How do you join the "in crowd?"

[Clark Stewart]

It kills me to read about a new lure that's on pre-order (think eeliminator) and here about how much people like it. How does one become a bait tester? That sounds like heaven to me. I know that the pros probably laugh at us commoners when we brag about a "new" bait on the market that they've probably had in their bags for a season already. Aside from going pro - how do you get in on bait testing?

[D4u2s0t]

while i'm not certain on this, I would think from a companies perspective it would be best to choose people that can easily influence other's decisions when it comes to buying baits, and someone that knows what they're doing.  If some new guy came on, and his first post was "Dude, you have to try xxxxxxx bait" people would probably be like yea ok.  maybe i'll google it.  But someone that has been around for a long time, and someone that people look up to says it, and orders will be placed.

[Clark Stewart]

I guess what I'm asking is are there members here who get approached to try out new baits just because of their reputation here, or does one have to know somebody in the business. If members here get that honor strictly by being a respected "old head" so to speak then that's certainly a goal to dream about, if not then I'll chalk it up to the old adage - it pays to know somebody.

[J Francho]

Generally, pro staffers get pre release baits.  They will sometimes pass them on to friends that they trust will fish them and give an honest review.  So, in a sense, its a little of both.  To be on a pro staff, you need to be able to sell, and make impressions.

[SWH]

I would have to agree with the above statements. I know at least with Golf clubs companies look for guys that are good and will have their clubs noticed and talked about. I know a guy who played in the British Open and Masters back in the 70's once or twice and to this day he still recieves clubs with his name etched on them from the manufactures telling him to try them out and share information with others on the club... i imagine the same is true with bait testers.

[Matt Fly]

The "in crowd"  puts fish in the boat consistently.

100's of local tackle and baits being made in Texas right now, from jigs, spinnerbaits, cranks, worms, slabs, spoons, and custom rods.

They want guys who are always in the hunt, are local known names because of the competive nature, are on the local state fishing forum being active.    

   Thats about the best it gets when you think about local pro-staff.

   

   

[tyrius.]

The people who went on the road trip this year got a bunch of samples of the new rage tail stuff from Big O.

[Ellesar]

I've been approached twice to try out a new bait before it was released.  I think I was approached for a variety of reasons, it certainly wasn't smoething I was looking for, just sort of happened. In one case a buddy of mine gave my name to a guy because they were looking for someone who fished a lake like Guntersville and someone that fished pretty often (but wasn't a pro). The second time I sort of stumbled on it when I was in a tackle store. Just started talking to a guy, not knowing who he was, and he took my name and contacted me a bit later and asked if I would mind trying a couple of new baits and give him my honest opinion. I think our conversation was the key that time.

[SPEEDBEAD.]

I guess what I'm asking is are there members here who get approached to try out new baits just because of their reputation here, or does one have to know somebody in the business. If members here get that honor strictly by being a respected "old head" so to speak then that's certainly a goal to dream about, if not then I'll chalk it up to the old adage - it pays to know somebody.

Showing up at the Roadtrip wont hurt your chances, that's for sure.  You never know what's gonna happen there...

A really good way to attain "tester" status is to catch some pigs.  Do a member search for "Paul."   Best example I can think of.  His fish catching ability, along with a stellar personality are a great combination.

Randall is another one I can think of.

[Paul Roberts]

Well..you could also do it yourself..call it the "out-crowd".

Instead of pre-testing, you could do re-testing. There are more lures out there than anyone could ever make use of in a lifetime. Lots of them have been forgotten (by the marketers for instance). These would probably do as much for you (in terms of catching fish) as any new baits -I mean how many creature baits do there need to be, for example.

Go retro ... Be a "WAS" -a Rebel Without a Sponser  8-)

[tnbassfisher]

fish a lot of tournaments, and get your name out there.

[Catt]

Some times it's as simple as the generosity of the lure manufacturer or being at the right place at the right time.

You don't have to be a Pro or even a local stick but you do need the ability (media) to reach the people. Tim Tucker, Claude Hamilton "Grits" Gresham, Jr., Homer Circle, Jerry Mckinnis and others reached there share of anglers.

[Fishing Rhino]

Why the concern about belonging to "the in crowd"?

How do you know you want to be a part of the "in crowd"?

The first rule of life is to be yourself, and be true to yourself.

If you fit the mold of those in the in crowd, you'll end up there.  

If you have to try to fit the mold, you won't.

[Willzx225]

Another way to get into the "in crowd" unfortunately is to buy a lot of tackle from either the same place or directly from the manufacturer.  Often if you develop a relationship with them they will keep you in mind when they get something that needs to be tested.  That might be one of the easiest ways to go about it.

[Clark Stewart]

Good stuff good stuff

It kills me that the roadtrip was at guntersville last year! I live 45 minutes from there!!! ARGH the story of my life. I petition that the road trip be at Weiss Lake Alabama or Neely Henry Lake alabama next year! Whos with me?!

Never mind that those aren't hog lakes - that's beside the point. It's all about me people  ;D

[SPEEDBEAD.]

Good stuff good stuff

It kills me that the roadtrip was at guntersville last year! I live 45 minutes from there!!! ARGH the story of my life. I petition that the road trip be at Weiss Lake Alabama or Neely Henry Lake alabama next year! Whos with me?!

Never mind that those aren't hog lakes - that's beside the point. It's all about me people ;D

2010 Roadtrip is at Pickwick.  Shouldnt be that far of a drive for you.

Thread for next year is at the top of every section, come on in...

[roadwarrior]

Good stuff good stuff

It kills me that the roadtrip was at guntersville last year! I live 45 minutes from there!!! ARGH the story of my life. I petition that the road trip be at Weiss Lake Alabama or Neely Henry Lake alabama next year! Whos with me?!

Never mind that those aren't hog lakes - that's beside the point. It's all about me people ;D

Guntersville was the one before (2008). This year was

Kentucky Lake and next year it's Pickwick Lake. Make

plans to be there!

8-)

[Clark Stewart]

When next year? I'm so totally there!

[SPEEDBEAD.]

When next year? I'm so totally there!

http://www.bassresource.com/bass_fishing_forums/YaBB.pl?virboard=gen_bass;num=1246638259

14 PAGE THREAD AND COUNTING...

[nUgZ]

I agree with Willzx225.  If you give a company your business enough, they will think of you when it comes time to test something new.  My local bait & tackle make some amazing crankbaits and jigs.  I am fortunate enough to have been the recipient of several of their hottest new creations.  They all catch a ton of fish too!!

[RoLo]

How do you join the "in crowd"?

Don't ask me, I've never been a very lucky person.

Although one time I came VERY CLOSE to winning $2 million in the Ed McMahon Sweepstakes :(

Roger

[FD.]

Back to the original question...I am lucky enough to fish with several guys who are in the "crowd".  They test all kinds of stuff and share what works and doesn't work.  I think it's better to be on the fringe.

[JT Bagwell]

I usually get the new baits from Yamamoto before they are available to the public. I have been on their Pro Staff for around 6 years I think. Other than that, I don't know how you would go about get them before everyone else.

JT Bagwell

[Glenn]

I guess you could say I'm part of the "in" crowd, although I never aspired to be one.  I don't win a lot of tournaments, don't have a TV show, nor am I a "known name" locally. I just happen to have a website that reaches the masses, and have been fortunate enough to meet some very fine people along the way.

Oddly enough, I'm often asked to keep the bleeding edge baits a secret, which I do.  But I'm asked for feedback and/or help in promoting the products when they hit the market.  I do provide feedback when asked, but will only help promote products I believe in.

As it was mentioned earlier - stay true to yourself and your morals/ideals.  People will recognize that and naturally gravitate towards it.