The Search for Fishing Sponsors

[evangler]

I put up a new post this morning about the search for fishing sponsors with some tips I've learned over the years that will help anybody seeking to secure some small-scale sponsorships.

Then I discuss what would happen if Christian anglers promoted Jesus as fervently as they promoted their sponsors...

Every angler that fishes tournaments spends a lot of time trying to figure out how to attract sponsors to help offset some of the costs associated with fishing competitive events.

Those anglers that have achieved at the highest levels look like NASCAR drivers with shirts that have been turned in to walking billboards advertising everything from boats and motors to rods and reels to baits and bags.

As somebody that has been a sponsored angler, I can tell you the search for sponsors can absolutely consume an angler to the point that he forgets why he even started fishing in the first place.

That’s because sponsorship doesn’t come easily, especially in today’s economic climate. Getting sponsored requires a unique blend of fishing and marketing ability.

You can be the best angler in a tournament series with lots of wins and record catches, but if you can’t sell a company’s products your sponsorship search will come up empty.

You can be the best seller around, but if your tournament performance doesn’t match up with what’s coming out of your mouth, you’ll loose credibility, and your sponsorship search will come up empty.

Read the rest at http://evangler.com/2010/04/21/who-do-you-promote/

[Charlie's Custom Rods]

Originally Posted by evangler

Then I discuss what would happen if Christian anglers promoted Jesus as fervently as they promoted their sponsors.../[/url]

I want to preface this by saying that I believe in the prophecy, the birth, the life, the death and the resurrection, of Jesus Christ. But, I am still a flawed man. I cuss way too much and probably drink too much beer (on occasion.)

I'm not rich but live a happy life.

Jesus tells us not to act like the hypocrites in the Synagogue and to pray quietly. ( I don't remember the actual verse)

I am always leery of the salesman who waves a Christian flag. Many a dishonest salesman claim to be something they are not. Taking advantage of the Christians good nature.

I believe that as Christians in business, it is more important to be just in our dealings and conduct our business with a set of values. If we make our business decision based on values we can't go wrong.


Sponsorship

As a businessman, I still have to make money and at the end of the day, I have to sell product.

For those few people that I sponsor, They must also be person's of character, because you never know who is watching. They must have a certain set of competitive angling skills and the ability to reach out on talk to people of all different level.

Sponsored anglers plant seeds by promoting the value of a product(not just monetary value either).

Last but not least, many competitive anglers sale themselves for products they don't believe in. I hope that as my business grows, those anglers that I sponsor are a enthusiastic about my products as I am. If they are, the potential customer will see it.

That's just Charlie's $.02

See ya on the water

[T-Red]

I want to be sponsored by Coors Light, its a product I truly believe in and use on a regular basis. If anyone has any connections, let me know.

[SaltyCajunGirl]

It is actually real easy but time consuming. I am Gold level with Ranger, Silver with Mercury, Hummingbird and Motor Guide (All the same company) Costa Del Mar, Kajun Limb, (Local fishing rods) Power Pole, and I am in the middle of getting Academy.

These sponsors don't care how many Tournaments you win, (It never hurts to win though) but how many Boats, Motors or what ever you sell for them. That means going to Product knowledge every year for all sponsors and typically if you go to like Rangers Product knowledge Most of your other sponsors will be there like Motor, Electronics and so fourth. They want to see you work there booth at major Tournaments like the classic and championships. The more they see you and shake your hand the more you get!! Also when you get a sale for them let them know you sold it. Always have a contact and get to know your sponsors!!

People think you must win to get them. Fact is you don't even have to be good....lol Case and point!! lol

Just take care of them and call them and ask what you can do for them soon. Find out where they will be. Boat Shows are HUGE!!! They LOVE when you work them.

ALSO, REMEMBER when you are wearing the tournament shirt you are representing major companies. ALWAYS be nice and welcoming. Say hi to everyone and be friendly.

[SaltyCajunGirl]

If any of you are thinking about obtaining sponsors let me know.

[LPfishnTIM]

Originally Posted by SaltyCajunGirl

It is actually real easy but time consuming. I am Gold level with Ranger, Silver with Mercury, Hummingbird and Motor Guide (All the same company) Costa Del Mar, Kajun Limb, (Local fishing rods) Power Pole, and I am in the middle of getting Academy.

These sponsors don't care how many Tournaments you win, (It never hurts to win though) but how many Boats, Motors or what ever you sell for them. That means going to Product knowledge every year for all sponsors and typically if you go to like Rangers Product knowledge Most of your other sponsors will be there like Motor, Electronics and so fourth. They want to see you work there booth at major Tournaments like the classic and championships. The more they see you and shake your hand the more you get!! Also when you get a sale for them let them know you sold it. Always have a contact and get to know your sponsors!!

People think you must win to get them. Fact is you don't even have to be good....lol Case and point!! lol

Just take care of them and call them and ask what you can do for them soon. Find out where they will be. Boat Shows are HUGE!!! They LOVE when you work them.

ALSO, REMEMBER when you are wearing the tournament shirt you are representing major companies. ALWAYS be nice and welcoming. Say hi to everyone and be friendly.

I Like them Kajun Limb rods they are great they sell them at Bowie Outfitters in Baton Rouge, or you can have one specially made the way you like it! The Guy who makes them is a Christian too!