getting opportunities based on character flaws. It is only about being prepared to handle the tasks and responsibilities that they sign up for.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
QuoteI understand you guys are dwelling on age. I just lost a state champion buy 2 ounces 2 weeks ago. That state championship was to go to the FLW championship. That almost 99 percent of this forum probably has not fished in in anyway. That tournament would expose that company to about a couple hundred thousand people maybe more. And ya know yall are talking about school work, Hey I fish almost every day and am on sports teams and I average a 96. I just get tired of yall draggin on us all the time saying we are to young. You are never too young. Just keep trying. One time I asked brent about it but he never said anything back to me just looked at my website hey thats fine with me at least he looked.
Dwelling on age? Age and maturity level are two totally different things. I dont know you from the next 12 year old on here, but from reading your posts.....well let's just say your age is quite apparent.
I am glad you did well in A (notice singularity) tournament, but "shoulda, coulda, woulda" isnt going to cut it. Keep trying, improve your skills and most of all......LISTEN TO WHAT PEOPLE ARE TELLING YOU.
There is a reason you have two ears and one mouth, you need to listen twice as much as you speak.
Good luck with your endeavors.
Wayne
earthworm77 reply :
you need to listen twice as much as you speak
We have a winner. Excellent point Wayne!
I didn't want to be too harsh and say shoulda, coulda, woulda, but I'd be lying if I didn't tell you I thought it and absolutely said that in my head as I read that mssg. It doesn't matter what you almost did, it matters what you actually do and even then, maybe not. It is about maturity level and how you conduct yourself publicly. Near misses don't count for anything.
basspro96 reply :
Aparrently then listening to a national guard prostaffers wasnt the right thing to do. He told me to go for sponsor if you cant get them to come to you. He told me your never too young. And this is one of his pet peeves guys telling me and other kids our age and discouraging us.
earthworm77 reply :
BP96-What you don't seem to comprehend is that you need to sell yourself. You need to actually offer a benefit to the company you seek sponsorship from. It translates into what are you going to do for me now? It is a job. Federal law says you can't work until you are 15 or 16 and then it is restricted by special laws.
Basspro- Pretend you are trying for a sponsorship to my company, we specialize in hand pours, tubes and custom jigs with gamakatsu hooks. Sell yourself to me, the Pro Staff Coordinator..What do you have to offer....Ok? You and I can go back and forth and maybe you will get something out of this.......And.....begin.........
JT Bagwell reply :
QuoteI understand you guys are dwelling on age. I just lost a state champion buy 2 ounces 2 weeks ago. That state championship was to go to the FLW championship. That almost 99 percent of this forum probably has not fished in in anyway. That tournament would expose that company to about a couple hundred thousand people maybe more. And ya know yall are talking about school work, Hey I fish almost every day and am on sports teams and I average a 96. I just get tired of yall draggin on us all the time saying we are to young. You are never too young. Just keep trying. One time I asked brent about it but he never said anything back to me just looked at my website hey thats fine with me at least he looked.
You are correct, most of us have never fished the FLW Tour Championship. However, it wouldn't have mattered if you won by 10 lbs, at the age of 12 your a not eligible to fish the FLW Tour Championship either.
Straight from the FLW Rule Book.
2. Participation
Participation is open only to tournament members of FLW Outdoors who are 16 years of age or older. Any person entering a tournament under the age of majority must also have the signature of their parent or legal guardian in the provided space on the entry form.
JT Bagwell
earthworm77 reply :
Oh, and let me just add, if you misrepresent yourself, and you get caught, your credibility in the industry is shot, along with your hopes of a career.
SawyerOB reply :
Basspro96 you keep talking about your website, what is the web address?
Working in a tackle shop is the best way to get noticed and gain experience in my opinion.
billbrum reply :
JT Bagwell, I think he was referring to the Junior FLW Championship.
Basspro96, I think you should look at what everyone is saying as constructive criticism. But I agree that your age is a huge speed bump. Learn all you can through magazines, books, and on the water experience. Then think about sponsors and stuff like that.
basspro96 reply :
well guys my website is www.freewebs.com/basspro96 and yes I understand it is "Constructive criticism" but just get past that some of us aren't 20 year old. And while I was at walmart today I was just talking to guy in the fishing section. And he bought about 100 dollars worth of stuff from abu garcia, zoom, strike king, and bandit because I told them how good they were and stuff. Pretty cool experience
senko_77 reply :
First off, what kind of exposure does the FLW Jr. Nationals give? The only thing I ever hear about when it comes to that tournament is a small amount of exposure to the winner, and definately not enough exposure to plug a sponsor. If you want to make it big, go B.A.S.S. Even though they have done a few wrongs in the last few years, they are the way to go as far as promotions. FLW is the WORST at helping up and coming anglers.
Second, on your website in the resume/proposal section, there are some huge "12 year old" indicators on your resume. The biggest one is....quoted from http://www.freewebs.com/basspro96/resumeproposal.htm
"I will advertise for you by using stickers, logo's or whatever on the boat and tow vehicle, and on my fishing shirts."
The "or whatever" has absolutely gotta go. It sounds very unprofessional, and very middle schoolish.
Also this jumped out at me.....quoted from
http://www.freewebs.com/basspro96/resumeproposal.htm
"I currently get over 100 hits a week sometimes more than that."
I looked through every page on the site and could not locate a hit counter. Do you actually know the exact ammount of hits on your page, or is this a false statement?
Please don't take this the wrong way. The other members and I are just trying to help you out. All the criticism you are recieving now WILL help you in the future if you continue to pursue a career in bass fishing.
Good luck bud
basspro96 reply :
Ya the hundred hits a week was true when I first got it but everything went down sense then. I will change both. Thanks senko. And right now FLW is the best in B.A.S.S they make you go through a semi finals flw you just go to the championship. And B.A.S.S wont pay for anything now the clubs or the person has too.
fishfearme reply :
your only 12 no company is just gonna give you hundreds and hundreds of dollars in equipement and etc. just keep fishing and have fun and in a few years you will have your shot.
SawyerOB reply :
It's not just older people criticizing you im only 16 
senko_77 reply :
QuoteYa the hundred hits a week was true when I first got it but everything went down sense then. I will change both. Thanks senko. And right now FLW is the best in B.A.S.S they make you go through a semi finals flw you just go to the championship. And B.A.S.S wont pay for anything now the clubs or the person has too.
I'm not trying to argue with you, but believe me, if you want to make it big, B.A.S.S. is the way to go. The FLW Jr. Championship is easier to get to. If you make it to the B.A.S.S., it's a bigger accomplishment. Do the research....it is so difficult to plug your sponsors at an FLW event.
It's simple really. If your in it for the money, go FLW. If your in it for a career, then go B.A.S.S.
If you want, I can list 10 examples of why BASS gives you more and better exposure than FLW.
SawyerOB reply :
Not to be mean or anything but have you ever heard of a 12 year old being sponsored or even being on a prostaff ? Company's just aren't looking for that.
Bassnbrett101 reply :
QuoteQuoteYa the hundred hits a week was true when I first got it but everything went down sense then. I will change both. Thanks senko. And right now FLW is the best in B.A.S.S they make you go through a semi finals flw you just go to the championship. And B.A.S.S wont pay for anything now the clubs or the person has too.I'm not trying to argue with you, but believe me, if you want to make it big, B.A.S.S. is the way to go. The FLW Jr. Championship is easier to get to. If you make it to the B.A.S.S., it's a bigger accomplishment. Do the research....it is so difficult to plug your sponsors at an FLW event.
It's simple really. If your in it for the money, go FLW. If your in it for a career, then go B.A.S.S.
If you want, I can list 10 examples of why BASS gives you more and better exposure than FLW.
I agree but this arguement isnt for a forum like this. In my area theres alot of bad blood between the FLW and the BASS Federation Nation
bkoguy07 reply :
I checked your site, the tournament you won spelled your name wrong.
basspro96 reply :
I know but it isnt the only one I won
Tin reply :
QuoteQuoteYa the hundred hits a week was true when I first got it but everything went down sense then. I will change both. Thanks senko. And right now FLW is the best in B.A.S.S they make you go through a semi finals flw you just go to the championship. And B.A.S.S wont pay for anything now the clubs or the person has too.I'm not trying to argue with you, but believe me, if you want to make it big, B.A.S.S. is the way to go. The FLW Jr. Championship is easier to get to. If you make it to the B.A.S.S., it's a bigger accomplishment. Do the research....it is so difficult to plug your sponsors at an FLW event.
It's simple really. If your in it for the money, go FLW. If your in it for a career, then go B.A.S.S.
If you want, I can list 10 examples of why BASS gives you more and better exposure than FLW.
You know I like you man but you got some facts wrong...
First off I have competed in both the FLW and B.A.S.S. Jr. World Championships.
Second, I do agree it is hard to plug your sponsors but thats about it.
FLW easier to get to???? Um.... they are both just as difficult. And now with more and more kids competing in FLW because they can still go fish with pro's and go to the big show, I would say FLW is more difficult.
B.A.S.S. is a bigger deal? Not anymore, now that there really is not big world championship for the kids anymore. You go fish a BFN divisionals. FLW, you still go to the big show. Last year in Hot Springs for the FLW world championship my sis picked up sponsors just by walking around.
And more exposure???? My sis and I have gotten so much from FLW it is nuts. Nothing from B.A.S.S. I have some DVD's if you want to see me from when I was in the FLW world championship. And during the FLW on Sundays on FSN they use to (have not watched in forever) have commercials and little plugs about their youth program and I was in them. B.A.S.S. never has anything on their Bassmaster program on Saturdays.
I'm sorry but from someone who has competed and been to both, FLW has given me much more and it was a much more enjoyable experience.
basspro96 reply :
Thanks tin for backin me up
Low_Budget_Hooker reply :
No worries, at the rate they are cutting the youth initiatives, there will be no BASS Jrs. This seems to be ESPN's plan.
Tin reply :
QuoteThanks tin for backin me up
Just my experiences. Plus, B.A.S.S. will be lucky to be around in another 5-10 years so FLW might be the only way to go.
senko_77 reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteYa the hundred hits a week was true when I first got it but everything went down sense then. I will change both. Thanks senko. And right now FLW is the best in B.A.S.S they make you go through a semi finals flw you just go to the championship. And B.A.S.S wont pay for anything now the clubs or the person has too.I'm not trying to argue with you, but believe me, if you want to make it big, B.A.S.S. is the way to go. The FLW Jr. Championship is easier to get to. If you make it to the B.A.S.S., it's a bigger accomplishment. Do the research....it is so difficult to plug your sponsors at an FLW event.
It's simple really. If your in it for the money, go FLW. If your in it for a career, then go B.A.S.S.
If you want, I can list 10 examples of why BASS gives you more and better exposure than FLW.
You know I like you man but you got some facts wrong...
First off I have competed in both the FLW and B.A.S.S. Jr. World Championships.
Second, I do agree it is hard to plug your sponsors but thats about it.
FLW easier to get to???? Um.... they are both just as difficult. And now with more and more kids competing in FLW because they can still go fish with pro's and go to the big show, I would say FLW is more difficult.
B.A.S.S. is a bigger deal? Not anymore, now that there really is not big world championship for the kids anymore. You go fish a BFN divisionals. FLW, you still go to the big show. Last year in Hot Springs for the FLW world championship my sis picked up sponsors just by walking around.
And more exposure???? My sis and I have gotten so much from FLW it is nuts. Nothing from B.A.S.S. I have some DVD's if you want to see me from when I was in the FLW world championship. And during the FLW on Sundays on FSN they use to (have not watched in forever) have commercials and little plugs about their youth program and I was in them. B.A.S.S. never has anything on their Bassmaster program on Saturdays.
I'm sorry but from someone who has competed and been to both, FLW has given me much more and it was a much more enjoyable experience.
Mike, I hope you take my replies in the way that I'm saying them. In no way am I trying to attack you, just saying what I feel is true.
I know you, your sis, and plenty of other Jr. anglers got low balled BIGTIME by B.A.S.S. Your right, FLW does have a better Jr. program. But as far as which company gives you better exposure, it's very clear, and any big name in the industry will agree, that B.A.S.S. gives you more potential to make a name for yourself. As I stated earlier, if you want money, go FLW.
FLW gives the winner of the Jr. Champs like 5 seconds on t.v. and I might be wrong, but I have never seen anything in the FLW Outdoors mag on the winning Jr. anglers. B.A.S.S. and ESPN doesn't give the kids any time on the t.v. but from what I have seen, they write a good article in Bassmaster magazine.
FLW doesn't let you plug your sponsors AT ALL!!! It is so frustrating fishing the BFL's because in the press release following the tourny, they don't include company names unless it's an FLW sponsor. BASS gives the true story of lures, rods, and reels used.
Have you ever noticed on FLW Outdoors, all the anglers wear similar tourny shirts, hoodies, long sleeves, etc? FLW forces them to. BASS on the other hand allows you to wear whatever company supports you.
And lastly, all the big names fish BASS. There's no way to deny it. Yes, Nixon, Clausen, Ehrler, etc fish FLW, but rarely do you know much about the guys on FLW's t.v. show. Now when it comes to the Elite series you know pretty much all of the anglers.
All the career advice that I have recieved in the fishing catagory all has one thing in common. Go BASS if I want a name. Go FLW if I want a big check.
To say that BASS will be gone in a few years is nonsense. BASS will never go away. I believe that FLW will continue to gain more weekend anglers, but as far as which organization has the top trail, BASS will always own that title. They have a tougher pro circuit and a much more coveted championship.
Now to get back on track..lol. The best opportunity for young adults under 18 is FLW. You can go more places and compete in bigger events, but I truly believe that placing well in a FLW Jr. trail wont do a ton for you. Just my opinion.
Again, I hope this isn't taken the wrong way
Tin reply :
Nope, not at all. It's funny though, I prefer FLW and I fish the Bassmaster Weekend Series, you prefer B.A.S.S. and fish the BFL. We have to get our stuff straight. lol
I do like B.A.S.S/ABA for all the incentives and bonus programs for the Weekend Series. You can walk out with an extra 5-8k.
senko_77 reply :
QuoteNope, not at all. But why do you fish BFL over the Weekend Series then?
2 reasons.
1. I have a full time roommate and garunteed boater for the BFL's. This cuts cost tremendously, and gives me someone to practice with.
2. BFL Bulldog division fishes lakes that are closer to my house. 4 of the 5 BFL's were within 2 hours in the 2008 schedule. 2 out of 5 were within 2 hours in the 2008 Weekend series. This means more gas, no garunteed boater, and no splitting hotel fees.
Tin reply :
PM sent Ryan, didn't mean to sound like I was calling you out.
BassNub reply :
I love fishing and all but, I'm not out to look for sponsors. I'm out to enjoy myself and to enjoy what I do best and that is fishing. Right now I say that a person as young as I, or around the same age as me, shouldn't even worry about trying to get sponsors. You may be able to fish greatly and be determined in what you do but, are you mature enough to be able to present yourself as a professional figure and are you able to market yourself for the company that sponsors you? These here are my questions that I ask myself when I think about finding sponsors. You shouldn't find them, they should find you.
Sorry not topic related but, just wanted to throw some thinking questions out there for the younger people like myself.
StephenPineau reply :
QuoteAfter reading what seems like hundreds of posts on BassResource.comI am curious to know why kids these days are so infatuated with getting
sponsors?
I did some "Ask A Pro" stuff for a childrens fishing program and I got asked,
by kids that were 11 or 12 years old, how to get sponsors.
In reality "most" people (regardless of age) shouldn't even be concerned
with trying to get a sponsor. That energy should just be focused on fishing.
I want to hear from the 18 and under crowd as to why they are looking for
sponsors? I am also curious as to why they would even think that a company
would even be interested in dealing with someone with little to no business experience?
I would also like to hear from some of the over 18 group as to why they are looking
and why they think they are worthy of a sponsorship deal?
This topic is something that I have thought about numerous times.
JT Bagwell
I have to agree with JT. Whereas I can see where many of these kids are coming from (with wanting to get sponsors), I don't think that sponsorship should be anywhere on their list of priorities until much farther down the road in their career. I also think what a lot of people don't realize is that individuals that hound companies for a little product here and there or some sort of 'nothing' discount, actually hurts individuals that have already established themselves within the industry and their associated companies. What I mean by that is that it is becoming SUCH a common theme to see some 15 or 16 year old kid with a collection of logos on their jersey that companies begin buying into the idea that these individuals are deserving of a deal. Then, when they turn around and decide to help them out, it puts more and more strain on the company. Subsequently, when it comes time for established individuals to renegotiate contracts or improve their deals, the company has been taxed all year long and is then not able to provide the optimal deals to deserving anglers. It winds up being a sort of "trickle effect" that ends up hurting everyone in the industry.
StephenPineau reply :
QuoteQuoteNot to sound cocky, but I understand that business side I really do. I just wish I can make a decent resume and get notice. Anyone wants to email me what a good resume should look like for attracting sponsors?What exactly are the sponsors looking for? Looking for what I can do for company, exposure I recieve, my maturality, and personality? Is that what sponsors looking for?
I'm stuck on trying to type and have a good organize resume. I've just written down rough drafts and stuff, but it not ready to be offical.
All sponsors see when they look at you is a large $100 bill. The goal of them sponsoring you is to get them more business. IMO, angling skill has nothing to do with it. Selling yourself has everything to do with it. If you cant throw anything but a zebco, but you can sell 1000 packs of GYCB senkos at a trade show, then your going to be sponsored over the guy who can put a jig in a thimble 20 yards away, but doesn't have marketing skills. If your hellbent on sponsors, concentrate your efforts on how to effectively sell yourself.
Kid knows his stuff.....You're gonna go a long way Senko...
BigBubbaBassMan reply :
It's been said before but I'll repeat it again. Sponsorship should only be sought after you've won a few tournaments or can prove you've got the skills, knowledge, and ability to out-fish your competitors.
So find, fish, and win as many local and regional tournaments as you can find.
That said, a lot of bass Pros have day jobs that allow the pro a flexible work schedule and weekends off.
Good Luck
yankthatsucker reply :
QuoteAfter reading what seems like hundreds of posts on BassResource.comI am curious to know why kids these days are so infatuated with getting
sponsors?
I did some "Ask A Pro" stuff for a childrens fishing program and I got asked,
by kids that were 11 or 12 years old, how to get sponsors.
In reality "most" people (regardless of age) shouldn't even be concerned
with trying to get a sponsor. That energy should just be focused on fishing.
I want to hear from the 18 and under crowd as to why they are looking for
sponsors? I am also curious as to why they would even think that a company
would even be interested in dealing with someone with little to no business experience?
I would also like to hear from some of the over 18 group as to why they are looking
and why they think they are worthy of a sponsorship deal?
This topic is something that I have thought about numerous times.
JT Bagwell
who doesnt want free stuff?
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
QuoteQuoteAfter reading what seems like hundreds of posts on BassResource.comI am curious to know why kids these days are so infatuated with getting
sponsors?
I did some "Ask A Pro" stuff for a childrens fishing program and I got asked,
by kids that were 11 or 12 years old, how to get sponsors.
In reality "most" people (regardless of age) shouldn't even be concerned
with trying to get a sponsor. That energy should just be focused on fishing.
I want to hear from the 18 and under crowd as to why they are looking for
sponsors? I am also curious as to why they would even think that a company
would even be interested in dealing with someone with little to no business experience?
I would also like to hear from some of the over 18 group as to why they are looking
and why they think they are worthy of a sponsorship deal?
This topic is something that I have thought about numerous times.
JT Bagwell
who doesnt want free stuff?
I am guessing that is a rhetorical question, but I will answer with another question...
Why would anyone want to give you free stuff? Not you specifically, but "you" being an everyday angler or even an above average person seeking sponsorship.
Its not just "free stuff". More like rewards for services provided.
If you dont provide any service or an appreciable increase in a sponsor's business, why on earth would you get "free stuff".
You tell me...
yankthatsucker reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteAfter reading what seems like hundreds of posts on BassResource.comI am curious to know why kids these days are so infatuated with getting
sponsors?
I did some "Ask A Pro" stuff for a childrens fishing program and I got asked,
by kids that were 11 or 12 years old, how to get sponsors.
In reality "most" people (regardless of age) shouldn't even be concerned
with trying to get a sponsor. That energy should just be focused on fishing.
I want to hear from the 18 and under crowd as to why they are looking for
sponsors? I am also curious as to why they would even think that a company
would even be interested in dealing with someone with little to no business experience?
I would also like to hear from some of the over 18 group as to why they are looking
and why they think they are worthy of a sponsorship deal?
This topic is something that I have thought about numerous times.
JT Bagwell
who doesnt want free stuff?
I am guessing that is a rhetorical question, but I will answer with another question...
Why would anyone want to give you free stuff? Not you specifically, but "you" being an everyday angler or even an above average person seeking sponsorship.
Its not just "free stuff". More like rewards for services provided.
If you dont provide any service or an appreciable increase in a sponsor's business, why on earth would you get "free stuff".
You tell me...
Im gonna go fishing either way...im d**n good too so if you want to slap a shirt on me with your company name and give me some stuff in the process go right ahead... i could care less im just saying...
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
I can see your point about going fishing anyway. True.
If you are going to tout yourself as "dam good," you had better have some solid evidence to back it up. The "I could care less" attitude would be less than flattering to potential sponsors, more like off-putting.
Again, let me reiterate that this is not directed specifically at you. More to the people who might be reading this looking for some advice.
JMPO, whatever it's worth
yankthatsucker reply :
QuoteI can see your point about going fishing anyway. True.If you are going to tout yourself as "dam good," you had better have some solid evidence to back it up. The "I could care less" attitude would be less than flattering to potential sponsors, more like off-putting.
Again, let me reiterate that this is not directed specifically at you. More to the people who might be reading this looking for some advice.
JMPO, whatever it's worth
trust me i dont take anything personally ;D
Scorcher214 reply :
I'm currently 15,(turning 16 in February), and the only reason that I could see my self wanting sponsors if I wanted to get my name out there asap, if I was looking into fishing in some of the big name tournaments. But inorder to get your name out there, youd probly have to be a great fisherman, im good, but im not great, and for now, its for fun. Fish now, think later.
Bass Dude reply :
Just a thought with the kids (15-17) who are looking for sponsors...with your lack of life experience it would be hard for a company to consider you. Companies will say, "What does a teenager know about business and marketing." A sponsorship is not a training ground, they are looking for immediate returns. If you want to "learn" the businees, go to school or like someone said here, get a job in the business and use those skills to help you get a sponsor.
Not to discourage you from going after it, but I think it's extremely hard for a company to accept the fact that a teenager, just out of high school or still in high school could bring them any returns. Why would a 30 year old angler who has been fishing for years buy something that a 16 year old kid says is good.
I don't mean to be so blunt about this, but you need to be realistic. You have plenty of time to gain sponsorship---keep fishing and you will be noticed!! The reason people want to buy want KVD is selling---He wins with it!!!
bassmaster3000 reply :
QuoteI'm currently 15,(turning 16 in February), and the only reason that I could see my self wanting sponsors if I wanted to get my name out there asap, if I was looking into fishing in some of the big name tournaments. But inorder to get your name out there, youd probly have to be a great fisherman, im good, but im not great, and for now, its for fun. Fish now, think later.
I think this is completely true. I am a few years younger than you, (13), and I think that is the reason I would want a sponsor. For right now though it is just for fun. gettin' out there and getting practice. I am a part of the BASSMASTER youth program, so I am eligable to compete in tournaments. I really think that I will want to get sponsors later, and keep fishing with my dad and older brothers til I get better. 8-)
ChazfromVA reply :
Well i particularly dont feel the "NEED for sponsors" but i feel having a few would help me pursue a career in professional Bass fishing. When you fish as much as as many of us younger generation anglers do, you really want someone to recognize what you have accomplished. I personally feel that sponsors could help jumpstart a young, up-and-coming pro like myself. Free product really isn't an incentive to me. That will more than likely come with time. Its the fact that you want your self confidence boosted when your at a tournament and you want people to know that your a well accomplished fisherman avidly seeking a career in Bass fishing. Thats my personal opinion.
etommy28 reply :
I see where a lot of people come from, I am 19 and have several minor sponsors for my self and my College club, I never had this need when u fished just club tournies, but with things like college tournies, I have to get some other way to pay to travel to all the tournies, it is simply not possible for me to pay out of pocket. Especially on trips where I have to drive over a 1000 miles either way and say several nights.
bassinfla82 reply :
I cant really say how it is to gain deals in fishing.. It is my first love of Sports but as I finished high school I had contracts waiting on me to sign in PRO bowling.. As a youth I had AVGS of 240+ over 140 games 3 straight years in a row.. I totally ruled YABA.. I wouldnt even bowl scratch events anymore because It got to be not a game and I became VERY board with it. I knew I wanted to bowl for a living so I signed a deal with Track Bowling and Dexter shoes.. Before I knew what i was getting my self in to... I was under contract to bowl 7 days a week unless I was on tour and had to travel and I had to have Desk people at bowling alleys sign a form letting my sponsors know that I was bowling and wearing the LOGO... I still till this day bowl on the PBA tour 8th year doing so.. 7 years of that FULL TIME I got so tired of the game I loved so much that I had to change my life TOTALLY to do what I did and in the end I hate bowling... and only do it because I cant find a job that will pay me as high.. This is not saying anything about Sponsors for fishing... and I probably shouldnt even post this here... However all Im getting at by saying this is I wonder is being a BASS touring PRO are much work as the PBA tour is? and are the Sponsors as hard on their pros as mine are on me? I would love to go PRO in this sport but to tell you the truth Im scared because I love bass fishing and I dont want to grow to hate it as i have bowling.
JT Bagwell reply :
This thread is still generating some very interesting feedback.
JT Bagwell
greg516 reply :
To answer your question Mr. Bagwell, I don't want sponsors. I would rather get my name out there by working my arse off fishing and earning the respect rather than it "given" to me cause I have sponsor. I am 17 and I am on a pro-staff. It don't mean crap tho, it just means I know how to catch fish and know what im talking about.... But I am still learning.
etommy28 reply :
I personally dont really care about sponsor while i say that, I would like to get some for one very simple reason, cost. any help i get right now owould be fantastic, i drive about 1000 to 2000 miles per month to fish tournaments. so this gets very pricy. iknow I can fish with most any one. I qualified for 5 jrstate championship and have been fishing agianst adults and beating adults from time to time, since I was 14 I know I can fish which is good enough for me. IT JUST A MONEY PROBLEM.
NitroBoy88 reply :
I'm only 19 and I've been asked that same exact question a 100 times before. I've been through the BASS Youth ranks and fished the JWC and all that good stuff and a few years ago i talked to a big tall bald guy at a fishing show by the name of Marty Stone ;D. We talked for a while and one thing i'll never forget that he told me is that you shouldn't approach companies trying to gain a sponsorships but that you should rather let them come to you. Because in the marketing portion of this sport he said that a lot of these under age kids approach these companies just looking for free gear and what not. Rather then approaching the companies he told me that you know your valuable when the companies come to you. By no means do i feel i know everything about the marketing side of the fishing industry but over the years while talking to various people i've come to really see how it works. I know for a fact that 90% of these kids 18 and under don't know the first thing about promoting a companies products. I bet if you asked a select number of these kids trying to get sponsors they wouldn't even know what "Pro" in "Pro Staff is short for. They would probably say Proffesional Staff when it is actually Promotional Staff. By no means do you have to be a Proffesional to be on a companies Pro Staff. I also find it funny how many of these kids ( I really shouldnt be talking because im only 19 myself 
) email companies and have never used their products. How do they know the stuff is any good if they've never used it? The way i see it is that the only reason these kids are doing it is for 1: Free Product and 2: Because they want to be cool around their friends ( Trust me i feel cool too being sponsored, Just kidding ;D ) Just my 2 make it 3 cents.
roadwarrior reply :
** MODERATOR NOTE **
For those bringing up this thread for the first time, start on page
one if you are really intersted in sponsorship. This single thread
does a very good job of "covering it all."
-Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior
Global Moderator
roadwarrior reply :
Matt,
I saw your resume on the thread you started. That's where it belongs,
not here.
-Kent a.k.a. roadwarrior
bass wrangler569 reply :
I'm 17 and my ultimate goal is to be able to fish professionally. I fully 100% believe that I will be able to accomplish this for three reasons, one, I have a plan, two, I'm more than willing to work my @$$ off for it, and three, I won't quit trying until I succeed.
Right now, I could care less about sponsors. I obviously would love to be sponsored for all of the benefits it would offer but now I am much more concerned with trying to get as much experience as I can before college. I'm fishing every tournament I can possibly enter this season (around 25 club, district, youth, and state team tournaments) so that I can try to get as much on the water experience as I can. I'm lucky enough to have supportive parents that are willing to pay my entry fees and gas money for all of my tournaments, so that helps me out a ton money wise. After I get enough experience under my belt that I feel that I will be marketable, then I'll look for sponsors but right now I'm more concerned with working on becoming the best fishermen I can possibly be.
Hinkle2891 reply :
im currently in college to become a police officer. 20 years old. i'm thinkin that i'll be an officer for about 10 years, gain some assets, (boat, nice truck, etc) and then compete in some tournaments. i was in the same boat as some of those 12 year olds. i think that they want to be like Mike Iaconelli and be a young gun, but there's a reason why there's mostly older guys sponsered - bait companies are GIVING you stuff for FREE... they want experience and someone who they can trust to push the product. However, being young, i can scream BOOYAH louder than anyone i know lol.
Thorsten reply :
QuoteI wonder is being a BASS touring PRO are much work as the PBA tour is? and are the Sponsors as hard on their pros as mine are on me? I would love to go PRO in this sport but to tell you the truth Im scared because I love bass fishing and I dont want to grow to hate it as i have bowling.
That is an excellent question. I would like to hear some of the pros weigh in on this...although I am not sure it would be best to bad mouth the hand that is feeding you.
I always wondered this about PRO sports. Most of us on this board really enjoy fishing...would we really enjoy it if we were forced to go out in 35 degree weather with 30-40mph wind gusts and 3-4ft in our fresh Goretex suit for a photo op just because our ranger and Gortex sponsors told us to? I am not sure I would...not to say that I wouldn't do this for fun (once), but I don't think I would appreciate being told to do so.
I imagine you could lose a lot of the fun and excitement that fishing brings when you do get sponsors when they begin pulling your strings.
Fishing for me is an escape from the realities of work and the world. I work so that I can afford to fish.
If the reason you are looking for a sponsor is so that you can afford to fish, you are doing it for the wrong reason. Get a good daytime job, work hard, fish your time off, be frugal with your money (have little debt and invest in the future) and retire early. That's my plan and I'm sticking to it.
Just one more point before I hop off my soapbox...These companies are looking for people to buy their product, not for people to give it away to. Buy the product, prove it works by using it and then talk about the product. If you are influential enough to get people to buy it, the company making the product will approach you. In other words, don't let sponsorship be the means to recognition...recognition is the means to sponsorship.
Oh by the way...I know I just join BassResource.com, but I am a really good web surfer and the web is costing me some money...since this is a great site, I was hoping you could sponsor my web surfing. A little check in the mail each month would be great...BTW, I can surf twice as good as the next guy in case you were wondering... ;D
DwayneBreland reply :
When I was 18 years old I believed I knew it all. I was so good at selling a product that I even had an offer to get a Boat deal from a very big boat company. At 18 years I was not ready. You might be able to go out there and just catch the fish like crazy but what you don't realize is that you just don't have the experience to promote companies like they need to be promoted. It takes more than just going to tournaments and wearing a companies logo during a tournament to say you're sponsored.
Being sponsored means going out to different boat shows and tackle shows and promoting their product. It means when your in a tournament actually fish that product. See you have to start off on the bottom and work your way up. That means going two states away helping that sponsor work a show and never ask that sponsor for a dime. Not even a product. What you're learning is how to promote. Being sponsored means wearing their shirts every where you go and taking time to talk to people and answer any and all questions they have regarding that product. Being sponsored means going back to school and getting a degree in marketing as well as taking speech classes to help you speak in front of big crowds. Being sponsored means going to children's hospitals and spending time with them and letting them know that everything is going to be alright. Not because you have to but because you want to. Being sponsored means going in the community and giving back to the children and letting them know that they do have a chance in life. If their dream is to be a doctor let them know that no one can stop them in living their dream out if they work hard to get it. Being sponsored is so much more than just tournament fishing. You have to learn how to reach out to all communities and help every person of every color understand how to catch fish on the product you are promoting and last but not least being sponsored means promoting a product you truly believe in and fish every time you go fishing.
I currently have one sponsor. I have been working with this company for over a year now and started at the bottom and never did I ask for anything. I simply called this man up and told him about his product and how much I enjoyed fishing this bait. I am very proud to work for him and will do so for many years to come.
why do I feel I am ready to be sponsored.
Now I am 29 years old. I am a husband and a father of one boy and one girl. I named both of my kids after boats lol. I knew at 18 years old that I was not ready because I knew I would only get better with age. I knew I would mature and mature I did. I did not want to waste my shot at 18 and for some reason make a mistake and never have that shot again. I now know what it takes to hold down a sponsorship and am ready. I set my plans up to make this a 3 year to 4 year run to become an elite series angler. I have allowed myself time to grow and I found out this is not only my dream but this is what i was put on earth to do. I was put on this earth to give all kids a hope in life. Through fishing and my faith in Christ Jesus I will accomplish that feat.
Thanks everyone and I hope I did not offend anyone on this site from the words I just wrote. I am here to help and will help you out anyway I can. Thanks again, Donald Breland
Glenn reply :
Donald,
Being sponsored also means acting responsibly when representing your sponsors. One surefire way to lose your sponsorships is to log on to a website and start spamming it or acting in a manner that is against the terms of service of that site.
A little reading of the agreement when you sign on, and hanging out to see how things are run go a long way. Taking shortcuts, not paying attention to the FAQ's (for example) is a surefire way to get nasty letters to your sponsors about your behavior.
Just a tip. :
Elite Image Fishing reply :
Mr. Breland,
I think everything you stated may have been already addressed in some way on this thread. Also I feel that you have to first be able to catch fish before you attempt to get any sponsorship, seeing as how your entire income/sponsorship would rely on you winning and doing well in tournaments, even if that is not %100 of the job. The seminars,hospital visits, and other appearances may play a big role, but i.m.o you will not make it to that point without being able to fish.
Az Bassin reply :
I have been in quite a few local tourneys and not an expert on the subject of fishing but i belive in what i know..When i was growing up i idolized Bill dance,Rolland Martin ect and i never really had any concept of what sponsors expected from you..In my mind it was you are the greatest and the sponsors flocked to your door.Then i had always wanted sponsors i thought it was a free ride,well now several years later and talking to people in bass fishing and other sports i have a better understanding of what sponsorship is all about..
I love to fish and would love it as a full time job, I dont think i would want the pressure to over come the Passion.....
BigNiner reply :
QuoteI am 24 years old and a student. Like many others, I've felt the pressure to acquire sponsors but have not pursued any as my studies have become more important to me at this time than fishing. I realize that competing at a national level, such as BASS or FLW, that the fees for the events can be quite high, and there is just not enough time or money during the week to work a regular 40 hour job, travel 1 or more days to an event, practice, and do well in a competition. That, perhaps, is a reason why many anglers from the younger generations feel as though sponsorship is an absolute necessity.Also, I've noticed the hard work ethic of professional anglers. The stories of how they came to be professionals are not always puppy dogs, unicorns and four-leaf clovers. They've all worked very hard in the past and that hard work has proven to be economically viable for them. Some of us want to be the best, and we can be, but we're going to have to take the ride. Some of us will get there faster than others, and some of will get there less scathed than others, but if we work just as hard as the professionals to get where we want, then we will. Someone will notice.
I agree with a lot of what was said here...
EasternPAfisherman reply :
I'm from the 11-14 range and I have two fishing sponsors. Fish Harder Companies (Tru-Tungsten, Picasso, Youvella, and Cpt. Mike's lures) and Rufneck lures (Newest sponsor.). I'm looking for more so my dad and I can fish tournaments next year. But even though were not yet I have been promoting my sponsors proudly and I was on a local TV show promoting fish harder companies because rufneck lures didnt sponsor me yet. I should do another show next month so then i can promote both of them. I want to go to promotional shows but sadly with gas prices it can't happen right this second. Anyway, my plan is to go to Penn state U, or Pittsburgh state U so I can get a degree in marketing and fish on their fishing team. Also after college go enter some tourneys.
JT Bagwell reply :
Still some very interesting points being made here.
JT Bagwell
1st Shirt reply :
I am 35 years old and a 17 year Air Force veteran. I hear a lot of the guys that I fish with talk about how they wish they had some sponsors to cover the cost of tournament fees and such. I think that most people that are seeking sponsorship think that they are going to get sponsorship like some of the Elite guys have. They think that their sponsors are going to cover tournament fees and basically pay them to fish. Most do not realize that sponsors want them to do more than just fish. They want them to devote a lot of time in selling their products. Now most of the guys I fish with have full time jobs and cannot devote that kind of time and energy for a sponsor. They really want something for nothing and think that sponsorship is going to give it to them.
I do not have any sponsors nor am I seeking any. I joke with my wife's aunt telling her that her company should wrap my boat and pay my tournament fees and in return I will pull the boat all over the country. I know that being active duty I could not devote the time and energy needed for sponsors. There seems to be this misguided thought out there that you have to have sponsors to be a good fisherman. There is a guy that fishes one of the local tournaments here and has his boat wrapped by a rod company. We have smoked him at the weigh in line several times with no sponsors. Now I do not know what other tournaments he fishes and he may do very well in them, but sponsorship doesn't make the fisherman. I want to be known as the guy who could win a tournament on any given lake at any time. I also know that I have a looooooong way to go to get there! Being known as a great fisherman is more important than sponsorship to me.
Kowen117 reply :
I'm 14 and and your rite i don't have any experience in sales or business but its a dream to get sponsored and become a professional angler I do however have experience in fishing lots of fishing i have been fishing since i could hold a rod and bass fishing since i was about nine I pray that some day i can get that extra experience in sales and business weather that be in college or partially here on this site i do not know yet so my question for you is not how to get a sponsor but how I can acquire the skill and experience in those two fields above to be able to get a sponsor when the time come after college and earning my respect in the lower amateur tournaments thanks
Grey Wolf reply :
QuoteI'm 14 and and your rite i don't have any experience in sales or business but its a dream to get sponsored and become a professional angler I do however have experience in fishing lots of fishing i have been fishing since i could hold a rod and bass fishing since i was about nine I pray that some day i can get that extra experience in sales and business weather that be in college or partially here on this site i do not know yet so my question for you is not how to get a sponsor but how I can acquire the skill and experience in those two fields above to be able to get a sponsor when the time come after college and earning my respect in the lower amateur tournaments thanks
Simple , stay in school , learn marketing.
Tin reply :
QuoteQuoteI'm 14 and and your rite i don't have any experience in sales or business but its a dream to get sponsored and become a professional angler I do however have experience in fishing lots of fishing i have been fishing since i could hold a rod and bass fishing since i was about nine I pray that some day i can get that extra experience in sales and business weather that be in college or partially here on this site i do not know yet so my question for you is not how to get a sponsor but how I can acquire the skill and experience in those two fields above to be able to get a sponsor when the time come after college and earning my respect in the lower amateur tournaments thanksSimple , stay in school , learn marketing.
And how to type, spell, use punctuation, and how to communicate with others without making yourself look like a dumb___.
Bassnajr reply :
This thread is STILL going??!!!
This kid probably graduated college by now. Or then again, probably not!!!! ;D
central.PA.bass reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteI'm 14 and and your rite i don't have any experience in sales or business but its a dream to get sponsored and become a professional angler I do however have experience in fishing lots of fishing i have been fishing since i could hold a rod and bass fishing since i was about nine I pray that some day i can get that extra experience in sales and business weather that be in college or partially here on this site i do not know yet so my question for you is not how to get a sponsor but how I can acquire the skill and experience in those two fields above to be able to get a sponsor when the time come after college and earning my respect in the lower amateur tournaments thanksSimple , stay in school , learn marketing.
And how to type, spell, use punctuation, and how to communicate with others without making yourself look like a dumb___.
haha i was just going to say that may have been the longest sentence i have ever read in my life!
dave reply :
QuoteThis thread is STILL going??!!!This kid probably graduated college by now. Or then again, probably not!!!! ;D
I LOVE THIS THREAD !!!
Gregory25 reply :
To get sponsors:
In todays world you have to be able to sell your self first. Be able to communicate and stay composed around crowds at all times.
You need to be able to fish, or your about worthless to your sponsors.
Need to be able to sale their products and have the knowledge to be able to talk with sense while doing it.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
QuoteTo get sponsors:In todays world you have to be able to sell your self first. Be able to communicate and stay composed around crowds at all times.
You need to be able to fish, or your about worthless to your sponsors.
You Need to be able to sale their products and have the knowledge to be able to talk with sense while doing it.
You also must possess the ability to proofread...
I added the "You" in the last sentence for you and highlighted some other areas of interest.
Pitchinkid reply :
im glad i wasnt 14 or so when i joined this site. I think yall would have made me cry and quit fishing. Some of yall are A$$holes.
Pitchinkid reply :
why sugar coat it. you are all jerks. Especially speedbead.
SPEEDBEAD. reply :
Yep, I agree with Flippin girl.
b.Lee reply :
Off the Bat, people wants sponsors simply because they want free stuff and paid expenses. You all can disagree, but what else does a sponsor do beside provide for you so you can be the face of their company so people like us can buy their crap.
I have no experience in fishing sponsors, but I do have experience in a sport where sponsors are probably impossible to get if you are not good.
I started out in paintball, going into my junior year of college I co-founded our schools first ever Paintball Collegiate Team. In doing so we had no support from the school and no support from sponsors. Our first year out we played every tournament we could and practiced as much as a could, honing our skills. We lived and breathed paintball. We never focused on sponsors or anything. Everything out of pocket, and this especially being hard for college students on a budget, with school to focus on as well... Fortunately we had a core group of guys and one girl which we always stood by each other, helped each other with expenses whenever we could.
In the end we made it the Collegiate Nationals in Grape Vine, Texas and in a two day tournament won our first national title and won the tournament itself. An even bigger accomplishment, we were the first team to ever do this West of the Mississippi, cause you see at that time all of the collegiate teams were from the East with full funding from schools and well established history of paintball.
In my senior year, we were contacted by all the major companies for them to sponsor us. We ended up fully geared and ready to go and with money from our school for travel expenses and supplies. Because we proved ourselves to be great we won again our second year out.
Moral of the story, don't go looking for it. Focus on what is important and the good stuff will follow. KVD, Skeet, Mike I don't think they got where they are asking people to give them stuff. They did because they became the best at what they do.
I am at the bottom left. No Guts No Glory, we flew to Texas not knowing what to expect and kicked butt.
JT Bagwell reply :
Wow, in just over 2 months it will have been 3 years since I started this thread. lol
Glenn,
What is the longest running (non-sticky) and most read thread we have had on here so far?
JT Bagwell
bassattackerdad reply :
I think there are numerous reasons teenagers want sponsors, not least of which is to defray costs of very expensive bass fishing equipment like quality rods and reels, a multitude of lines, hard & soft plastics, hooks, tungsten weights, etc, etc.. Just like adults, this stuff costs! From club membership, national memberships, state memberships not to mention tournament fees, fuel costs, repairs & boat upkeep. I would say that the large percentage of those kids looking for sponsorship are pretty serious about their competitive fishing. Many of them desire to reach for the pro ranks. And once you've used high quality gear, you know there is a big difference between it and run of the mill stuff. Many of these "kids" are darn good fishermen, rivaling many adults who have been fishing much, much longer. As I said, it's an expensive sport and junior sponsorship helps defray costs. It's not just a one way street. Manufacturers know that these kids are the next generation of bass fishermen and some of them will actually become pros and some will actually become big names in the bass fishing world. What company wouldn't want to get in on the ground level of the next KVD or Skeet Reese? It's a gamble for them when they give out gear, but not really because it's all part of a comprehensive marketing strategy. Just like cigarette companies who want to "hook" the next generation of smokers, fishing equipment manufacturers & bait companies want to "catch" the next generation of bass fisherman. The earlier the better. On the flip side of this, there are guys who own fishing companies and people in the fishing industry who just like kids and enjoy seeing kids out there following a good clean passion like fishing. These companies are very generous about giving gear to youth who have a passion for bass fishing. I've seen this first hand. My advice to any teens who are seeking sponsorship: Don't just send out resumes. Try to arrange a personal meeting with the decision maker: such as Director of Pro Staff, Marketing Director, or the owner of the company if it is small. Some companies want a formal contract which will require an adult's signature and others will approach it in a much less formal way. Have your parent/s involved either way since you are a minor and your parent will always be looking out for your best interest. In my opinion, nothing beats talking one on one with your potential sponsors. This is the real business part of it. While a resume may seem important and it is to a certain degree, the personal interaction is more so. I have hired and fired many people in my life and my decision to hire always came after the interview, not before.
basspro96 reply :
Do you think when I am looking for a sponsor. For example I just sent my resume and everything to strike king. Which they told me to send in a resume. To tell them that my father has been in marketing almost 15 years now? And that he is head of US operations of a company...(He runs the US side of the company)
Grey Wolf reply :
QuoteDo you think when I am looking for a sponsor. For example I just sent my resume and everything to strike king. Which they told me to send in a resume. To tell them that my father has been in marketing almost 15 years now? And that he is head of US operations of a company...(He runs the US side of the company)
I don't believe they care what your father does . You've got to sell yourself not your daddy.
Tin reply :
QuoteDo you think when I am looking for a sponsor. For example I just sent my resume and everything to strike king. Which they told me to send in a resume. To tell them that my father has been in marketing almost 15 years now? And that he is head of US operations of a company...(He runs the US side of the company)
Your dad has nothing to do with it.
basspro96 reply :
Well one time a guy told me to put that I have a parent that has been in marketing and stuff..But thanks
Scorcher214 reply :
Being age 10-16 or even 18, we just want free stuff. Its hard for kids to get all the nice stuff like a shimano curado E, those expensive swimbaits, or a G. Loomis rod. we just cant afford it. Then we see u guys with jobs and the few with sponsors, talking about your cool fancy equipment. No offense to guys with fancy equipment. We just want the fancy equipment too. And free stuff ;D.
I'm only 16 and have more important things to worry about right now. If somebody wants to offer me a sponsorship, woo hoo I'm all for it but I'm not gonna go look for one anytime soon.
RI_Bass_Guy reply :
Well I had job when I was age and saved up to buy "fancy" equipment and still managed to do my school work, play sports and fish. I had my first boat at age 17 and fished my tournament at 18. Its all about desire and commitment. You sadly mistaken if you think a tackle company or other sponsor is just going to give a bunch of free stuff to people who have not done anything. I know some junior bass masters who have worked their butts off and it has paid off for them with sponsors.
If you want something bad enough, you need to WORK for it
Scorcher214 reply :
25 years ago, it was probably easier to get a job as a teen. I've put in at least 15-20 applications. and haven't gotten a call or anything. All the adults that have been laid off now take the jobs teens would take. Especially since i live in Michigan and live short drive from Detroit.
I know that i wont get stuff for nothing, but thats wat i believe them little kids wanting sponsors think
TimJ reply :
In my early club tournament days, I was loyal to one local tackle shop. I would recommend him to others and his prices were very fair. As I started to fish the tour, he set me up with a very big rod/reel company. I could give him what he wanted (my time) and he helped me out with a pro staff deal that, even though not cash, helped me out tremendously.
As I fished the Ontario tour, a few other mfgs approached me and offered goods but didn't ask for much in return. I appreciated this very much. I was told by a rep that if I ever needed support, just ask, from a major boat motor mfg but I had to kindly refuse. I couldn't give him the time that he deserved nor could I travel the distances req'd, and I told him that. Canada is big!
I guess that the point is you should build a rep and be prepared to pay (even time) for what you get. In the end, it's better to build bridges than burn them.
TJ
fishermantony reply :
Years ago a musician friend of mine played me an instructional video from Flea the bassist from The Red Hot Chili Peppers. In the video River Phoenix asks Flea about the guitar he is using, Flea proudly holds up the guitar and begins explaining why he enjoys it so much, he finishes his explanation by saying the guitar costs just a little over a hundred bucks! Fleas next comment is something I will never forget and try to apply to many situations and areas of my life........."I'm more smash than flash." In fishing I think sponsorships are glamorous and glamour and visibility are part of the American culture. I agree with the author, if you want to be a competitive bass fisherman your first and main focus has to be fishing. As you evolve and become competitive at different levels you should begin to think about the possibility of sponsorship. I'm just applying this question to myself and actually using it as a great reminder of what I need to focus on......bass....because I'm just starting out myself.
VersatileFuturian reply :
I haven't read all 13 pages of this post but I thought I would put my 2 cents in. I was one who started in the youth and worked my way and am still working my way up. I started when I was 8 years old when the Bassmasters casting kids was a big thing. I won the state championship 4 times. I got too old for it and the junior clubs became the big thing as the casting kids dwindled. I won state 3 out of 4 years and a 4th place finish in the national championship 1 year. Then I joined a men's club. Tied for second in the largest club in my state and even qualified for the state tournament all in my first year. Went to college and started a club. We won the first qualifying event, finished 5th in the regional championship, and qualified for the national championship. Aside from all that I have done well in many team tournament schedules with my father. Throughout this whole time though I would see kids actually receiving sponsorships. I couldn't figure it out. Of course some were professional angler's sons but others weren't. I didn't know how they were doing it or how much of a sponsorship it was. It may have just been a couple free baits and a logo on a shirt but 1 year in the juniors Berkley had a deal. If you wore their hat each day of competition and then won the tournament. They would give you a 1 year sponsorship. We would sit through seminars as kids as some guy in a tournament shirt would tell us that it is more important to look your best on stage and present yourself well because potential sponsors are watching. I really disagree with what they were teaching us. But just look at all the problems with the different tours right now. Who is the last person they are worried about? The angler and even more the amatuer anglers. They are only caring about sponsors. I am not saying they have done everything bad but they have priced themselves out of the everyman's market.
We can all honestly realize that it is impossible to become a professional angler without a significant amount of money. Most young anglers who turn pro, that are in their early 20's, have to pay their own way. I don't know of any 21 year olds with $50,000 boats and hundreds of thousand dollars socked away from mowing grass and summer jobs to pay for the entry fees and travel expenses to fish these tournaments now days. I know I cannot afford it. A lot of really good fisherman young and old, some better than the guys you see on TV, cannot afford to fish professionally. So how is a person supposed to capture this dream? I have no idea. If anyone knows, then please tell me. There may be a guy out there that can beat KVD 6 out of 7 days a week but cannot afford to fish the elite series. So who's autograph do you everyone will want? So yes kids look for sponsors and that's what we were always taught is that you cannot do it without sponsors. But sponsors are not just going to hand you money and say "here go fish every tournament and finish last place, it is all on us" but these kids don't realize that. You have to work on you fishing skills and the sponsors will fall in place. To make it pro though you either need a big break or a family that is rich enough to back you. I am 21 and am on 2 "pro staffs" of 2 different companies. 1 a rod company and the other a bait company. I'll get some free baits every once in a blue moon and a percentage of every sale I make. I get 50% off rods and a percentage of every rod I sell and when I reach a certain sale amount I get a free rod. Nothing big but that little bit helps and it is a start. I did not look for sponsors. I did not know how. I fished and work my butt off every day to get better and better. Those just fell in place. I am one of those guys looking for 1 big break.
ttufishinman reply :
I am currently a freshman at Tennessee Tech University I am majoring in Agribusiness Management and I am also a part of the fishing club here. One of the main struggles for our club is having the money to participate in the numerous tournament trails available to the fishermen on the collegiate level. I can think of six off the top of my head and most of the tournaments we participate in are out of state. This creates a problem for the everyday college student because as you could imagine, money is tight. The University here does not really help us out as much as we would like, but that is understandable due to the economy and other circumstances. So as a team we must find a way to HELP with our money situation (notice i said HELP not fix) and as we all know this sport would not be anything without sponsors and the actions they take to make fishing as great as it is today. So who do you think we ask for help?............SPONSORS!!!!!! 
Some people may want sponsors for a badge of pride or for a higher social status, but there are people out there (including my teammates and I) that truly need the help of sponsors to participate in the sport we love. We have a handful of sponsors now that are specifically product sponsorships, which in my opinion is GREAT. I cannot complain with a box of jigs and and a handful of six dollar spinner baits for free, but as you could imagine it is very hard to fill your truck or boat up with fuel with a box of jigs. Are newest mission as a team is to find a sponsorship that will pay for our new jerseys for the team which I estimate being around eight hundred to a thousand dollars. Of course the companies logo would be the biggest patch on the jersey and will be on the chest for everyone to see. We are not a very large university so you could imagine how tough it is trying to get sponsors when there are schools you compete against such as the University of Tennessee Knoxville, the University of Alabama, and the University of Georgia just to name a few. These are very prominent schools that are well known all over the country. You could imagine how hard it is to get media coverage when the schools you compete against are powerhouses in the SEC conference. This just gives us the motivation and will power to go out to every tournament ready to win and project our TEAM (notice I said TEAM) as a candidate to sponsors in the field. We project ourselves in a very professional manner because sponsorships are not just received by sending in resumes and making phone calls, but it is also by word of mouth. College fishing is going to explode in popularity in the next few years and I am anxious to see how it turns out. This is a dream come true for me to fish on a college fishing team because not only will you fish tournaments against great competition, but it is a great way to make a relationship with sponsors especially if you plan on trying to fish professionally once you graduate. I plan on making an attempt to fish professionally after I graduate, but if that does not work out then I will have an education and a back up plan. Nothing will ever keep me from fishing tournaments whether I am fishing for the forest wood cup, in my local bass club, or just a friendly competition against my dad for a little bit of bragging rights.
StingerJon11 reply :
If you're looking for material for this article still, I'm 24, a professional, and never thought about acquiring sponsorships until now.
While turning a hobby in to a profession is the life-goal of every soul that has ever existed, I've never toyed with the idea of becoming a professional angler. Many consider making money a hobby to fuel other hobbies.
Being that I don't have a resume or game plan to become a pro angler, here is an outside input: sponsorships are viewed as a free ticket to stardom.
I've played professional paintball years ago and sponsorship hunts were part of the game that made things seem worth while. When spending countless hours on the road, time in hotel rooms, and money that should be used towards rent; you expect the industry to give something back to you. This isn't a "true" notion, however, as the individual is nothing.
Personally, I don't believe that anyone should be paid to go fishing. The idea is silly to me. For such a cheap sport that you can spend hours with well in to age, who needs sponsorships? Fish to fish. The sport gives you enough without having to be paid.
In regards to myself, I think people should pay me for everything. I'm marketable (musician with speaking presence), well versed in speaking and writing, and my intentions aren't ill. Sponsor me.
Grey Wolf reply :
QuoteIf you're looking for material for this article still, I'm 24, a professional, and never thought about acquiring sponsorships until now.While turning a hobby in to a profession is the life-goal of every soul that has ever existed, I've never toyed with the idea of becoming a professional angler. Many consider making money a hobby to fuel other hobbies.
Being that I don't have a resume or game plan to become a pro angler, here is an outside input: sponsorships are viewed as a free ticket to stardom.
I've played professional paintball years ago and sponsorship hunts were part of the game that made things seem worth while. When spending countless hours on the road, time in hotel rooms, and money that should be used towards rent; you expect the industry to give something back to you. This isn't a "true" notion, however, as the individual is nothing.
Personally, I don't believe that anyone should be paid to go fishing. The idea is silly to me. For such a cheap sport that you can spend hours with well in to age, who needs sponsorships? Fish to fish. The sport gives you enough without having to be paid.
In regards to myself, I think people should pay me for everything. I'm marketable (musician with speaking presence), well versed in speaking and writing, and my intentions aren't ill. Sponsor me.
I really think you are full of
StingerJon11 reply :
QuoteQuoteIf you're looking for material for this article still, I'm 24, a professional, and never thought about acquiring sponsorships until now.While turning a hobby in to a profession is the life-goal of every soul that has ever existed, I've never toyed with the idea of becoming a professional angler. Many consider making money a hobby to fuel other hobbies.
Being that I don't have a resume or game plan to become a pro angler, here is an outside input: sponsorships are viewed as a free ticket to stardom.
I've played professional paintball years ago and sponsorship hunts were part of the game that made things seem worth while. When spending countless hours on the road, time in hotel rooms, and money that should be used towards rent; you expect the industry to give something back to you. This isn't a "true" notion, however, as the individual is nothing.
Personally, I don't believe that anyone should be paid to go fishing. The idea is silly to me. For such a cheap sport that you can spend hours with well in to age, who needs sponsorships? Fish to fish. The sport gives you enough without having to be paid.
In regards to myself, I think people should pay me for everything. I'm marketable (musician with speaking presence), well versed in speaking and writing, and my intentions aren't ill. Sponsor me.
I really think you are full of
which part?
Grey Wolf reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteIf you're looking for material for this article still, I'm 24, a professional, and never thought about acquiring sponsorships until now.While turning a hobby in to a profession is the life-goal of every soul that has ever existed, I've never toyed with the idea of becoming a professional angler. Many consider making money a hobby to fuel other hobbies.
Being that I don't have a resume or game plan to become a pro angler, here is an outside input: sponsorships are viewed as a free ticket to stardom.
I've played professional paintball years ago and sponsorship hunts were part of the game that made things seem worth while. When spending countless hours on the road, time in hotel rooms, and money that should be used towards rent; you expect the industry to give something back to you. This isn't a "true" notion, however, as the individual is nothing.
Personally, I don't believe that anyone should be paid to go fishing. The idea is silly to me. For such a cheap sport that you can spend hours with well in to age, who needs sponsorships? Fish to fish. The sport gives you enough without having to be paid.
In regards to myself, I think people should pay me for everything. I'm marketable (musician with speaking presence), well versed in speaking and writing, and my intentions aren't ill. Sponsor me.
I really think you are full of
which part?
The part above your shoulders.
Tin reply :
whiskey tango foxtrot
etommy28 reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteIf you're looking for material for this article still, I'm 24, a professional, and never thought about acquiring sponsorships until now.While turning a hobby in to a profession is the life-goal of every soul that has ever existed, I've never toyed with the idea of becoming a professional angler. Many consider making money a hobby to fuel other hobbies.
Being that I don't have a resume or game plan to become a pro angler, here is an outside input: sponsorships are viewed as a free ticket to stardom.
I've played professional paintball years ago and sponsorship hunts were part of the game that made things seem worth while. When spending countless hours on the road, time in hotel rooms, and money that should be used towards rent; you expect the industry to give something back to you. This isn't a "true" notion, however, as the individual is nothing.
Personally, I don't believe that anyone should be paid to go fishing. The idea is silly to me. For such a cheap sport that you can spend hours with well in to age, who needs sponsorships? Fish to fish. The sport gives you enough without having to be paid.
In regards to myself, I think people should pay me for everything. I'm marketable (musician with speaking presence), well versed in speaking and writing, and my intentions aren't ill. Sponsor me.
I really think you are full of
which part?
The part above your shoulders.
Them be fightin words!
J Francho reply :
Impressive internet muscles!
ttufishinman reply :
QuoteIf you're looking for material for this article still, I'm 24, a professional, and never thought about acquiring sponsorships until now.While turning a hobby in to a profession is the life-goal of every soul that has ever existed, I've never toyed with the idea of becoming a professional angler. Many consider making money a hobby to fuel other hobbies.
Being that I don't have a resume or game plan to become a pro angler, here is an outside input: sponsorships are viewed as a free ticket to stardom.
I've played professional paintball years ago and sponsorship hunts were part of the game that made things seem worth while. When spending countless hours on the road, time in hotel rooms, and money that should be used towards rent; you expect the industry to give something back to you. This isn't a "true" notion, however, as the individual is nothing.
Personally, I don't believe that anyone should be paid to go fishing. The idea is silly to me. For such a cheap sport that you can spend hours with well in to age, who needs sponsorships? Fish to fish. The sport gives you enough without having to be paid.
In regards to myself, I think people should pay me for everything. I'm marketable (musician with speaking presence), well versed in speaking and writing, and my intentions aren't ill. Sponsor me.
if you dont believe people should be paid to fish do you believe any professional athlete should get paid? fishing is a sport just like everything else there is an elite group of people that are considered "pros" and for that they should be rewarded. when you say a "cheap sport" it makes me think you have never seen a twenty dollar luckycraft jerkbait or a 300 dollar gloomis rod heck skeeter has a new boat now that i think is around $70,000 although i may be wrong on that exact number but this sport is not cheap at all especially if you want to compete on a higher level
StingerJon11 reply :
QuoteQuoteIf you're looking for material for this article still, I'm 24, a professional, and never thought about acquiring sponsorships until now.While turning a hobby in to a profession is the life-goal of every soul that has ever existed, I've never toyed with the idea of becoming a professional angler. Many consider making money a hobby to fuel other hobbies.
Being that I don't have a resume or game plan to become a pro angler, here is an outside input: sponsorships are viewed as a free ticket to stardom.
I've played professional paintball years ago and sponsorship hunts were part of the game that made things seem worth while. When spending countless hours on the road, time in hotel rooms, and money that should be used towards rent; you expect the industry to give something back to you. This isn't a "true" notion, however, as the individual is nothing.
Personally, I don't believe that anyone should be paid to go fishing. The idea is silly to me. For such a cheap sport that you can spend hours with well in to age, who needs sponsorships? Fish to fish. The sport gives you enough without having to be paid.
In regards to myself, I think people should pay me for everything. I'm marketable (musician with speaking presence), well versed in speaking and writing, and my intentions aren't ill. Sponsor me.
if you dont believe people should be paid to fish do you believe any professional athlete should get paid? fishing is a sport just like everything else there is an elite group of people that are considered "pros" and for that they should be rewarded. when you say a "cheap sport" it makes me think you have never seen a twenty dollar luckycraft jerkbait or a 300 dollar gloomis rod heck skeeter has a new boat now that i think is around $70,000 although i may be wrong on that exact number but this sport is not cheap at all especially if you want to compete on a higher level
don't forget the $30-50k for a truck to haul the boat..
What i'm trying to say, as its on topic, is that sub 18-yo kids shouldn't be looking for handouts. I believe fishing is a fun leisure activity and if competition is your thing, enter them on your own dime. You'll get the recognition if you deserve it. Making a name for yourself isn't difficult on the local level. I feel marketability comes by making a name for yourself on a local level. If you deserve it, things will snowball. If you can't make a name for yourself and be in that network of people who know you locally, do you really deserve a sponsorship because of your resume?
People also consider poker a sport.
Carrington reply :
i feel that you should fish for fun. if i get noticed and some guy offers me a sponsorship then good for me, but im not going to go around asking for them.
chris090981 reply :
Because when they think sponsors , They think FREE ! They picture a 60 lb. tackle bag full of FREE lures sitting inside their FREE $70,000 boat awaiting blast off to fish their FREE tournament that their sponsor picked up ! I would recommend letting them learn just like you and i did ... Nothings FREE , But feel FREE to dream kids ! And also respect this sport and teach newcomers to respect it as well !QuoteI am curious to know why kids these days are so infatuated with getting
sponsors?
ttufishinman reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteIf you're looking for material for this article still, I'm 24, a professional, and never thought about acquiring sponsorships until now.While turning a hobby in to a profession is the life-goal of every soul that has ever existed, I've never toyed with the idea of becoming a professional angler. Many consider making money a hobby to fuel other hobbies.
Being that I don't have a resume or game plan to become a pro angler, here is an outside input: sponsorships are viewed as a free ticket to stardom.
I've played professional paintball years ago and sponsorship hunts were part of the game that made things seem worth while. When spending countless hours on the road, time in hotel rooms, and money that should be used towards rent; you expect the industry to give something back to you. This isn't a "true" notion, however, as the individual is nothing.
Personally, I don't believe that anyone should be paid to go fishing. The idea is silly to me. For such a cheap sport that you can spend hours with well in to age, who needs sponsorships? Fish to fish. The sport gives you enough without having to be paid.
In regards to myself, I think people should pay me for everything. I'm marketable (musician with speaking presence), well versed in speaking and writing, and my intentions aren't ill. Sponsor me.
if you dont believe people should be paid to fish do you believe any professional athlete should get paid? fishing is a sport just like everything else there is an elite group of people that are considered "pros" and for that they should be rewarded. when you say a "cheap sport" it makes me think you have never seen a twenty dollar luckycraft jerkbait or a 300 dollar gloomis rod heck skeeter has a new boat now that i think is around $70,000 although i may be wrong on that exact number but this sport is not cheap at all especially if you want to compete on a higher level
don't forget the $30-50k for a truck to haul the boat..
What i'm trying to say, as its on topic, is that sub 18-yo kids shouldn't be looking for handouts. I believe fishing is a fun leisure activity and if competition is your thing, enter them on your own dime. You'll get the recognition if you deserve it. Making a name for yourself isn't difficult on the local level. I feel marketability comes by making a name for yourself on a local level. If you deserve it, things will snowball. If you can't make a name for yourself and be in that network of people who know you locally, do you really deserve a sponsorship because of your resume?
People also consider poker a sport.
well as a college student that fishes on a college fishing team, sponsors help us get to these tournaments and compete. we are not looking for handout or someone to carry us but as you could imagine the average college student isnt rolling in the dough. im an 18 year old that loves to fish and compete especially on the collegiate level im not out there trying to get sponsors because i want a sixty pound bag of free gear but because our team NEEDS sponsors to compete against every other college. not every 18 year old wants sponsors just for the free stuff you have to put back some time and effort for your sponsors as well its not just a one way deal. they help us out we will help them out.
etommy28 reply :
QuoteQuoteQuoteQuoteIf you're looking for material for this article still, I'm 24, a professional, and never thought about acquiring sponsorships until now.While turning a hobby in to a profession is the life-goal of every soul that has ever existed, I've never toyed with the idea of becoming a professional angler. Many consider making money a hobby to fuel other hobbies.
Being that I don't have a resume or game plan to become a pro angler, here is an outside input: sponsorships are viewed as a free ticket to stardom.
I've played professional paintball years ago and sponsorship hunts were part of the game that made things seem worth while. When spending countless hours on the road, time in hotel rooms, and money that should be used towards rent; you expect the industry to give something back to you. This isn't a "true" notion, however, as the individual is nothing.
Personally, I don't believe that anyone should be paid to go fishing. The idea is silly to me. For such a cheap sport that you can spend hours with well in to age, who needs sponsorships? Fish to fish. The sport gives you enough without having to be paid.
In regards to myself, I think people should pay me for everything. I'm marketable (musician with speaking presence), well versed in speaking and writing, and my intentions aren't ill. Sponsor me.
if you dont believe people should be paid to fish do you believe any professional athlete should get paid? fishing is a sport just like everything else there is an elite group of people that are considered "pros" and for that they should be rewarded. when you say a "cheap sport" it makes me think you have never seen a twenty dollar luckycraft jerkbait or a 300 dollar gloomis rod heck skeeter has a new boat now that i think is around $70,000 although i may be wrong on that exact number but this sport is not cheap at all especially if you want to compete on a higher level
don't forget the $30-50k for a truck to haul the boat..
What i'm trying to say, as its on topic, is that sub 18-yo kids shouldn't be looking for handouts. I believe fishing is a fun leisure activity and if competition is your thing, enter them on your own dime. You'll get the recognition if you deserve it. Making a name for yourself isn't difficult on the local level. I feel marketability comes by making a name for yourself on a local level. If you deserve it, things will snowball. If you can't make a name for yourself and be in that network of people who know you locally, do you really deserve a sponsorship because of your resume?
People also consider poker a sport.
well as a college student that fishes on a college fishing team, sponsors help us get to these tournaments and compete. we are not looking for handout or someone to carry us but as you could imagine the average college student isnt rolling in the dough. im an 18 year old that loves to fish and compete especially on the collegiate level im not out there trying to get sponsors because i want a sixty pound bag of free gear but because our team NEEDS sponsors to compete against every other college. not every 18 year old wants sponsors just for the free stuff you have to put back some time and effort for your sponsors as well its not just a one way deal. they help us out we will help them out.
I have said and thought that same thing many times, since I am in the same boat as you. Some people just dont get how hard it is for college angler and any college athlete, dealing with not just the sport but class, in many cases jobs, and so much more.
SoFlaBassAddict reply :
QuoteI have said and thought that same thing many times, since I am in the same boat as you. Some people just dont get how hard it is for college angler and any college athlete, dealing with not just the sport but class, in many cases jobs, and so much more.
Out of curiosity, how is that really different from the average person trying to balance a job, feeding and clothing their children, keeping a roof over their heads along with trying to enjoy the sport they love.
I'm not trying to make it seem that college and being a collegiate athlete is easy. I've been there. You say "some people" don't get it. Well on the reverse side "some college kids" don't get it either. It's no easier in the real world. If something is that much of a pain to balance out, you need to rethink your reasons for doing it.
etommy28 reply :
QuoteQuoteI have said and thought that same thing many times, since I am in the same boat as you. Some people just dont get how hard it is for college angler and any college athlete, dealing with not just the sport but class, in many cases jobs, and so much more.
Out of curiosity, how is that really different from the average person trying to balance a job, feeding and clothing their children, keeping a roof over their heads along with trying to enjoy the sport they love.
I'm not trying to make it seem that college and being a collegiate athlete is easy. I've been there. You say "some people" don't get it. Well on the reverse side "some college kids" don't get it either. It's no easier in the real world. If something is that much of a pain to balance out, you need to rethink your reasons for doing it.
Your right, but the reason i say it is I have heard many a time that we just go fish its fun, its easy, it does not take that much time. But It s not, really any different like you were saying, thats the point I was trying to make. The reason at least i do it is because i love it and im willing to take the time and effort it takes. you are stating exactly the point of what im saying, that for a college angler or even high schooler who want to be very compeditive itso not really any different than any other person or adult.
bilgerat reply :
This is the same generation that, as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies, etc. camped out in front of supermarkets begging you to buy cookies and popcorn. Mom and dad made sure they never wanted for anything. Their sense of entitlement astounds me.
Here's an idea. Grab your $50 spinning combo and go fishing. A lot. Stay out for hours on end regardless of the weather. Learn it from the inside out. Border on obsession. A good fisherman will spank the competition regardless of what he fishes with. Fishing with limited resources makes you improvise and think on the fly. You can't buy that kind of experience. If you think for a minute free gear will make you better, you've lost already. Pack it up.
I know in this day and age of instant celebrities, marketing, agents, getting paid, etc. this sounds like crazy talk but no one is giving you zip unless you produce. Big time.
BTW, this is not meant to be a blanket statement about 'today's generation' by a raving old man. I'm positive there are some hungry young anglers out there who have what it takes. Making yourself look good next to someone with his hand out makes it that much easier for you in the long run.
ttufishinman reply :
QuoteQuoteI have said and thought that same thing many times, since I am in the same boat as you. Some people just dont get how hard it is for college angler and any college athlete, dealing with not just the sport but class, in many cases jobs, and so much more.
Out of curiosity, how is that really different from the average person trying to balance a job, feeding and clothing their children, keeping a roof over their heads along with trying to enjoy the sport they love.
I'm not trying to make it seem that college and being a collegiate athlete is easy. I've been there. You say "some people" don't get it. Well on the reverse side "some college kids" don't get it either. It's no easier in the real world. If something is that much of a pain to balance out, you need to rethink your reasons for doing it.
the point i was trying to make is that college anglers really dont have time to get a good job while they are in school so getting money is harder than an adult that has finished college or whatever and has a decent job. either way its a good challenge on both ends thats what makes it fun
OKstateMiller reply :
i think too many kids these days are given handouts for being familiar with the sport at a young age. most of these kids cant catch a fish out of a bathtub. i think that you must first build yourself credibility at the local level. you have to do well in order to earn a sponsor.
UPS VT reply :
QuoteThis is the same generation that, as Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Brownies, etc. camped out in front of supermarkets begging you to buy cookies and popcorn. Mom and dad made sure they never wanted for anything. Their sense of entitlement astounds me.Here's an idea. Grab your $50 spinning combo and go fishing. A lot. Stay out for hours on end regardless of the weather. Learn it from the inside out. Border on obsession. A good fisherman will spank the competition regardless of what he fishes with. Fishing with limited resources makes you improvise and think on the fly. You can't buy that kind of experience. If you think for a minute free gear will make you better, you've lost already. Pack it up.
I know in this day and age of instant celebrities, marketing, agents, getting paid, etc. this sounds like crazy talk but no one is giving you zip unless you produce. Big time.
BTW, this is not meant to be a blanket statement about 'today's generation' by a raving old man. I'm positive there are some hungry young anglers out there who have what it takes. Making yourself look good next to someone with his hand out makes it that much easier for you in the long run.
Do you really have a problem with youth organizations like Scouts raising money?
etommy28 reply :
I was in the scout, in fact an eagle scout. I was never handed any thing, to get to that level you have to earn every thing, or at least we did. so i feel that is a very bad comparison, how ever being one of those "kid" you talk about, i know what you mean about people not putting the time in on the water, that is why I go out alot by my self because people wont or cant go with me, but I made darn sure i spend the time on the water.
Sorry Im starting to rant but it bothers me how some people think just because we are younger we should not get the same chances as every one else, thats just my feeling i know many people dont agree with it.
UPS VT reply :
Congratulations on being an Eagle Scout. I have been a Boy Scout leader for 14 years so I know what an accomplishment that is and how hard you have to work to get there. You don't seem like someone that is looking for a hand out, and I was kind of upset that someone would have a problem with scouts raising money.
etommy28 reply :
QuoteCongratulations on being an Eagle Scout. I have been a Boy Scout leader for 14 years so I know what an accomplishment that is and how hard you have to work to get there. You don't seem like someone that is looking for a hand out, and I was kind of upset that someone would have a problem with scouts raising money.
I was backing up what you were saying.
bilgerat reply :
I've got nothing against the Scouts or similar youth organizations. I do, however, have a problem with the adult leadership that thinks camping out in front of a supermarket to sell cookies is a fine way of raising funds. To me it's lazy. For all I know the attorneys and insurance companies decided car washes or other activities were too risky and selling cookies is all that's left for fundraising. I hope not.
Honestly, I have all the respect in the world for the Scouts and especially for the ones who stuck it out and achieved the rank of Eagle Scout.
Perhaps I was out line in my original post bringing up the Scouts in the way I did. If I offended any Scouts, my apologies.
hatrix reply :
QuoteFrom everyone I have ever talked to about this (youth) its a badge of status. They believe that it is the industry's seal of approval on being one of the best. They very much want people to look up to them as they look up to their heroes. Its not just happening in Fishing. Take any indiviudal sport (skateboarding, surfing, biking, etc) and its the same misguided ambitions.Its sad that most people dont understand that they could just get a job with the same company they are seeking a sponsor from. Being the regional sales manager for Shimano looks way better on any resume than being 'sponsored' does.
Well when I was in my teens all I wanted was to be sponsored and go pro. But my dream was to be a pro skateboarder not bass fisherman. I spent every minute I had getting footage and going bigger then the next guy so I could send it to companies and shops. By the time i was 18 I had plenty of sponsors and was considered a amateur. they sent me tons of clothes shoes boards you name it but no $checks$. Eventually it became more like a job then a hobbie. I had to produce new tricks and footage for fear of loosing all my free stuff. In the end I lost sight of why I even started skating and it seemed more like going to work then going out to play and have fun. No matter how good you are nothing is free just cause your awesome at it.
CAdeltaLipRipper reply :
i dont think you should even try to get sponsors until you are 18 and get a job and education to support yourself for one. Its a lot easier to get better at fishing when your parents support your living for you and you can concentrate the most on fishing.So use those 18 to 20 years wisely lol. Start working your way up and earn a reputation. Get a solid place in life. THEN worry about sponsors and the whole 9 yards
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