How to Gain a Fishing Sponsorship

When starting out in the world of professional fishing, you may be caught in a scenario similar to the old conundrum, which came first the chicken or the egg. It's difficult to fish at the highest level without sponsorship, but it's hard to secure sponsorship without having achieved some success to catch the attention of potential sponsors. Taking the time build your reputation and forge long-term relationships with a handful of sponsors will be more productive than sending out generic sponsorship requests to every fishing company you can find.

Instructions

    • 1

      Learn your trade. Take the time to study the type of fish you catch and how the tournament circuit operates. Securing sponsorship is like applying for a job. Any potential sponsors will want to know you're knowledgeable about your profession before they consider backing you.

    • 2

      Build your profile. Enter competitions, write for fishing websites and magazines, and get your fishing performance recognized. Grab every opportunity to network with decision makers in the industry.

    • 3

      Fish with potential sponsor's equipment. Use the products sold by the companies you plan to approach. You'll be taken more seriously if you can talk about the benefits of their equipment and why you enjoy using it. You should also look into the history and strategy of any businesses you approach.

    • 4

      Offer to work for sponsors for free. Volunteer to work at exhibitions and expos early in your career. Speaking to Rob Newell of Bass Fishing Magazine, the professional angler Bernie Schultz said: "In the beginning of my career, I was a 'gopher' for reps. I would set up booths, transport boats, do demos and I never got paid a dime. But I listened and learned. I learned about stock keeping units, the importance of product packaging and placement. These are the invaluable tools every angler needs to know to help companies sell products."

    • 5

      Nurture long-term relationships with a limited number of companies. Avoid firing out sponsorship requests to all companies. Craft tailored sponsorship applications to send along with your resume to businesses you think will work well with your profile. Tell potential sponsors what you can do for them as opposed to what you want them to give you.