Weekend angler?

[smallmouthbeginner]

Is it impossible for a weekend angler, like me to get sponsered? This year I am going to enter some tournaments, but i just got into fishins so I am going to wait a little bit. But I was just wondering, if showing off their baits and other types of equipment would be enough for a sponser? Not only that but getting more publicity for their company?

[fishfordollars]

Not lockly. You need to pay your dues.

[Banor]

I disagree.  You are only limited by your imagination and work ethic.  How much do you want to put into finding businesses to sponsor you?  Think outside the box.  The fishing industry is inundated with sponsorships and anglers fighting for sponsorship dollars.  Your local businesses do not have endless people banging down their doors offering marketing for a nominal fee.

Get a tournament shirt and put together a proposal for non endemic businesses.  50 bucks here 50 bucks there to put their logo on your shirt and before you know it you could have your entry fees paid for the season.

I am a weekend angler.  As much as I'd like to call myself a pro - I am not.  I am a weekend angler until I get myself into position to fish full time.  I just put together a 4 page booklet geared toward non endemic businesses.  I had it professionally printed and guess what?  I talked to the regional manager of the printing company and worked a deal where I got a 30% discount on the printing if I let them put their logo on the inside back cover.  So not only have I reduced my expenses I have also opened an opportunity I may be able to develop later into something that could help pay my other expenses.

See how that works?  It can be done - don't let anyone tell you different.  You make your own opportunities.

"Pay your dues" doesnt have to mean fish forever and hope you become popular.

B

[alger319]

yeah, i don't see why you couldn't get a one. i have a sponsor(Harris Chain Bait and Tackle) and im only 22 years old and still in college. (granted i used to work there) Many of the people he sponsors didn't work there but spend alot of money there and wouldn't go anywhere else. he doesn't help me with tourny fees, only gives me 40% off on products!(good enough for me) and in return i try my best to spread the word about his business, wearing his shirts and stickers on my truck and just promoting his store at tournaments or when im just out fishin.(still work there once in a while when he needs a day to go fishin) I only do this because this is truly THE ONLY tackle shop i go to.(he can get me anything from bass-pro) so my advice is go after something business/product u believe in and it'll be way easier to get a sponsor.

[Sam]

Of course market yourself.

You have nothing to lose and it is good experience.

You will meet some interesting people, too.

[smallmouthbeginner]

Also i do not currently own a boat, is that a problem for fishing tournaments, not big ones but little ones? Im saving up for one, I'll get one someday.

[Banor]

In that regard you are sort of limited.  Consider the factors.  You are new to tournament fishing.  You are fishing local smaller tournaments and you do not have a boat.

So your options are probably limited to smaller local businesses advertising on your tournament shirt and/or hat.  If your vehicle isnt in good shape and something a business would want their logo associated with then you are not going to do any marketing there.

I still stick to my original response, however your situation does sound limiting.  

I suggest you just go out and have fun and do what you can afford.  A good salesman can sell fertilizer to a cow farmer though.  Do your best to sell yourself.

B

[jhoffman]

Im the newbie... came because of the AWESOME john boat mods

Im not a pro bass fisherman but I am pro staff for a fly fishing company.

Dues are the big thing, took me 15 years of hard fishing, learning, proving I could not only fish but invent flies that catch fish to win a sponsor. With sponsors come nice things

New Orvis Zero G about to hit my hands march 15... thats a $700 fly rod for those who dont know... free

[Raymond de Leur Jr. A.S.]

Not lockly. You need to pay your dues.

I would have to agree and disagree. Let me explain.

I have been fishing for over 20 years. However, I only started Bass fishing and Bass tournaments less than a year ago. In addition, I do not have a boat either.

However, I do have some sponsors.

smallmouthbass, there is a few things you have to remember. Most companies have people who buy clothing, patches and stickers and as such they are getting publicity and advertising.

If you want to get sponsors you need to stand out and offer them something that they are not getting elsewhere.

Alternatively, there are companies who have programs where you are pro staff or field staff and your reward is product for helping them. Secret Weapon Lures, Tightlines, and others are great examples. They require you to purchase a certain amount of their product and help introduce them to other people and markets. In exchange they give you a discount on their products.

If you really want to know more, imagine that you are the owner of the company you want to be sponsored by. What would you want from someone you sponsored? What can they do for you and your company?

Just some food for thought/

[Grey Wolf]

You're talking to nobody.

[Tin]

You're talking to nobody.

Secret Weapon lures is a way for people to say they have sponsors and for them to sell more baits. You basically buy your sponsorship level. :  A crock of  ____ in my opinion. Most people get 15 to 20% off rods and baits and thing they have sponsors, and truthfully, that is nothing but a sale.

[Elite Image Fishing]

The way you present yourself is of the up-most importance. IF you are sponsored you become the face of the company, YOU are what their consumers see.

So it is unlikely for a company to sponsor you right now. (not trying to be rude)

I'd start off (if you are serious about it) with small companies, maybe someone you have worked for or someone you know. Get them to help you, but one thing you need to insure that everything you put out is quality. Even casual forums like this get views from people who could be potential sponsors, so be on your, "A-Game." This means making sure you sound professional, look professional, and use correct grammar.

Sponsors do not like having their name misspelled in the public eye.

To conclude, no one just starts out with sponsors, you have to get out and do the work. I would worry about winning tournaments/catching fish before I look into sponsors. I am 22, sponsor-less, fishing collegiate tournaments for Troy University.  

Good luck to you. I hope this helps.

[Raymond de Leur Jr. A.S.]

Secret Weapon lures is a way for people to say they have sponsors and for them to sell more baits. You basically buy your sponsorship level. : A crock of ____ in my opinion. Most people get 15 to 20% off rods and baits and thing they have sponsors, and truthfully, that is nothing but a sale.

Not necessarily. You are still sponsored to an extent. Sponsorship can take many forms. It can be discounted product, free product, money, parts, free embroidery, etc. The unspoken agreement in most cases is that they are going to give you a substantial discount on their products and you are to be "Promotional Staff".

The logic here, is that you have to know the product offerings of the company and use them. With the ever increasing costs of sporting goods (don't forget there is a % fee included by law), a product level Sponsorship (Pro Staff or Field Staff position) can help the beginning or aspiring angler get more quality products.

One great example is the "Royal Purple Angler of the Year" program. Now, this isn't a sponsorship, but a contingency program. However, to be eligible you have to purchase a certain amount of their product and register for the program.

They old adage of "you have to pay to play" fits angling and sponsorship.

I commend anyone for trying to be the next KVD or Rick ZClunn, etc. But remember that they didn't get paid to fish when they started either. In today's economy, many companies do not have the budgets to be a financial sponsor, but can manage to do some sort of a variant of a product sponsorship.

According to Merriam-Webster a sponsor is: a person or an organization that pays for or plans and carries out a project or activity; especially : one that pays the cost of a radio or television program usually in return for advertising time during its course

If we use the literal definition, than even an offer of discount merchandise/services can constitute sponsorship.

Companies still have to account for the difference in prices so in essence they are paying for it still. Many of my Product Sponsors have a line on my bill with something to the effect of: Sponsorship Merchandise....

Just some things to think about.

[Tin]

When you are putting out or paying more than you are getting in return (ie. Secret Weapon over-priced spinnerbaits) it is not a sponsorship. It is companies masking it up by saying they are levels of "staff", and just taking advantage of upcoming and young anglers who want to make a name for themselves.

In the long run might you make get more than what you put out?

Maybe, but not likely in my opinion.

I have and have had deals that allow me to pay cost for products such as rods, trolling motors, and sunglasses. Sponsorship deals that knock a quarter off a $3 jig is exactly that, a deal or sale. Merriam-Webster is defining something a sponsorship exactly correct. "that pays for or plans and carries out a project or activity." It never says part of or a small fraction of, it says pays for, thus meaning all of or cost.

[preach4bass]

Dear Mr. Raymond de Leur Jr. A.S.,

Using your logic the entire population of the United States of America is sponsored by Wal-Mart, since they are always discounting their merchandise. However, the problem with that logic is that it is, well, illogical. :-/

[Grey Wolf]

Dear Mr. Raymond de Leur Jr. A.S.,

Using your logic the entire population of the United States of America is sponsored by Wal-Mart, since they are always discounting their merchandise. However, the problem with that logic is that it is, well, illogical. :-/

Well put !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and funny too.

[Tin]

Dear Mr. Raymond de Leur Jr. A.S.,

Using your logic the entire population of the United States of America is sponsored by Wal-Mart, since they are always discounting their merchandise. However, the problem with that logic is that it is, well, illogical. :-/

[Raymond de Leur Jr. A.S.]

When you are putting out or paying more than you are getting in return (ie. Secret Weapon over-priced spinnerbaits) it is not a sponsorship. It is companies masking it up by saying they are levels of "staff", and just taking advantage of upcoming and young anglers who want to make a name for themselves.

In the long run might you make get more than what you put out?

Maybe, but not likely in my opinion.

I have and have had deals that allow me to pay cost for products such as rods, trolling motors, and sunglasses. Sponsorship deals that knock a quarter off a $3 jig is exactly that, a deal or sale. Merriam-Webster is defining something a sponsorship exactly correct. "that pays for or plans and carries out a project or activity." It never says part of or a small fraction of, it says pays for, thus meaning all of or cost.

OK, so if we use your implied logic here, then for a company to be a sponsor they must "pay for" all of something, not a portion. Well, if that is the case I want the overages from the Weekend Series tournaments...LOL...Since according to your logic, each sponsor would have to pay for it ALL and not a portion of it

Ok, so If I had a company were I paid 60% of retail, in your opinion that is not a sponsorship? Well, in my opinion, I saved 40% per item and if I buy 3 items than basically I just bought 1 and a portion of the second item and got one for free. Those add up, no matter how you slice it.

Example: Say you can get a reel for $100 but retail is 199.95. In that case you saved 99.95 and if you bought a second than your cost would have been 200 and saved 199.90. So already you have saved enough to get almost 2 more of that item.

In addition, if that is an ongoing arrangement with a company and all they ask for is that I mention them and promote their product (or service), than they are a sponsor in my opinion.

Sure, if on the lower end of things this is rather small and I can certainly see where that can be viewed as discount. However when you order in bulk or bigger ticket items those "discounts" as you say, add up and ultimately allow the angler more buying power. Not only helping the angler, but the company with the agreement and other companies that receive a portion (if any) of the money saved spent on other purchases.

Dear Mr. Raymond de Leur Jr. A.S.,

Using your logic the entire population of the United States of America is sponsored by Wal-Mart, since they are always discounting their merchandise. However, the problem with that logic is that it is, well, illogical. :-/

I believe you are misunderstanding what I am saying. Remember that the bottom line in business is the almighty dollar. You are comparing apples and oranges.

A company today just does not have the financial security to "comp" every angler to come along. Many still want to assist the upcoming angler in some way, as you never know who the next KVD, RC, Ike, etc is going to be. So, they have levels of sponsorship.

This type of arrangement is not only in angling. I am a competitive gamer and have been sponsored by companies before. I do say sponsored because we had a legally binding agreement. They paid a portion of the server dues, tournament entry fees, etc and we agree to advertise their company on our website, server, etc.

Now, was this a full comp sponsorship? No, but it was a sponsorship. Every company wants to grow and gain market share. If they only advertise via word of mouth it will take a very very long time. So they make small agreements with other companies, organizations, and individuals in exchange for advertising.

One other note that should be considered is that for the vast majority of anglers, sponsorship is not a a "Pro" level. It is at a "Promotional" level. So, there is a difference in Pro, Pro Staff, Field Staff sponsorships.

As a general rule from what I have found Field Staff is more what you were implying about Wal-Mart. Pro Staff in many instances have the ability to earn money as do Pro sponsorships. Though Pro Staff are not guaranteed money, just the opportunity to earn it.

[Tin]

Sorry, I should have been clearer.

So I would only pay as much as it costs the company, like how most good sponsorships work. And by paying for all of it, I mean the company doesn't make money off you, it just covers the cost of the product so no one is loosing or making money.

[Raymond de Leur Jr. A.S.]

Sorry, I should have been clearer.

So I would only pay as much as it costs the company, like how most good sponsorships work. And by paying for all of it, I mean the company doesn't make money off you, it just covers the cost of the product so no one is loosing or making money.

Tin, thanks for clarifying that. I do understand what you are saying.

The problem there, is that in many cases, now almost everything goes through distributors. Which also means that the cost to manufacturer and export now also has another up-charge so the distributor can make some money.

It is just a painful fact of business that everybody along the distribution line (Manufacturer to the Retailer) has a piece of the pie. If companies just gave away stuff at cost they would go out of business.

For example, I can get a certain computer component for a customer at $50.00 but I will charge him 79.00. Occasionally I have sales and if I didn't charge what I did, I would have no room to discount the item for a sale let alone stay in business. There are certain items that have higher markups or additional fees. Sporting goods are one of those items.

Personally I do not mind paying a little more than cost since I know a portion of the taxes go to the states parks, lakes, etc.

[Tin]

Well, guess I was wrong and someone in the company or down the line needs to take a hit for the advertising.

[Raymond de Leur Jr. A.S.]

Well, guess I was wrong and someone in the company or down the line needs to take a hit for the advertising.

Yeah, it is a bit unfortunate but every industry has that.

I know a person who works for Wal-Mart and because of the amount of ($$$) lost to theft prices go up to cover theft losses. So, the consumer gets punished.

Now, as far as sponsorship, we the consumer pays to cover the full sponsorship for the pros. When a company does a full (or money) sponsorship, they are expecting an average of 10 times what they are spending in return from their investment from sales/service. So if they spend 500 on a persons' entry fees, they are anticipating 5000 in revenue. Every company is always concerned with ROI (return on investment). Equipment, unit cost, accounts receivable, accounts payable, depreciation...it all impacts the "bottom line" for a business.