JayPea2005

As for the spawn, there was a push in January when water temps were hovering around 70 and then a cold snap came through and pushed them off. Now the spawn is in full swing with beds everywhere and mixxed in with the tilapia beds. I had them using 10" to 14" wild shiners. It was a lot of fun watching these 2 people catch big fish.

Had a couple of neighbors (snow birds) that I had been promising to take fishing before they headed back to Canada. Ted and Rose joined me today for a trip to Lake Tarpon and the action was astounding. Rose started the morning off with an 8lb'er, and then a 7.13lb'er, followed by a couple of 3lb'ers. While Ted managed a couple of 3lb'ers today himself. It was so cool seeing Rose, who has never caught a largemouth bass, start off with an 8'lb'er! Here are some pics from today. I think I can smell a Capt. License coming. Today was a blast and we all had a very good time out on the lake today. Here are some pics... Rose with 8lb'er! Rose with 7.13lb'er! [img width=640 height=481]http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g118/jaypea2006/100_0347.jpg Ted with one of his 3lb'ers! [img width=640 height=481]http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g118/jaypea2006/100_0349.jpg and, Rose and Ted posing with the 7.13lb'er! [img width=640 height=481]http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g118/jaypea2006/100_0348.jpg

From what I understand, Denny Brauer had more to do with it's cancellation than the network or ratings. I enjoyed the program, and have been a Denny fan for a longggg time, and it seems his rededication to working hard paid off at Champlain. WTG Denny! I think the concept is a good one and should be successful.

Get your hands on an FLW Nov-Dec issue. It has a very good product comparison on the lipless cb lines, including the yo-zuri. The article gave the yo-zuri a favorable review when compared to the lucky craft baits.

I fished today with a Spro and couldnt get bit then changed to the Hardcore Drum and started catching fish. Later I came down a bank behind Doghouse who was throwing a Spro and caught the fish in the photo. I think the difference was the different sound and action of the bait. The Drum has a different lower pitched sound that I feel helps when the fish are getting pounded by other lipless crankbaits. Its a unique bait thats just a little different and its worth it in the right situation

I have been a Territory Sales Manager for TRANE AC Co. and in the a/c wholesale business for 14 years. Also own my own manufacturer's rep. agency (Pro-Staff lines listed in siggy), and work as a freshwater tackle consultant and pro-staff member for Tackle Outlet in New Port Richey, FL.

Crud, my secret is out! ;D I started using them a couple of months ago and have been absolutely been tearing fish up on them. The baby bass pattern and the black back shad have been my best performers. I was going to change out the trebles, but don't really need to so I have held off. Totally impressed with this bait!

Just thought I would send this post back to the front for a reminder to those new to the site looking for sponsorship. It's a year old, but still makes a lot of sense.

If I may add some other advice, go the extra mile. Make investments of time, money, and your heart. If sponsorship is what you want in order to fish your tournaments, then be creative. Also, take a marketing class or two at your local community college. Community colleges sometimes offer non-accredited 6 week classes that you can take advantage of. Everything you do is taken into account when talking to prospective sponsors. As Lane said before, companies want to sell their products and gain market exposure. Example: Here in Tampa we have a major outdoors expo coming up in March of 2007. I didn't have a clue what I would put in the booth when I made the decision to lease one for 3 days. A bit of a gamble and expense, but when I spoke to prospective sponsors about the fact I had a booth leased and wanted to promote their products, I believe it was the kicker that put them over the edge. ALL of them are GIVING me products to sell through my booth allowing me to recoup my expenses. Also, all of them have agreed to send a company representative to help me man the booth. Lastly, do what you promised you would do. If you can't make time obligations then do not mislead your sponsors and yourself. A lot of companies know each other and they talk. I actually got a sponsor from word of mouth of another sponsor I already had. Be prepared to go the extra mile and it will work out for you. It won't happen over night either, have patience, plant your crops, and watch them sprout. Once they sprout tend to them as though they are your children... seriously!

Low Budget Hooker you make a great point! There are guides galore offering fishing reports within these forums and others in order to get their name out there. I can't see why they wouldn't be willing to do the same in a day of taping a program? Vorlin, you have a great idea and hope it gains speed. Also, check with your local cable provider and inquire into the policies of their public access channels. They can also provide low cost production services and direct you in which direction you need to go for rental of filming equipment, etc.. good luck!

You nailed it right on the head. As a matter of fact I was able to get support from one of my current sponsors the exact same way. I used them for the better part of a lifetime and convinced my local tackle shop (also a sponsor) to bring in the line. Once a stocking order was placed, I called the lure manufacturer and talked to the owners. The rest is history. Excellent post mattlures!

updated again to current info.

I should write a book on how many different ways to spell sponsorship. I love the "if anyone knows of a pro staff opening notify me". Yeah right, if I find free money floating around I'll be sure to let you know.

updated

I have to say that I am intimidated by Lake Toho. I can fish, I can catch fish, I can catch fish on almost any body of water, but I am intimidated by Lake Toho. I practice and catch fish on Toho, but choke when it comes down to a tournament. I have my gameplan and then when the tournament starts I wind up ditching my gameplan for something else I think might work. Only on Toho though.