Want Sponsors?

[ttufishinman]

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.

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]

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.

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]

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.

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]

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.

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]

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]

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.

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]

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]

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.

Do you really have a problem with youth organizations like Scouts raising money? 

[etommy28]

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]

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]

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.

I was backing up what you were saying.

[bilgerat]

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]

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.

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]

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