Hey guys,

 

does anyone know any companies who offer pro staff positions to non professionals?

 

I currently compete in local tournaments and club tournaments and Im trying to broaden my horizons. any tips on what companies to try?

Companies whos baits you fish

I am on the pro-staff of an online company and so far, they have treated me well.  If interested, PM me and I can get the information to you.

I'm on the pro staff/ team for Toad Thumper lure co., Kistler rods and I could be happier 

There are lots of levels of pro staffers.  They can be anywhere from a shirt and a few baits to getting a boat at cost.  It depends on the company and what you are willing to do for them.

1 hour ago, Jig Man said:

There are lots of levels of pro staffers.  They can be anywhere from a shirt and a few baits to getting a boat at cost.  It depends on the company and what you are willing to do for them.

The last sentence is key. 

It’s best to send a resume to the marketing division of the company’s you’re interested in representing. 


 

Mike

Exactly

 

Decide what you want to do and what you can do, besides competing,  before anything.  

 

You can even do something and send in a report with no strings attached.

If you get an offer be sure you understand everything that it entails.  I know some guys who got boats at cost and didn’t have to pay right away, which sounds great.  The catch was they were delivered a new boat one year later and payment was due immediately on the first boat.  The first boat was their problem.

 

 I knew a guy who had 3 pro staff boats, was making payments on the first 2 and had no prospective buyers.  My point is know what you are getting into.

Also, read everything they give you and read it again. 
Vast majority of company’s are fair and will give you the support as long as you hold up your end, a few not so much. 
 

I suggest you hook up with a reputable and at least a regionally known company. 
 

One of the things I’ve learned is that you will get out of it what you put into it regardless of the specific details of your agreement. 
 

 

 

Mike
 

10 year old thread.  The OP has either won the Classic or given up on professional fishing by now.   My money is on the latter.  😆

I didn’t notice that or I would not have posted.

Ditto!!

 

 

 

 

 

Mike

Update to my earlier post to address a grammar/ spelling error;

 

I'm on the pro staff/ team for both Toad Thumper lure Co. & Kistler custom rods and I've been very happy with both of the pro staff/ team opportunities and the products I've purchased from these companies!!!😁

On 10/13/2024 at 8:29 AM, JCfishing said:

Update to my earlier post to address a grammar/ spelling error;

 

I'm on the pro staff/ team for both Toad Thumper lure Co. & Kistler custom rods and I've been very happy with both of the pro staff/ team opportunities and the products I've purchased from these companies!!!😁

I realize this thread is 50 years old but having been down the "prostaff' road for 3 or 4 rod companies let me offer my thoughts. 

First, If the agreement requires you to buy a set number of rods per year, run. It's nothing more than a sales tool to move rods, reels etc. Even if they give you 40% off they are still making money and moving inventory. 

If they truly want you to represent them there won't be any strings attached. 

^^ This ^^

 

My wife is my Pro Staff She lets me know how much money I can spend 

32 minutes ago, bowhunter63 said:

My wife is my Pro Staff She lets me know how much money I can spend 

My house, I get a monthly allowance - to get more expensive gear, I have to do without for a few months to save up.

On 10/25/2024 at 10:53 AM, rangerjockey said:

I realize this thread is 50 years old but having been down the "prostaff' road for 3 or 4 rod companies let me offer my thoughts. 

First, If the agreement requires you to buy a set number of rods per year, run. It's nothing more than a sales tool to move rods, reels etc. Even if they give you 40% off they are still making money and moving inventory. 

If they truly want you to represent them there won't be any strings attached. 

That’s definitely true, but you have to start somewhere when you’re an unknown fishing regional or national events.

 

Whether it’s baits, rods, or other gear the bait monkey has a hold over me so I’m more than happy to get 30% - 50% of my purchases and occasionally getting some free stuff.

 

Yes, these companies are still making money off of me in exchange for me promoting their products. But my savings are a big win for me as well.

@Koz I wait it out and look for sales then stock up. You can easily get good deals if you know when to buy. 
 

@bowhunter63 my wife knows I want the best but won’t buy a thing unless it’s the right price. Unless it’s truly needed. I have enough I don’t catch fish on. 
 

I was sponsored for racing motocross. Basically I got everything at cost for upgrades and suspension. My gear I got crazy deals on.  These were all local places I developed a relationship with. 
 

My advice is go to your local tackle shops you might not have the cool factor of bass pro on your stuff but, “bills bobber shack” may help you out in ways BPS never will. (Unless you make it big) Also this may let you be a lot more flexible and let you use what YOU want to use.