Hey guys,

 

Before I get into this, would I be correct in saying the only way you'll probably get sponsors is if you fish tournaments?

 

I plan on doing so next year but until then I was wondering if it'd even be possible to get some sponsors from small businesses in the meantime. Anything at all is appreciated

You absolutely do not have to fish tournaments to get sponsored.

 

But you have to bring something of value to the table.

Such as?

You absolutely do not have to fish tournaments to get sponsored.

 

But you have to bring something of value to the table.

Like he said. I wouldn't worry about sponsors much. Best thing to do is to get experience in sales and marketing and to build a strong resume. Get out fish and meet people. You can go around to local businesses and find out who to contact and try to schedule a meeting or send them emails. Be persistent and patient. It can take years to develop enough trust with some companies while others will just help you out without thinking twice. Good luck

Alright, I'll just keep on fishin' then and let things unfold! Thanks

Alright, I'll just keep on fishin' then and let things unfold! Thanks

Don't give up so quickly on your question. Use the site search tool, the gear icon on the far right side and search keyword "sponsored", lots of good advice there for you.

Tom

Don't give up so quickly on your question. Use the site search tool, the gear icon on the far right side and search keyword "sponsored",

lots of good advice there for you.

Tom

 

Let sleeping dogs lie.

The gear icon is easier to find than a sponsor.

 

Roger

I might sponsor you. Will you wear a jersey with my pic on it that says "jbsoonerfan is my hero"

All joking aside, what are you gonna do for your sponsor and why do you want to be sponsored. Btw, if its for free stuff, get in line.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/60793-best-of-bassresourcecom/

 

^Tons and tons of information there.^  Scroll down the thread to the sponsorship section.  You'll have hours of reading to do.

Here you go... http://www.bassresource.com/fishing/Bagwell/how-to-get-sponsors.html

Such as?

 

I am not sponsored and don't know much about the process, but I can answer this question.  What do the vendor's want you to bring to the table?  Money.  Not your money, but money from the potential customers you will bring them.  Vendors only sponsor anglers to get their brand/product out there.  It is a form of advertising.  Unfortunately, unless you have a way to get their product in front of potential customers you will have a difficult time getting a sponsor.  This doesn't mean you have to compete in tournaments every week, but that does help.  It could mean that you have an active website where you review products (such as this site), or maybe a youtube channel.  Perhaps running a local guide service, or being active in a community fishing program might be sufficient.

 

The point is, to be sponsored the vendor needs to know that you will be able to translate any financial incentive they provide to you back into sales for them otherwise it is a donation not a sponsorship.  When sponsored you effectively become an extension of that companies marketing or sales departments. Note a financial incentive does not mean cash money, but could be in the form of equipment, discounts, trade show access or any number of other benefits.

 

So having said all of that and like others have said before even before approaching a sponsor you need to determine how them sponsoring you will translate into more sales.  Most companies have a limited budget for sponsorships, and they will choose to go with the angler that has the best change to convert sales, it is as simple as that.  The more valuable you appear to them the better chance you have to be sponsored.

 

With all of that said definitely review the threads others have posted and good luck!

Persistence pays off! If you really want something you have to put the extra effort into showing a company you are their man or woman.. They have to see the value of you helping their brands flourish. A lot of companies are looking for people to represent them over Social Media now so with that being said you do NOT have to enter tournaments you just have to represent them well in other areas Such as Getting them into stores or just getting people interested in their products. Sponsorship's are not easy to come by, there are so many people begging for them nowadays you have to stand out and really show interest in the companies you want to do work with. Do NOT go asking for free gear. If they want to give you care packages they will, you have to earn everything, Nothing comes free!

             

                                                                                                                                             Tight Lines,

                                                                                                                                             Jason Nantz 

Coming from someone who played the game for a little bit and didn't really hunt for sponsors. Listen to everyone who has posted so far. If your truly interested in it, build a relationship with a local company. Don't just go up and ask for a sponsorship. Just talk with them, go fishing with them etc. As an example the way I got mine was at the fishing expo that my club puts on every year. After helping him set up he gave me a free bait. We exchanged numbers and off we went. 4 weeks later I'm at his house and am now producing lures with him and am marketing for him. The key is to bring money in for them. I've brought almost 300 dollars of revenue from baits that I've sold or convinced guys to make an order for. Money is the key factor. Keep that in mind and have fun. 

 

    Tight lines 

 

       Andrew

You absolutely do not have to fish tournaments to get sponsored.

 

But you have to bring something of value to the table.

 This, or just be lucky enough have an old acquaintance in a position to sell you fishing gear for 70% off at sponsor prices.  I bet they still made a profit off me at that price.  The markup on this stuff must be insane.