New Angler

[Lynda]

Good Evening,

As the subject title states, I'm a new angler having first hit the Susquehanna river this past June and then 10 days later, joined the Suskie Bassmasters and participated in their Wednesday River Series (I played registration clerk as well) LOL.... When the 13 week series was over, I made it to the championship and placed 7th and also made it into the Monday night team series championship placing 4th. To date (since June 16th) I've participated in approximately 26 tournaments.

I am in fact, looking for sponsorships / pro or field staff positions - but my reasons for aiming toward this goal isn't for merchandise and "freebies" - but more for presentation - as I am one of only a few women anglers in my area. When I placed 7th in the Suskie championship, I had the other 2 women comment on how my accomplishment inspired them - and its for this reason (and my own love of the sport) that I'd like to find sponsorships - because through them, I can pro-actively pursue and encourage the conservation and protection of our natural resources through responsible angling [in order to ensure these resources for future generations] and also stand as a representative for the industry to encourage other women to become actively involved - all while promoting and marketing products (I've done public affairs and marketing with the Air Force Auxiliary for 30 years now). To my way of thinking, its a win-win scenario. But as the subject says, "New Angler" so any assistance and feedback would be very welcomed!

[roadwarrior]

Congratulations and welcome aboard!

8-)

[Lynda]

Thank you Roadwarrior   I'm looking forward to getting into many thought provoking discussions

[backwater4]

Welcome. Nice job in the tournaments.

[River Rat316]

Being a "new" angler that is quite the list of accomplishments! My main advice is to put together a resume, and pursue companies that produce products that you have used and had success on. Also remember that "pro staff" stands for promotional staff, not professional staff, think of unique ways you are going to promote this companies product. I get alot of resumes and 90% of them think that just talking about my products at weigh ins and around the local tournament scene is going to be all the promotion they need to do, a good pro staff person will seek out extra ways for promotion. Whether it be pitching the product to local bait shops, Holding seminars or promotions at a shop where the product is at, or as you are leaning towards holding classes or seminars trying to get other "new" people involved in the sport.

[Lynda]

Hi River Rat! Thank you for your kind words and directional support! I have actually put together a resume and the one company I sent it to, actually complimented me on having an impressive resume - and apologized that they weren't adding any pro staff at this time. So I guess I'm marketable  8-) just need to be able to get over this "newbie" hump

[Lynda]

Probably one of those "duh" questions - but if I were to put my resume in this forum - what's the best way to do it?

[roadwarrior]

Cut and paste.

Just one word of caution: This section is allowed to get

"rough". I don't mean "rude", but "constructive criticism"

may come across as harsh.

-Kent

[fishfordollars]

Welcome, and nice job on the tournament. We need more like you.

[Lynda]

Thank you fishfordollars..

 

  And roadwarrior.. no worries   "constructive" criticism I can handle - I'm here to learn.... just remember, pick on me - I tend to pick back

[Tin]

Get a few W's and fish more tournies than just a weekly night trail. The marketing experience might help though.

[basspro96]

Your just got to get out there. Start a little web site. Send in your resume. Just never quit. I'm learning about all this stuff right now. I pursued it for three years and finally got one thanks to this forum.

[Lynda]

That's pretty much what I'm doing   Working on the coding for the website - I am now on the pro-staff for Backwater Custom Baits (awesome baits btw) - I'm also affiliated with Reels-on-Wheels out of the UK (we're working on a joint venture project) - and have another pro-staff offer in negotiation.. so - things are coming together, slowly but surely

[Carrington]

glad to hear that you did good in your club, but i think that if i were in your shoes that i would get some more experience under my belt before i tried to get any sponsors.  Also i would try fishing a higher level tournament trail if you can afford that.  So basically more time and better competition and if you are still doing good then go for it.

[Lynda]

Thank you for all the suggestions and help - I now have 2 sponsors and a 3rd in negotiation - and for a beginner, that's plenty to start with. As far as larger tournaments, I did start that last season with the 'Pack' tournaments keeping in mind, last summer got my feet wet and taught me the beginnings of tournament bass fishing - now with winter here and a bit of time to "breathe" - we just got a new boat (Pro Craft) and are looking at what trails we'll be doing next season. We're already planning on doing the Lackawanna Trail - just waiting for schedules to post

[Carrington]

another suggestion that i would make would be to try some BFL events.  I plan on doing one this summer.  If you place well on these then that is a major accomplishment in my mind.

[NateFollmer]

Try getting some 'Field Staff' positions with companies also. I emailed a company once about 'Pro Staff' positions and they didn't even mention having a 'Field Staff'... So I emailed them again and asked about 'Field Staff' positions and they went ahead and added me to that. A lot of people seem to hate being on Field Staff, but it's your first step at getting in with a company!

[Carrington]

Good tip, everyone i know that has done well all tell me it is best to start at the bottom and work your way up.