Looking to do this...

[wickyman]

Ok, I am looking to go into the professional area of bass fishing, but I would like to dress the part, a little better than a t-shirt and shorts, or jeans.  What do you suggest I wear, to look a little more professional?  I know that a lot of professionals wear jeans during tournaments, but I want to look more serious, than I have in the past.  Any suggestions would help!  And what is the best kind of shirt?  

This only matters, as I am looking for sponsorship later on, but would prefer to get used to the dressing patterns.  Looking the part, and carrying myself, are just as important as the fishing, itself.  At least, this is the way I feel.  Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

[preach4bass]

For pants, a clean pair of khaki's always look good.  If it's hot, khaki shorts can still be "professional" looking.

For a shirt, since you currently do not have any sponsors, I would suggest buying a tournament shirt with your boat brand on it (most brands sell them).

Always tuck your shirt in and wear a belt!

Good luck.

[D.Cox]

Buying a tournament shirt with your brand of boat on it is a good idea. You can have patches added to it as you pick up sponsors. However, most guys do not want to get their tournament shirts dirty while fishing. So, they wear a t-shirt on the water and then put their tournament shirt on over it before they weigh-in their fish. This keeps it clean and wrinkle free for the stage. As far as pants go, the most common are jeans & blue jean shorts or khaki shorts.          

[fishfordollars]

Buying a tournament shirt with your brand of boat on it is a good idea. You can have patches added to it as you pick up sponsors. However, most guys do not want to get their tournament shirts dirty while fishing. So, they wear a t-shirt on the water and then put their tournament shirt on over it before they weigh-in their fish. This keeps it clean and wrinkle free for the stage. As far as pants go, the most common are jeans & blue jean shorts or khaki shorts.      

Be very careful putting a boat logo on your shirt. Reputable companies that put logos on shirts willnot do the boat unless you have written permission from the manufacturer. Other patches are ok, but there are issues with the boat logos. We ran into this putting shirts together for kids for one of our club functions. We were not allowed to put the boat company logo on the shirts.

BASS does not allow blue jeans to be worn by the pros during their Elite tournaments. Great that you want to present yourself in a professional manner. I commend you for it. Good Luck!

[5bass]

This website can get you started ------> http://www.geminisportmarketing.com/album/

They'll tell you what you can and can't get on a shirt.

As far as getting a boat logo put on a shirt, I dont see the big deal.....most major boat companies sell these shirts on their websites to begin with. Maybe you can wear their logo but you have to buy the shirt w/ logo from them.

[fishfordollars]

Let me refrase it. Here is what Skeeter and Ranger told us.

You can put their name on your shirt without any problems, it just cannot be their official logo. this is the way they can control their Trademarks, patent issues, and liability. This way if someone causes a problem or hurts someone while wearing or representing them it will leave them with liability. If it is just the name of the boat and not official they are not liable. That is why they do not allow it among a list of many others. You know how those attornies are.

We asked them about injuring or killing someone and the boat had their name on it and all they would tell us is that is another issue entirely.

[fishfordollars]

This website can get you started ------> http://www.geminisportmarketing.com/album/

They'll tell you what you can and can't get on a shirt.

As far as getting a boat logo put on a shirt, I dont see the big deal.....most major boat companies sell these shirts on their websites to begin with. Maybe you can wear their logo but you have to buy the shirt w/ logo from them.

I would think that is one way they have in protecting themselves. Anything going through this store probably has a release clause built into the sale. If anyone has purchased one maybe they can tell us what the fine print on the ticket says.

[fishfordollars]

I just went on the site reading about the XD shirts and it clearly stated sponsered pros can have their designed shirts by just calling in where they want the logos placed. Did not say about any others but I bet they have an agreement to go ahead and put the logos on for a set fee. Good looking shirts too.

[jhoffman]

Go find yourself a local company who will give you even a discount and throw their name on your shirt if its that big of a deal. I know a company that when I finally start fishing tournaments that will definately tell me yes. I have helped them on more then one occasion. In fact, on saturday me and my fiance laid $100 worth of cranks/jigs and other stuff on the counter and payed $60 for it.

I wont even consider going until i have confidence that I can produce fish in all conditions, multiple locations. Oh... i also need a REAL bass boat.

[D.Cox]

I think we are getting ahead of yourselves. If an angler does not yet have any sponsors and wants a tournament shirt. The easiest and most economical thing for him to do is to order a button-up tournament shirt on-line directly from a boat manufacturer. They sell for around 59.00-71.00 on average. Then, if he so desires, he can take it to his local embroiderer and have his name embroidered on it for around 6.00. In addition, as he gains sponsors, patches can easily be added to this type of tournament shirt.  

I sponsor several elite series anglers and several Southern Open anglers and have traveled the Southern Open Schedule for 7-8 years. The Southern Open Anglers (Regional Staff Members) I supply with a tournament shirt with their name and our logo. The elite series anglers (National Pro Staffers) must have all the logos on their shirts printed at once, and I have to personally supply the digitized logo to the printing location before they will put it on the shirt. Field Staff Members receive patches.

Personally, as a sponsor, I could care less if my anglers wear shorts: blue jeans, khaki or whatever, After all its hot and they are fishing. What I look for on the Opens is that they appear neat, clean and have a good stage presence.    

 

[wickyman]

I was looking at everything that everyone has said.  I am really not looking to get sponsored anytime soon.  I am only a nooby to fishing, I just want to represent myself in a manner, that looks more professional, in case someone decides to give me a chance.  I have only been bass fishing a few years.  I am not great, but I consider myself to be pretty decent.  I have found myself in situations, that have actually been harsh for fishing conditions, and still caught fish.  But looking at the way I was dressed, no one would have taken me seriously.  

I have basically, had my hands tied, to the kind of clothing I have.  I have baggy jeans, and t-shirts, shirts with no sleeves, etc.  Mostly because of the region I live...  Northern California gets hot!  I just never really looked at buying clothing, that would suit my bass fishing needs.  I was usually more worried about being comfortable, on the water.  I was looking at basspro.com, and was checking out their tournament shirt, with the button up, and their logo on it.  Would that be alright to wear, as long as I am not trying to say that I am sponsored by them?  I am a pretty humble man, and don't feel the need to lie about anything, in general.  

I have been told several times to check into becoming a pro, at least on the FLW, or some other circuit.  But I haven't felt that I am, up to par with what they think I am.  I can catch fish, but there have been days that I haven't caught anything at all, due to my limited tackle, or being land stricken!  I fish with my father in law, mostly on his little 1988 gregor bass boat.  I don't currently own my own boat, nor can I afford a new boat, much less a cheap used boat!  I am not a wealthy man, nor am I really in the place to get there...  But I fish, and I love it!  It gives me reprieve from the daily hectic chaos of life!    

Though, every chance I get, I buy myself some kind of gear, or lures.  My next purchases include a nice shirt, some nice pants, a bass pro shops tournament bait casting reel, and several crank baits.  I think that should set me up, on my end of fishing, and maybe get looked at by other fishermen, more seriously.  I just don't like being laughed at because I present myself, in a less than proper manner.  

I appreciate all of the suggestions, this is really helping my confidence, in what I thought was, the right direction!  Thanks again guys!

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

I highly recommend a zip off, nylon based lightweight pant.

Something made of Supplex or Paramount.  I use THESE exclusively.

One thing about zip offs, make sure you TRY them first.  Some zippers are difficult to operate, some get caught in the protective flap,etc.  Also, make sure they have LABELED zippers like these North Face ones,....makes things a lot quicker.

Ultra fast drying and VERY versatile as a pant or on demand, a short.  

[Brian_Reeves]

You should wear gear that draws positive attention to yourself (professional looking) but also defines your personality.  Look at Ike with his fiery jerseys and whatnot.  He's got some of the best sponsors in the business, but he's still being himself.

I wore khaki shorts most of the time, but in the summer I've been known to wear board shorts with a paintball style jersey (that is blank except for my name).  I've worked with several small companies with lure designs and testing and none of them minded my board shorts.

[D.Cox]

I agree, my husband likes those as well and they are great for changing weather conditions on the water.  Didn't think about it until low budget hooker posted. In addition, since you are not set on getting a tournament shirt, they sell some nice light fishing shirts that have air vents on the back at BassPro. This allows the shirt to breathe and helps keep one cool on the water. BTW Wickyman: Just wanted to comment that you seem very well spoken and that you have a good attitude toward fishing. Two great assets to start out with in pro fishing. Best of luck.    

[wickyman]

I agree, my husband likes those as well and they are great for changing weather conditions on the water.  Didn't think about it until low budget hooker posted. In addition, since you are not set on getting a tournament shirt, they sell some nice light fishing shirts that have air vents on the back at BassPro. This allows the shirt to breathe and helps keep one cool on the water. BTW Wickyman: Just wanted to comment that you seem very well spoken and that you have a good attitude toward fishing. Two great assets to start out with in pro fishing. Best of luck.    

I have been wearing my board shorts lately, but, they are too big now... lol  I usually pin them a little to keep them on.  I have been losing weight, and it just looks funny.  But I love wearing board shorts, as they dry really quick, and are very comfortable.  I am a pretty colorful guy, on a normal basis, and I love to be seen on the water.  Plus I am always ready to be seen, in low light conditions!  My father in law and I are usually on the water until dark, and enjoying the cooler weather.  Then I switch to some sweats, or jeans, and a jacket.  As the mosquitoes out here will eat you alive!  lol

Thank you for the comments.  I have always had a strive for being well mannered, and to use proper grammar.  I am a very well educated writer, in my spare time, in which I write reviews for computer companies, or just for the sake of writing a review about a product I have used.  I just love to write!  But also, I am the kind of person that  likes to present myself, as intelligently as I can.  "The future is always brighter, when you present yourself intelligently." My mom used to tell me that!  And having a good attitude on the water, also helps.  I might not have a great fishing day, but I like to show that I had a good day.  

Often I seem like I am upset, but I'm not.  But my wife reads through that!  She knows I am disappointed, but I try to show that I had a fantastic day.  It's always a fantastic day, on the water!  Every fisherman can agree with that, I am sure!  I love fishing, being in nature, and examining my mistakes.  I can always get better, as I practice, and take time to understand the fish, and conditions.