I just got this email from Billy Raymond

Hey Russ,

Just wanted to make you aware of a special sponsorship episode that's coming up on BassFeed.

This is a hot topic with just about every angler from weekenders to top pros. Unfortunately, it seems like there is a lot of misinformation and misunderstanding out there.

For that reason, I've invited Tom Branch Jr from Fish Harder Companies (Tru-Tungsten, Picasso Lures, et al) to come on the show and answer questions submitted by listeners and forum users.

I'm writing you because I'd like to invite the BassResource community to participate. It's a popular topic in the BR forums, so I'm betting that group could come up with some good questions.

If you have any questions you'd like to ask, just list it here and Billy will be monitoring this thread looking for questions he can use.

How do you get your sponsored fishing partner to share the wealth? ;D ;D

Mr. Branch is a really great guy. I look forward seeing how this turns out.

I'm getting pretty serious about my tournament career, but sponsorship is not even close to the top of the list of things I'm worrying about. I have a few local sponsors, because they are simply gracious and offered as I know people well within the companies.

I just am curious about when if any is the best time to approach bigger companies (fishing related) that I support and always will regardless of sponsorship opportunities? As for my status in my fishing you can see my info by clicking the "www" tab below.

Good questions, guys.

And I agree that Tom is a great guy. He's really gone the extra mile to get me in touch with his pro staff.

I think he'll be a good source.

Billy Raymond

Question- How are companies addressing the growing number of youth looking for sponsorship?  

What are some of the things that youth , in particular, can do to further their ambitions specifically, what do you look for personally that would qualify a youth to be a part of your program?

I'll ask him, Russ. Should be an interesting answer.

Does a person absolutely have to be a tournament angler to qualify for sponsorship?  There are people who are "ambassadors" in the sport, doing lots of good things, who are in the public eye often but do not competitively fish.  Do you see these kinds of sponsorships growing, declining or remaining the same?  How much appeal do these folks have compared to a tournament angler?

Thanks

Thanks Fin. I'll make sure to work those in.

Good questions.

Billy Raymond

Billy- Any idea when this one will air?

The first definition should address: What is sponsorship?

The first definition should address: What is sponsorship?

Great, great, GREEEEAT point.

Can you please describe the differences between:

Sponsored

Pro staff

Field Staff

I'm interviewing Tom tomorrow (Sunday Jan. 13) at 4 PM and I'll be posting this episode Monday evening (Jan 14).

I'll put a note in here when it's up.

Thanks to you and everyone else for the questions, should be a good interview.

Billy Raymond