Steve H

Remember, not all bites are bass bites. I believe I catch more than 90% of the legitimate bass bites I get on soft plastics some days 100% Many times when you feel "machine gun and multiple machine gun" bites they are panfish of some sort.

Haven't been there in 20 years or so. I caught most fish on a 1/4 oz jig. Lots of stuff to run into as I remember. Caught some small smallies and a few largemouth. Sorry I can't offer more.

I agree with the trailer hook. Also, is the rod your using really limber? A spinnerbait actually has a pretty big hook on it and while a forgiving tip can help, you really need some backbone.

Guys, I'm not trying to be critical of your reccomendations (they are good for other situations), but the guy is talking about dragging big fish out of heavy barnacle laden cover. You really need heavy tackle. Just my .02

It may have a glass tip (like an ugly stick) that would have more give to let fish inhale the lure better, but IMHO it would "deaden" the feel.

I fish it on a 7'6" flippin stick with 50lb braid in heavy grass or cover. On the other hand a 7' m spin rod with 10lb flouro gets the nod in more open areas or wacky fishing, switch to a 6' with 20lb braid around docks (skipping)

Any body own one??? Thinking about one for next year, maybe.

It's sad, no doubt about it. What really concernes me is when we read a story about Pro X using bait Y and when we see the footage our hero is using bait Z. I think this will only make this happen to a greater degree.

IMHO the reason is that your craw although falling vertically is staying horizontal as it falls, not nose first. P.S. Same hook works wonders with a super fluke

Take the time and expense to have a good photographer take photos of you posing with a fish.

Coty, What are offering to do for a manufacturer be more specific. Will you hang a banner on the side of the boat and explain product at the weigh ins? What is the name of the radio station and what area does it cover? In the tournament details, what did you place and how many boats, that would be the extent other than what entity was running the tournament. Mention how you are broadening your horizons by fishing as a courtesy fisherman and learning.

Coty, I am not sponsored in any way, but being in management and having reviewed many resumes I would like to add some advice. 1. Check your spelling and punctuation (we all make mistakes) 2. Use your tournament wins more effectively as bullet points instead of all of them lumped together in one line. 3. Don't mention your cousin, Pure fishing is competition to most companies. (this way you appeal to everyone) 4. Don't use "I" so much to start sentences. 5. State what you are able to do to sell tackle for your sponsor (seminars,sportshows,etc) I think overall it is a good start, just needs some polishing.

What I meant by a junk company was one who's product just isn't what it should be (quality) or to promote some type of gimmick that is smoke and mirrors. If you look at some of the smaller companies, they are probably the ones who got into it for the love of the sport and may be least likely to be junk. I may get back into tournament fishing next spring, so that was the thought of sponsors, but not necessarily in the beginning. Working on the game plan, goals, etc and this is all part of the process.

I was going to try this one Hi, I'm Steve and I could really use some money to fish and some of your baits too.

Worm, I guess I am at the stage where I need to put up or shut up with fishing. I enjoy the competition and I am pretty well liked by my peers. I am considering stepping up to the plate and every little bit helps. I believe a relationship for a sponsor and their fisherman should be mutually beneficial. I don't want to endorse something that I don't believe in just for a few packs of worms(or cash for that matter). I am the type of person who is willing to help others catch fish (thats why I do the videos). If I were to be sponsored by a junk company I am junk and if a company sponsors a junk fisherman they are looked at the same way. I realize that I can't reach the audiences Jimmy, Roland, or Bill can so I wouldn't expect the same. I think we could lend credibility to each other.