Performance vs. Character - Role Models

[bassattackerdad]

What's more important to a sponsor, fishing achievements or character of the fisherman? Do you think that pro bass fisherman are role models and if so, who do you think is the best role model?

[etommy28]

I think it has to do with a number of things. I do believe character is a very big deal, when I have gone to talk with sponsor about me or my college club two questions that always come up are Have you been arrested or committed a crime and what are your grades. However they are obviously very interested in my and our fishing accomplishment. Typically the bigger company's tend to more concerned with image and smaller companies while concerned want someone who can get there name out there. As far as role models, I have had the chance to fish with or at least sit down and talk to several pros, including Peter T, Shaw, Preston Clark, and several others. They are some of the best guys I have ever met and if I can become half the person they are I would be thrilled.

[Grey Wolf]

Role models should be someone you deal with every day such as your family members or your teachers.

Any one else is just too superficial. Tiger Woods is a very good example. He looked great on the surface but hasl issues.

[Tin]

As long as you can keep your character faults hidden it is all about performance.

[b.Lee]

I think it is both, but you have to determine which comes first.

To me, performance is always first.  Cause if they don't notice you they won't know who you are.  After you have proven yourself and you have sponsors, your character comes into play because you represent a set group which one you have to perform for and set boundaries.  You are always a role model at this point.  Your character shows the quality of yourself and said product.

[Glenn]

It's character hands down.  Sorry to break to you, but tournament winning guys seeking sponsorships are a dime a dozen. There's nothing special about them at all. 

But find a guy with a genuine kind demeanor, outgoing personality, and high integrity - NOW you're talking!  If he can also fish, loves getting out in the public, and can sell - he's just made it in. Those folks are rare and in demand!

[fishermantony]

For a bass fishing role model and a fisherman with character, I'll give the same name I used for another question.  Bryan Kerchal.  Read what Rick Clunn said about him in an article shortly after his death and it should give you a pretty good idea of what kind of man he was.  As he stood there on the stage after clinching the 1994 Bass Masters Classic, Ray Scott said, "Your a hamburger flipper right?, That's what you do?"  Bryan quietly and kindly replied "I don't know, do I still do that?"

[Elite Image Fishing]

But find a guy with a genuine kind demeanor, outgoing personality, and high integrity - NOW you're talking! If he can also fish, loves getting out in the public, and can sell - he's just made it in. Those folks are rare and in demand!

I agree 100% with this statement.

[rfrazier]

For a bass fishing role model and a fisherman with character, I'll give the same name I used for another question. Bryan Kerchal. Read what Rick Clunn said about him in an article shortly after his death and it should give you a pretty good idea of what kind of man he was. As he stood there on the stage after clinching the 1994 Bass Masters Classic, Ray Scott said, "Your a hamburger flipper right?, That's what you do?" Bryan quietly and kindly replied "I don't know, do I still do that?"

Sad but inspirational story.. I read it here. http://www.bryankerchalfund.org/

[n2ratfishin]

It's character hands down. Sorry to break to you, but tournament winning guys seeking sponsorships are a dime a dozen. There's nothing special about them at all.

But find a guy with a genuine kind demeanor, outgoing personality, and high integrity - NOW you're talking!  If he can also fish, loves getting out in the public, and can sell - he's just made it in. Those folks are rare and in demand!

My old tournament partner and I don't get to fish much as a team any longer.  He never understood why I always managed to as he said "fall into these sweet deals" while he could never get a break. 

I'd tell him to keep a fresh shirt in the rod locker for weigh in, skip the beer after weigh in, mingle before and weigh in with a smile on his face and a hand shake.  I can't count the miles nor dollars I've spent helping dealers, vendors, etc... over the years.  Then again my boat never sits in the shop over a day or so even when I've managed to blow up an engine.   I've helped grow small dealers into huge dealers.  I can put dollar figures or percentages to almost every team I've ever joined.   I'm far from a pro, don't fish BFL, FLW, etc... I may fish one local club a year and a few opens.

The #1 RULE, NEVER, NEVER....DID I MENTION NEVER sell out your integrity for some free or discounted stuff.  If you don't believe in it 100% do yourself a favor and stay away.  Your integrity should never be for sale. 

[ElGuapo]

The #1 RULE, NEVER, NEVER....DID I MENTION NEVER sell out your integrity for some free or discounted stuff. If you don't believe in it 100% do yourself a favor and stay away. Your integrity should never be for sale.

Bingo.

[River Rat316]

I wouldn't ask a pro staff to try and be a role model, I feel like that position should be taken by a parent/ relative, but there charachter comes way before any fishing accomplishments. If they represent me, my company and everyhting I have worked for you can rest assured that they will be standup guys.