[Guest]

I am wondering how you would go about getting a sponsor. Can any of y'all give me some information of how to do this? Any advise? I don't know if I'm ready for this or not, but just want as much information about it as possible just in case I swing that way.

 

[fish4funinfl]

Now, im not 100 % sure on this, BUT I believe on this other site I use to frequent, there was a guy who had written a book on how to land a sponsor(s) . Im sure there is alot more to it then what I am gonna write, but I will touch upon one thing. ( I am going from memory and my memory stinks, so I hope I didnt get this wrong )

He basicaly said you have to be able to answer 1 question .. WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU .( What can you do for that company to make them want you.)

 

[Guest]

You are write Rodney. The website is www.fishforfree.com He has actually got 2 books out now, and they are endorsed by Randy Howell, which was one of the anglers that has been DQ'ed this year on the BASS Trail.

 

[The Fishing Coach]

Getting sponsors means a serious commitment to the business side of fishing. You will never get anything (even a 10% discount) for nothing. You must be willing to do more than slap a decal on your truck! You will be working shows and other events...and I mean working!

Start small...decide what your goals in fishing are...develop a 1 yr, 3 yr and 5 yr plan on where you want to be and how you want to get there. (Believe it or not, I reached my 5 yr goals in 3 BUT turning full time pro is a ball buster. I work 18 straight days at the Houston Boat Show for example...and you can't guide then so no money coming it!)

Once you have a plan, go after the sponsors. It is all about what you can do for them NOT what they can do for you...don't ever forget that. Ask for nothing at the start and see what is offerred. Usually it will be some form of a discount. If you are looking for free product. go to the shows and take the free stuff thee because sponsor don't do that at first, if at all. I have been very lucky (or good a promoting) as all my non-boat related sponsors give me the product I NEED---not what you want and not what you would ever give away. That is one of the quickest ways to get canned. My boat deal is a sweet deal, and I mean sweet, but it is not free and it is not "dirt cheap." I got my boat deal YEARS after dealing with my dealer. I had already purchased TWO boats from him and had helped him for years hauling boats to and from the shows and working the shows before I even dared to ask about a pro-staff deal.

Remember, walk before you run. Also remember this is a VERY small business community. Many (most?) of the people you deal with at these companies jump ship and go to others quite often...NEVER, EVER, burn a bridge by ticking anyone off! It gets around, whether true or not, it will kill you future.

Hope this helps. If you ever get to Clarks Hill we can talk some more over lunch or something.

cbs

 

[Guest]

Is there a list of some companies out there that will give sponsorship? If not could y'all compose a list for me? I want to call up some of these companies and talk to someone and find out what exactly that they are looking for. Thanks for all the help.

 

[The Fishing Coach]

Insert Quote
Is there a list of some companies out there that will give sponsorship? If not could y'all compose a list for me? I want to call up some of these companies and talk to someone and find out what exactly that they are looking for. Thanks for all the help.

Somewhere I have an old list of companies. but it is about three years old.

This is not the way to go about it, too haphazard.

Start small...what rods do you use? reels? Don't shot gun blast "all" the companies. Not good PR when they start to talk. Again, walk before you run.

cbs

 

[FutureClassicChamp]

this is the one you want. FISH FOR FREE II

 

[JEVPhoenixBass]

In my own experience I've found that when you present yourself in a professional manner and fish a few circuits sponsors have a way of finding you. The current sponsors I have all approached me during and after derby's. But understand sponsorship is a two way street. I work for these companies during shows, open house's, tournament meetings, speciality charity tournaments, etc.

Nothing is free, for long. You must make it worth thier investment in you.

 

[ledgesandhumps]

I agree totally with the advice you have been given so far, I would like to add to it if I may.
I have gained some really good sponsors and they have been very good to me. You don't want to just start sending resumes to every company out there. Word gets around really fast , and you could dig yourself a deep whole before you ever get your feet wet. Also I would suggest total product loyalty! When you apply to a company make sure you know everything you can about their products.
Realize that you are starting a relationship, and believe me you will have to give it everything you have.
Look for local businesses around your area, and start out by promoting your local stuff. You will need to put the (Money stuff) on the back burner for a while.
Just really think about this in depth before you jump, the business side of fishing is alot tougher than figuring out a pattern on a 50,000 acre lake......trust me

 

[FIRE]

Bigtex like everyone said begin small.I will tell you this have been on prostaff for couple places past two years has been fun,also worked at classic this past year and one of my sponsors paid me for working classic,motel,and fuel so you have to put a effort in.So good luck.At this time looking at a rod company about sponsorship and all I was wanting is a catlog about there rods,so sometimes you will be asked in that nature also.

 

[buzbait88]

Sponsorships are serious business. Most companies won't just sit back and say if you put my logo on your shirt I'll give you so much money. You have to work your butt off in most cases to get anything more than a discount a few patches and maybe a shirt if your very lucky. The best bet would be to find little companies on websites like this and try to get field staffs with them and move on from there. Show you can promote them on the sites and maybe they'll come to you.

 

[Big Worm]

Whatever you do bro, don't fly someones flag at the top of you mast for nothing. They are also called patch pirates. It devalues yourself and everyone else trying to gain some support. Although companies like to see people using and pimping their products, they also see and can tell a patch pirate wants the shirts and decals so people can see THEM not the products. I agree with the others that this is a small group and people within these companies change jobs within the group. (Jo from Evenrude, who didn't like Bob, now works for Yamaha, and remembers Bob from Evenrude) make sense?
Like the others said, start small, work hard. Also try some companies outside of the fishing industry in your local area. One article in a news paper landed a buddy of mine use of a new truck and boat from local dealerships as well as a bait deal with Yamamoto.

 

[Jared]

Very true! One thing I have learned over the past few years about the fishing industry is the regardless of the fact that this industry produces billions of dollars world wide, it is a VERY close knitt community. Everyone talks to everyone and word travels lightning fast.

 

[JEVPhoenixBass]

I am wondering how you would go about getting a sponsor. Can any of y'all give me some information of how to do this? Any advise? I don't know if I'm ready for this or not, but just want as much information about it as possible just in case I swing that way.

And a few things I forgot........

Hard work, experience, Hard work, networking, Hard work, professional appearance and presentation skills, Hard work, product knowledge, Hard work, dependability, Hard work, loyalty, Hard work.........

And some may even want you to fish.....................................

Work at it, be professional, a man of your word and it will happen.

Good Luck!