Sometimes I think this thread, to be awfully tough, on the young guys, with very little examples of where to go, and what to do, and alot of grief on grammer. That being said, here's an example of what pro-staff is really like, at least in the beginning. Oh, by the way, go for it if you wish! Its one that was emailed, to me...and before anyone on this thread jumps my OZ , I don't endorse them, know them, use any of their products,ect.  

WWW.sfvu.com/prostaff/index.htm

That made or an interesting read.  I would like to see who is on their Pro Staff though.....just to curb my curiosity.

Looks like a lot of research went into puting that program on.

So let me get this straight I have to purchase for at least $65 a tackle pack. Then I can promote thier products. I think this is a great marketing scheme Hell you can't even pick the stuff that you know you can use.

That is the way most of the sponsorships work.  Pay for some of the things and get some of the things for free.  You have to kind of prove yourself before they will consider giving you anything for free.  Unfortunate but that is the  way things are.

So let me get this straight I have to purchase for at least $65 a tackle pack. Then I can promote thier products. I think this is a great marketing scheme Hell you can't even pick the stuff that you know you can use.

Actually, it's fairly common.  Why would I as a company want to support and promote YOU as an angler if you can not invest in me and my product line?  It seems like MOST of the companies that do this (make you buy a tackle pack up front) seem to take good care of you after that.

So let me get this straight I have to purchase for at least $65 a tackle pack. Then I can promote thier products. I think this is a great marketing scheme Hell you can't even pick the stuff that you know you can use.

That is how most every sponsorship starts. It seems very fair in my opinion. They are going to invest there money in you and want to know you will do the same with them. As far as the NASCAR sponsorships go your right drivers dont have to use the products because thousands of spectators are seeing the sponsor logo's every Sunday. Thats totally different than a beginning angler who will most likely fish smaller local clubs or a few amature tournaments a year and probably only bring in a small amount of revenue for a company. Anglers are expected to DO WORK to promote there sponsors and generate business for them and in return they give price breaks and in some cases free merchandise. Our sponsors do a lot to help offset our expenses and we work hard to promote there products to anglers and to shops who "MIGHT" carry there product line. I have talked to many of the PRO'S and thats how they start too. The more you do for your sponsors the more they will do for you. One key thing is to stay in contact with your sponsors and have a good working relationship with them. Let them know about tournament schedules and finishes and send them pictures to show them that you are out there doing your part to promote them. The harder you work for them the more they will support you.

I am the Prostaff Director for Secret Weapon Lures. If you have any questions about our Professional Staff program please contact me.