CSB

Generally I use PowerPro braid or P-Line CXXX.

The Daiwa Viento also has a dedicated flipping switch. I know Daiwa's $200 and up reels are superb in quality so the Viento should be no exception.

Real marketing opportunities (not product sponsorships) will not come to you except under extremely rare circumstances (youre a minority, you have some form of gift that perfectly fits the companies marketing strategy, etc.) because there are a million wannabe's that think mailing resumes to 500 companies asking for money is going to get it done. The majority never reach a decision makers hands, they just go "on file", AKA File 13.

Thanks JT. I am considering a little side project that will offer marketing services for tournament anglers. Im just gathering info now, but think there is a way to present angling as a viable marketing opportunity for a variety of companies.

I think you're on the right track. How big is this company? A few things to consider: - Dont request anything in your proposal - those negotiations come after the decision maker has viewed your proposal and has contacted you with a response. - Instead of using "increase sales", use "drive sales". Decision makers like that word. Dont ask me why, because I dont know, but when I talk sales with a decision maker, they look to drive them. Use their lingo to stand out a bit more. - There are some other things such as grammar errors, word usage, etc. that needs a little touching up. Shoot me an email jefflin1@integy.net and I'll write up an edited version of your proposal, and if you like it you can use it.

It is just my opinion, but I think many anglers and the companies they pursue dont take marketing to fisherman seriously. Lets look at the facts: -44 million Americans participate in the sport of fishing -Anglers buy over $2 billion in equipment every year - The average BASS member is 51 years old, has a college education, and makes $66,000 per year. He/she also spends $2000 per year on fishing equipment. - This is a $75 billion industry (freshwater fishing) - Tournaments are nationally televised on a variety of networks including the Outdoor Channel, Versus, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic, and FOX Sports Network Why arent more anglers getting serious about marketing? Why arent more selling their service (advertisement, promotion, and marketing of a product/service) to companies like super-regional stores, home improvement stores, hunting and fishing equipment retailers, restaraunts, gas stations, textile retailers, etc. I can go on and on? I dont think fisherman are successful in their quest for marketing partners (sponsors give you product, marketing partners pay you to market their product/service and they seek a return on investment) because they arent caling the right people, they arent asking these decision makers the right questions, and they dont have the materials to present tournament fishing as a winning program for a particular company. Its not because these fisherman are stupid, just ignorant to the sports potential. There is a lot more to a marketing program than wrapping the truck/boat and wearing some logo's. If you seek the big dollars, its going to take considerable time and effort on your part to get them and keep them.

Sounds like Quantum pulled a fast one on consumers after they acquired Browning! 8-)

I noticed a lot of people on here pursue tackle companies and the like for sponsorship. Do any of you pursue other companies such as regional supermarkets, auto dealerships, trucking companies, food companies, etc.?

I disagree. In todays cut-throat business world, performance is secondary. You must be able to consistently catch fish, but more importantly, you must be marketable. That means being able to speak coherently, present yourself as a professional at all times, and have full knowledge of the product you are representing. You are essentially a salesman for the company. If you arent marketable, you arent getting the attention of major companies.