Hey guys. Im 16 years old, and i am looking for sponsorship's, or just help on getting some sponsorship's, for me and my dad. I'm not really looking for any bait companies right now. I'm more into trying to find some rod and line companies to help me out. I am hoping to start fishing a little bit bigger tournaments such as the BASS weekend series or the BFL. Any and all help is welcome. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Thanks  

I'm not a sponsored fisherman, and never will be. But I've worked in marketing in other industries and I've worked on sponsorship / endorsement deals, and the number one question you need to answer is this:

 

How are you going to help a potential sponsor sell more products? Do you have a website that gets x visits per day, and you'll review their products and run ads for their products on it? A popular YouTube channel? A fishing club? You need to have something to leverage. Otherwise, from a business perspective, they're just throwing money away.

 

In any sponsorship situation, you are basically a member of their sales force. So how are you going sell more stuff for them? Answer that, and you'll have something.

 

Edit: I don't mean you need to be a salesperson. But you have to have something to give in return.

Hey guys. Im 16 years old, and i am looking for sponsorship's, or just help on getting some sponsorship's, for me and my dad. I'm not really looking for any bait companies right now. I'm more into trying to find some rod and line companies to help me out. I am hoping to start fishing a little bit bigger tournaments such as the BASS weekend series or the BFL. Any and all help is welcome. 

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Thanks  

What can you offer a sponsorship? Before you give the traditional "Well I can talk up their products to people at local tournaments and all I need is a step in the door", you need to realize that that isn't a trait they are seeking, it's a given and expected by every company. you need something unique. what have you done to help their company and what have you accomplished? Who do you know?  Rod and line sponsorship are much more difficult to get a hold of than a smaller bait company. start small. The truth is, the fishing industry is a very had way to make a living or even turn a significant profit. A company, especially a rod/line/reel company, isn't going to throw somebody on their staff if you aren't even fishing larger tournament circuits to promote yourself. Start working your way up the circuit or local clubs or w/e gets you out there and something will eventually come along. 

Thanks guys that helps. The thing on the rod/line/reel companies is because me and my dad own a small bait company. The only thing we dont make is soft plastics, and hardbody baits.

The guys I know that are not professional fishermen have sponsors that have found them.

 

 

 

 

 The only thing we dont make is soft plastics, and hardbody baits.

 

then what do you make?

then what do you make?

Was thinking the same thing. Spinners and hand tied jigs maybe?

we make, jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, chatter baits, replacement skirts, shakey heads

Sounds like your business should sponsor yourself then....

we make, jigs, spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, chatter baits, replacement skirts, shakey heads

 

to play devils advocate I will say:

 

I don't need rods or reels, but I LOVE throwing a jig and shakey head!!! I am not fishing any tournaments right now, but I plan to. Do you think you could sponsor me and send me a couple hundred jigs and shakey heads? I promise to support your business!!!

to play devils advocate I will say:

 

I don't need rods or reels, but I LOVE throwing a jig and shakey head!!! I am not fishing any tournaments right now, but I plan to. Do you think you could sponsor me and send me a couple hundred jigs and shakey heads? I promise to support your business!!!

You don't need to fish tourneys. Just get a jersey with your sponsors names and hang out at the big box stores.

 

OP do a search of this forum. There is a lot of good advice and good stories about sponsorships

to play devils advocate I will say:

 

I don't need rods or reels, but I LOVE throwing a jig and shakey head!!! I am not fishing any tournaments right now, but I plan to. Do you think you could sponsor me and send me a couple hundred jigs and shakey heads? I promise to support your business!!!

Well, Let me ask my dad on that. We may not be able to just give you the jigs, and shakey heads but if you want that many im sure we could at least give you a big discount.

Send me an email at fishkisserky@yahoo.com with your name and I will give It to my dad and he'll be in contact.

Sounds like your business should sponsor yourself then....

Well, i already do. We aren't a big business, not a big business at all. But, the rods and reels that i have aren't the greatest. mainly reels is what i want to be sponsored with. I can handle the rods. But, reels are so expensive. And since ive been little ive wanted to make a career out of fishing. and everyone i talk to says if you don't start early its much harder to get into the bigger tourneys as you get older.

CHS if you are part of a high school team try having your team organizer contact various manufacturers. I am a boat captain for a team here and I know there are several companies that have made "sponsorship" deals by offering discounts. Some of which were pretty good.

 

G

High school team is the way to go you have an opportunity for talking to some bigger names. For example our club is sponsored by triton, mercury, green top, grey goat lures, and a bunch more good luck

tight lines

Andrew

to play devils advocate I will say:

 

I don't need rods or reels, but I LOVE throwing a jig and shakey head!!! I am not fishing any tournaments right now, but I plan to. Do you think you could sponsor me and send me a couple hundred jigs and shakey heads? I promise to support your business!!!

And now he's into taking food from the mouth of babes!