Don't Sell Out

[JT Bagwell]

I just read another article about this topic yesterday, seems like it is an issue in multiple sports, not just fishing.

[flyfisher]

I just read another article about this topic yesterday, seems like it is an issue in multiple sports, not just fishing.

I know the NBA is talking about putting sponsors on their "jerseys" which are potentially going to a short sleeve t-shirt design as well.

[atcoha]

Interesting discussion.

Is there any credibility left in anything/anyone that needs a sponsor to "survive"?  I.E. what you are talking about...a professional sport or the like?

That's a rhetorical question...we all have our own answer to it.

[EmersonFish]

The link to the blog mentioned here didn't work for me, but I read some of the discussion.

It's funny. While I was fishing yesterday, I was thinking about this. I plan on fishing some tournaments next year. I have no sponsors, and probably never will, but there are charitable organizations I wouldn't mind endorsing, and was thinking about having a jersey made for that purpose. It was just a random thought that will probably go nowhere.

I know most of the people I see with the shirts, decals on their cars, etc..., are sending a message to people about their lifestyle. Kind of like wearing a concert T-shirt, or something with the logo of your favorite team. You want people to know something about you. I'm a bass fisherman! I like the Ramones! I'm a Cardinals fan!

Where it gets goofy is when people start slapping all kinds of logos on their boats, or wearing jerseys with logos, and paying for the privilege to do that. Everyone knows you are a fisherman. Let those who have agreements with the company do that. What should the bar be? Free stuff? A discount? Financial compensation? That depends on the level of the fisherman. But if guys start selling themselves short, it impacts everyone in the business. I know tournament fishing isn't cheap, but you are a brand as well, and you have to manage that, if you get to that point in your career.

I try not to wear anything with obnoxious logos on it, anywhere. Not just fishing. That's a personal preference. I find it tacky. Obviously my shoes have logos, my shirts will often have a small logo, my jeans have a logo. That's all hard to avoid. But I don't begrudge the guy with the Castrol hat and the Berkley shirt. They were probably free, and if he likes them, why should he care what I think.

[hoosierbass07]

Its all about money..been watching many fisherman on TV the same ones 20+ yrs.selling out to the highest bidder.its a shame

 

 

  Like the show I watched a few days ago with Roland Martin in an inflatable kayak.  He seemed out of place in it.  I watched the whole show because he was in a kayak.  But the reasons he gave for fishing one simply seemed like talking points a sales man would give.  

[hoosierbass07]

 I don't have a problem with people wanting to wear fishing shifts with logos of their favorite fishing equipment.  I really like St. Croix rods and wouldn't mind having a St. Croix shirt to wear.  

[FrogFreak]

My buddy owns a very popular restaurant in town. I asked him to sponsor me. I told him if he gave me a sticker, I'd put it on my boat and 3 or 4 people would see it each weekend when I fish. Of course he laughed and never gave me a sticker (jerk). 

 

I don't think I'd like being sponsored if it meant I couldn't use the lures I love to use. I wouldn't be caught dead on the water without my favorite popper, walking bait, and frog. If I had to stop using any of them (they're made by 3 different manufacturers) I'd be upset. Further, if I was given apparel to wear from any of those companies, I'd wear it. My rule is I only wear stuff from companies that have products I truly use and like. I have a TW shirt that I wear because I love their service. I now how a Hoorag from MTB and I'll wear it because I love me some MTB. If someone asks me about either of these companies, I'll be happy to endorse them. Not for money, but just because they're good and I want to help others.

 

I really like Cabelas guidewear shirts. I don't mind it a bit that it says Cabelas on it. 

[everythingthatswims]

I think a lot of people want to immitate the pros they see on TV. They dress like them, use their sayings, etc. I think the name/logo put on almost everything I can think of is the Bone Collector series. I swear you could probably find Bone Collector toilet paper if you looked hard enough.

For those days when you're out of mossy oak coffee beans

[BuckMaxx]

Not only bass fishing. Hunting is the same way...trust me!