Hello

Question
Hi my name is Garett i am 18 years old and have been fishing for about 12 years.  I am in a fishing club for my second year,  and have placed lots of times.  I wanted to talk to quantum but just couldnt do it.  I am a great fisherman and i know what i am doing at all times.  I wanted to know what i have to do to get sponsored by a company, i really like quantum, i use their rods, reels, etc.  Do u have any ideas that could help me for my future of becomming a professional.    

Thanks, Garett

Answer
Garett,
You have started your quest for pro bass angler at a good age.  However, be sure to consider everything.  It is a long hard road, as I'm sure you know.  I'm not trying to discourage you, but want you to realize what is being faced.

A top sponsor once told me that a pro angler has to be more than just a very good fisherman.  He/she must be able to work well in and with the media (print and electronic), and present him/herself in a good manner at all times.  You also have to be able to make personal appearances, including seminars.

As for getting a sponsor it is easiest for them to come to you.  However, as you know, that doesn't always happen.  In fact, a walleye pro from Indiana recent called me for help on Bull Shoals Lake.  He is in the top 50 ranking, and has placed high enough in one tournament to have lost out on $90,000 by 2 ounces.  Even with this he still is struggling to get sponsors.

In 1988, when George Liddle qualified for the BASS Classic, he paid out $33,000 of his own money.  Sponsors will still not knocking on his door.  He did have a sales rep job with Ranger Boats.

In your case you will have to put together a good resume.  Include tournaments fished, any award fish (state, regional and world records), and organizations of which you are a member, especially if it is a board member position.   Another thing to include is all civic work that you have done.  Include copies of newspaper and magazine articles featuring you, and tapes of any radio or TV appearances.  Tell the sponsor what you can do, and are willing to do for them.

Most sponsors, if they take a chance on anyone, will not offer money, especially during the initial years.  They will offer products, and often on a reduced price.  I hold out for the free products, and then you are only allowed so many dollars worth, with a possible raise in that amount during future years.  Boat and motor combinations are another matter, with usually a reduced price, or memo billing deal.

A friend in the marketing department of one of these companies told me that it was nothing to receive over 1,000 such requests in a week, and sometimes in a day.  So you can see what you are facing.

At this time I'm in the process of finding sponsors for my radio show.  I have 14 media awards, including number one in fishing 3 times in radio.  I'm still having problems.

You can also take a shot at local and regional sponsors if that is your target at the moment.  Tackle stores, marine dealers, auto dealers, cellphone companies, coffee houses ?the list of possibilities can be many.

You may also like to ask some advice from the pros at Bassin USA, of which I am a member.  Go to www.bassinusa.com, and post questions on the Ask The Pros section.  I haven't been on the boards for several months, but there are several guys who will help.  I prefer doing it this way so I have the time to set and write a response offline, to cover things a bit more.

As for Quantum, I have a contact for the marketing group for that company.  He is also a tournament angler, and an extremely nice person.  His name is Gary Dollahon.  His email is [email protected].  He works with several companies through this single firm.  Although he may not be able to help you directly with obtaining a staff placing, he could direct you to the proper person and avenue.

Just remember this is a business like any other business.  You have to keep books, and figure out everything closely, including all of your own bookings for seminars, etc.  Also, there is no retirement, medical or other benefits.  I tell you all of this because I am now at a point in my life where I have realized I should have quit 20 years ago.  In fact, I am in the process of trying to find other work, and at this time may be starting a job as a seasonal park employee, while keeping the radio show going with few sponsors, just to keep Dan's Fish 慛' Tales?active in order to satisfy the trademark laws.  Of course, my end of the profession is in the media, but it runs very close.  Recently I discussed this with a very well know TV fishing personality, who said things are going to get tougher because of the gas prices and economy.  It is all going to trickle down, from the companies, dealers, and then us.

Again, I'm not trying to discourage you, but I don't want you thinking the profession is all roses and glitter.  Too many people have come up to me at sport shows and special appearances that are seeing all the glitter, and not realizing what happens behind the scenes.

Hopefully this will help you in some way, and if you have any other questions don't hesitate to ask.  Virgil Ward was my advisor, and he has passed on that part to me to try helping the younger members of our group.

Good luck, and I wish you great success.

Best of fishing,
Dan