How to get sponsored bass fishing

Avid Angler Promotions (Tom Presnell)

Avid Angler Promotions (Tom Presnell)

Wordsmith and Chief Buzz Generator at Avid Angler Promotions

Published Nov 10, 2018

1 - BUILD AN AUDIENCE

Getting tapped to do a magazine, newspaper or website article is always a good way to get your name out there. But social media is playing a greater role in product visibility than it ever has. If you are not social media savvy, you need to become so. Create fishing specific Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter and Snapchat accounts. Connect with as many tournament anglers and industry people as you can stand and get your face and achievements out there. Research how to use these conduits of promotion on the internet and build a following. Network with other users on how to maximize your photos and videos with the least amount of time and effort. With a little know-how and practice, you will become more visible to existing partners and potential sponsors.

2 - ACHIEVE A MEASURABLE SUCCESS ON THE WATER

You don’t have to have stats like Kevin VanDam to start adding companies to your “supporters” list. You can be an amazing tournament angler and have lousy promotional skills, or a mediocre tournament angler and have great promotional skills. The most successful touring bass anglers have a balanced combination of both. Every competitive bass angler should always have some success to show for their efforts, otherwise why enter tournaments if you aren’t prepared to do well? The point is, try to obtain some success on the water, even if it’s on a lower tier circuit and build from there. Potential sponsors want successful anglers with visibility. If you have your name and picture on any top 10 list on a tour’s website, then you are heading in the right direction.

3 - CHOOSE ATTAINABLE GOALS

Even if you are a great tournament angler and have a lot of success already, don’t expect Strike King to roll out the red carpet for you. If you are new to the art of obtaining sponsors, then you need to start with attainable support. Most tackle and boating companies only put the top 5% of any high-level tour on their payroll, so starting with companies that will offer free product or a huge discount is a good beginning. You should always look for that key non-endemic sponsor, as well. So many tournament anglers fail to research and network with businesses right in their own backyard. In most cases, if you land one sponsor, others may very well take you more seriously. Just remember to start small and begin to build a bigger and more beneficial roster of supporters over time. Keep in mind – this is a process!

4 - BE NICE TO EVERYONE

Attitude is everything. My favorite saying to any up-and-coming bass tournament angler is, “Be nice to everyone on your way up, because you might see them on your way down.” Perception is paramount when it comes to popularity in the competitive bass fishing industry. If you are cocky and aloof, chances are you won’t have much luck obtaining sponsors. The rule of thumb is, be confident, but humble. Be generous with your time when you meet people and remain friendly and professional whenever you are in “be my own best salesman” mode. People will remember you more if you were nice to speak to and offer to help them achieve their goals. You can keep to yourself if you are in “tournament mode,” but always make time for people who are interested in you and what you are trying to do to further your career in the professional bass fishing ranks.

5 - KEEP YOUR WORD

If you want a chance to become a professional bass tournament angler and actually earn a living off your trade, then you need to always fulfill your commitments. Most sponsorship situations involve a contract and it is your job to understand what is expected of you and to meet or exceed your sponsor’s expectations. If you want to get picked up for another year, or perhaps get bumped to the next tier of a company’s support (which often means going from product to actual cash), then you need to find out what your sponsor’s needs are and carry them out with no hesitation. Never forget to show your gratitude – thank them often, both publicly and privately. Remember … They are investing in you to boost sales, so make sure their return on investment is noticeable.

ABOUT US

If you like what you’ve read, give us a "like" and go to avidanglerpromotions.com for assistance developing your professional angling promotional materials. Avid Angler Promotions has assisted dozens of individual tournament anglers, guides and tackle companies with their marketing, writing and artwork needs. Several examples of our work can be found on our Facebook page.