Opinions From People With Sponsors

[SHAFT]

Let me start out by saying this is not meet to offend anyone or start a brawl but an honest question . When questions are asked on this board , other boards , in magazine articles and fishing shows in regards to options on fishing tackle , baits , boat manufactures . etc. I always wonder how honest the answer is from the pro who has sponsorships from companies that manufacture the products that they recommend . Are we getting advise from a successful angler who is top in his field and willing to share from his experience or are we getting advise from a business man who is paid to promote a product . From the pro's side I'm sure you have obligations to your sponsors to do your best to promote their products , do you seek out sponsors or do they approach you . What do you guys think about this as weekend anglers and pros .

[kb]

That is a good question and being a guy who has a pretty good list of sponsors I have to say that most of us would have a pretty hard time promoting something we didn't use ourselves or believe in. Many pro's have the chance to endorse or get products they just wouldn't use or even like and they have to make a choice.

The products I promote are the products I fish with, not to say they are the only products especially with baits but I only fish out of Triton boat with a Mercury, Motor Guide, Lowrance, Battery Systems Batteries etc. I believe in these products and endorse them. I don't own any other reels but Pfluegers use only Gamakatsu hooks etc. I am very lucky to have great sponsors and I think many of the guys you will be talking with in the upcoming months at the shows feel the same way.

I can tell you that I will also talk about Zara Spooks, Huddlestons, fish traps, super pork, Lucky Craft Staysee 90's and LV 500's in upcoming seminars and I am not sponsored by any of them but I use them and they are great products and a big part of my fishing.

No matter what you have to take what you learn or hear and mold it into your fishing and see if it works for you. It is a great sport and there are lots of angles.

If you are looking to be sponsored in the future you have to endorse products you believe in and use. And the companies usually will approach you in most cases but not always.

Hope this helps! And remember believe EVERYTHING you hear on the radio!!!

good luck
kb

[RichThiel]

Shaft,

Your questions relate to different levels of anglers that fish for bass. Too your questions as a guide, it can be challenging to pickup sponsors. I've been fishing over 30yrs an I've seen alot of products. Some good and some I wouldn't even bother with.

The Companies that I found to be good and above average is Companies that don't have a "Quality Control Issues". These companies I'll as a guide go after. Do I get questioned about a product every other day, yes. If I have used a certain product and I've found falts with it, I'll usually look and call the company and see how they treat the problem. Most will replace the baits or product, the ones that treat it has if it was my fault that it riped, broke, came unglued etc. I just don't use their product and if I get a question about it from another angler. My replies to them is what I've experience with the product, good or bad. These companies usually don't last to long within the industry.

Do Companies call me, some. Do I have some type of sponsorship with them, yes. Do I get calls from companies to try a product, yes. Do they ask for opinion of the product, yes. Do I give them a straight answer, good or bad----YES. And most of the products that I try, only about 60% will hold up. This is why I look into their Quality Control.

From a Pro's point of view. The Pro has tried the product and liked it from the beginning and will go after the company for a sponsorship (West Coast Pro's). This can also work on certained levels of sponsorships.

BASS and FLW Pros are your top of the line in fisherman and their sponsorships can be anywhere from getting bait or product to a salary of some sort and work with the company to make a better bait or product.

Hope this help a little. The Companies that I work with at the moment that have a quality control setup in place is as follows....

316 Lure Co, Highseas fishing line, Roboworm, Powell Rods, Bobby D's Jig and Blackdog baits.

Good luck and I'm sure you will get more answers too your questions.

Rich Thiel

[NaCl]

*NM*

[ash]

on behalf of the angler speaking. The pro has to make an ethical decsion in terms of being fully honest about thier product. There are some guys who wedge sponsors into any conversation, I am always leary of this approach and the info that that person is giving me.

I do not have sponsorships, I have had a few instances where I have been given product etc... I have always made sure to reciprocate with mentioning that product where applicable. But make no mistake I was using the product and would tell it like it is.

So really I think most guys who have sponsorship obligations know intuitavly that they must walk a thin line on hand they are obligated to share their information about the product, on the other hand they need to be honest with the public. If they fail on the later then the public will (eventually) get wise and stop paying attention to the speaker.

I have found that as a consumer I can hear a lecture where this guy says I use brand XYX and BLAH BLAH BLAH and this is how and where I use it.....most of the times XYX can be filled in with like item and it will work out...well except for Lucky Craft and Huddlestons

[Phil]

316 Lure Co, Highseas fishing line, Roboworm, Powell Rods, Bobby D's Jig and Blackdog baits.


SAY A GUY IS SPONSORED BY THESE ITEMS RICH MENTIONED ; THEN, ARE THESE THE ONLY ITEMS OF THAT TYPE THAT THE FISHERMAN USES ?? OR DOES HE GO OUTSIDE THE BOX AND USE SOMETHING ELSE TO WIN ALSO ....
SAY YOU ARE SPONSORED BY 3:16 YOU COME TO DON PEDRO AND WIN USING A HUDDLESTON. DO YOU SAY YOU WON IT ON A 3:16 ??? HOW MANY HAVE DONE THAT TO KEEP THEIR SPONSORS ?
SAME WITH RODS REELS ETC ?? I SEE YOUR POINT !

[Dewayne]

I think there are a couple issues here. Most of us only accept sponsorships from companies with products we really believe in. Our reputations are not worth putting our names on something that is a poor product. In the cases of the 3 sponsors I have they are companies with products I had seen, was impressed with, did a lot of research, and then approached the company for sponsorship based on my confidence in their products. I have been offered sponsorships from other companies with products I did not like and have turned them down. Too much of being successful in fishing is about confidence and if your not confident in the products you use, then how can you be successful.

It does happen though. I recently talked to one of the Elite Anglers who was looking for a new sponsor because the one he had was not working for him. He needed the money, but was very uncomfortable even wearing a patch and listing them as a sponsor when he often used a product from another manufacturer. I have also seen anglers who get paid a contingency for mentioning a specific bait company who will really stretch the truth to get their sponsor mentioned and earn their payment. This is getting harder and harder with the press coverage and the co-anglers seeing what you are doing. With the new Berkley program we will hear a lot about them in 2008, most will be true, some will not be. The checks are big and the pressure to mention there name and baits will be heavy.

Just like with any form of advertising the consumer has to look at what is being said and if consumer feedback supports the advertising message.

[RichThiel]

Dewayne said it all for the Higher level fields.

[bassindon69]

(Weekend angler here) Well I am a nobody, Just like most, just another person catching big fish LOL!! I don't do a bunch of tourneys (can't afford it) on average 2 or 3 Opens a year. I don't care about being a top dog. I like to just fish. I had a few things come my way because it was what I used and it worked and did well with them. I also share my experiences with others, That's my choice, I don't have to do that. I feel if you don't share things you learned then its all for selfish reasons. I did not look for it, It came to me. It is not much but it sure saves me a few bucks so I can fun fish more I have not and would not talk about anything I did not believe in. If I was quiet I would not have got a thing, no new friends or products. I would have bought the products anyway and still talked about them working. I am not sponsored by Okuma, They (Mark R.)sent me a few things to try or test. The link is there because I believe in there products. It's my way to say Thank you. Swimbait City.com gives me a discount and Don-O has been a good friend check um out. I have had the most products come my way from 3:16 lure Company to test (Great lures that are Awesome) Mickey and Rena are my kind of people. I guess I am not really sponsored by anyone but I do show appreciation back to those who have been kind to me. Again, I would only use them If I believed in them. Period. However I am sponsored for the HBC tournament by 3:16, Orso Swimbaits and Swimbait City.com. I am VERY thankful for all these company's and people in my life. I hear a lot about "self promoting" I am NOT trying to promote myself ,I can't stand people that are full of themselves. I just like to share stuff that's all.
Jigs, No if I hit them on a Hudd I would not say 3:16, NEVER. Jigs, If I Believe in what I am using to win I should not have to worry about the other stuff right?

Does this sound like kissing butt or what? Thanks for the question to say THANKS to those people again, I can't say it enough. Being the weekend angler I never expected a thing.


Don.

[fish_food]

There are some guys who wedge sponsors into any conversation, I am always leary of this approach and the info that that person is giving me.

Don't you just hate that? It's like getting a spiel from a car saleman. I hate people with that "sales weasel" type personality, no matter what kind of product they're so obviously trying to push...

[Andy Giannini]

Right now my only sponsor is Lincoln Grease Guns.

(Easy Dewayne, I am certified and safety trained to use this bad boy.)

For the most part, guys can't wait to work in a good word about a sponsor or cosponsor. Some of them are very effective, and some fish better than they promote a product line. (Or it could be the ther way around.)

Its really tough not to go on and blab about some new sponsor/product you are excited about. The internet gives you another venue to do so. The stuff that doesn't work well will be found out. Same thing with not so hot testimonials.

Anybody want to know something about a Timber Tiger?

A.G.

[NaCl]

And the business is pretty simple. Its all about credibility. The sponsor provides financial incentive to the fisherman and the fisherman provides advertising for the sponsor. In the case of a "hot" angler like Skeet Reese, the sponsor may be happy just to use the fisherman's name. But, in most cases, the sponsor is relying on the pro to promote their product. The only question is how best to do it.

Some sponsored pros do not understand the difference betweeen good advertising and destructive advertising. When I first got on with Yamamoto, "Bubba" and I talked about the role they expected. One of the things he said was that Yamamoto expects their prostaff to be 100% honest at all times. If they win an event using Brushhogs then the GYCB staff should say so! Why would they want their competitor promoted? Because honesty creates a prostaffer whose opinion can be trusted by the customers. This staffer's recommendations WILL sell baits. So, when this pro talks about GYCB products people will listen.

The other thing Bubba siad that I thought every new prostaffer should hear is, "Dean, the bass fishing community is small. Word spreads fast all across the country about the bad actors. If a pro gets caught in a lie about product just once, he will have trouble finding sponsors for years to come."

I personally only have sponsors whose products are my FIRST choice in fishing. Do I use non-sponsor product? You bet! I'll use anything I think I need to be competitive but I will also be honest about those products if they result in success.

As far as other sponsored guys, I believe the vast majority of sponsored guys are sincere in their beliefs. The few who are not telling the truth don't last long. Like Bubba says, the "bad actors" get shunned by sponsors.

.....NaCl

[Ricky-S]

It is a double edged sward. I read a statement from David Dudley that stateted,

"If you ask a fisherman what he (or she) caught their fish on then you are asking to be lied to."

Now that is the TRUTH.

[bassindon69]

Very Nice NaCl

Don.

[brambo0311]

I just fun fish and am in a small bass club. I just tell what has been working for me. I dont have a sponsor or anyones pockets to line but my own. But I have thousands of dollars worth of baits I will never through because I was told they were great and arnt. This sight is great for learning what is good and not so good. And poor man alternatives to stuff like basstrix. There are a lot of really good fishermen on this sight that shoot straight. I only keep secrets from the 5 gallon bucket fishermen. I posted here about a bait I was using, and where once on Folsom, and the next weekend I had a family communists sitting on my spot with a bucket full of 3 to 4 lb bass. So I hold back a bit now. Its like swim bait fishing, I have been using swim baits since they were sassy shads and salt water stuff for tuna. I will tell what to use, but wont always explain about how to position yourself and trigger a bite when all they do is chase it. Thats something you have to figure out by yourself and dont want to spoil the suprise.

[crawdaddy]

When it comes to soliciting information from a sponsored person I would say as with any other time be a smart consumer (be it of information or goods). Just look at some of the posts asking for recommendations about certain products. If you are hearing a lot about "customer service" be wary. For me the best product is the one where I never need any customer service. I buy it, I use it, and it works. The sponsored are paid reps just like any other salesman. They will downplay the problems and emphasize the solutions. Just realize what you are hearing and take it for what it is worth. Is a chartreuse/white double willow spinnerbait better from Persuader, Terminator or BPS? Each rep will sing the praises of their product. Will one catch you more fish than the other? Same can be said of almost any product.

[Marc]

I agree with most of the good posts above; particularly the comments about credibility of the prostaffer being at stake; and maybe I can add a couple of thoughts to consider.

There are some bad apples in every bunch, but I have to say that the majority of prostaffers support products that they do believe in. Many like myself seek particular sponsors because their products are very important to the prostaffer's success.

Dishonest prostaffers do NOT stand the test of time. The fishing community is a tightly-knit bunch, and unscrupulous prostaffers don't last long in this business. Always judge the prostaffer first, and if that person is credible, then you can reasonably assume the products they represent are also credible. A smart consumer often relies on subject-matter experts that they trust for advice on legal matters, financial matters, marital or child raising advice, etc. Fishing is no different. There are certain people that I go out of my way to ask what products they use because I know I am going to get the truth. There are others whose advice is worthless to me.

As far as overtly pushing products...considering that I have been a member of BASS since it began 40 years ago, I can assure you that there was a time when we thirsted for advertisements of fishing products! We could learn more to improve our fishing by learning of new products than we could from reading about someone's fishing trip. Even to this day, I always peruse all the advertisements in fishing magazines to look for revolutionary products and ideas that can make my fishing more enjoyable. Promotion of a product by a prostaffer is just a modern way to advertise. If I'm not interested in the product, I ignore the promotion and move on to the next. If you don't want the used-car salesman approach, then don't shop at a Used-car lot. No big deal.

Probably the only thing that I dislike more than a dishonest prostaffer is a dishonest consumer who treats credible prostaffers as "patch pirates". Sure, there are plenty of patch pirates (particularly at the beginner prostaff level), but it can be insulting to hear people imply that all prostaffers are inherently dishonest because they are biased.

When it comes to my sponsor's products, I admit I am biased...because those products produce or I don't promote them.

[Guest]

I a little like Kent Brown have a few more angles than most due to the nature of our jobs (for me it is certainly not my angling ability). Please in no way do I think I am any better than anyone else so don't take it that way. However, in order to answer this question I have to break it down to two different types of product representation, Personal Sponsors and Editorial.

Note: I receive no money from any of my sponsors or editorial contacts. For editorial product promotion, we get free samples to review only... and any company is welcome to have us test their product - but, we only write about what we like.

#1 Personal Sponsors: For my personal sponsors I only make agreements with companies I truly believe in. Meaning I really like the product, the company, the customer service. I also only make agreements with companies that I truly feel good about promoting in terms of value to the buyer. I know people work very hard for the money and I cannot stand in a booth at a show and tell you to buy a $300 widget when you can go 2 isles over and get an equally good widget for $150. I take that into account with every sponsor I have. Good examples of these are Legend Boats, Quantum Reels and Tru-Tungsten. If I didn't believe in them 100% or more, I wouldn't take their product or tout them as good products. In the sponsorship game as soon as you are known for saying things you don't believe you might as well give it up.

#2 Editorial: I receive lots of products that are sent to us to evaluate for potential review in the magazine. Many of these products are very cool, others are typical stuff much like something else on the market and others are just not good products. When I see something that is really cool I feel obligated to the readers and other anglers everywhere to promote that product. I enjoy this part of the job and sometimes get accused of over representing it. Keep in mind I get nothing for promoting these products I find to be cool or helpful or whatever. The magazine gets nothing for it either. Every item I put in the top shelf makes $0 for the magazine. Sure we sell quite a few of whatever it is in the store - but, only because we really think it is a cool product. Items like the Glory Bags, Reel Extreme Lube, Eye Surrender big bait wraps and more I only promote because I really think guys will like them and find them very usefull.

Summary: In general, I think you will find that most anglers with sponsors truly believe in the products they are sponsored by.

[SHAFT]

Thanks to all that have replied to this post , being somewhat new to this sport I rely on this site , fishing shows , magazines , and other sites to educate myself on becoming a better fisherman . It's a little disappointing when you sit down to watch a show or read a magazine and it turns out to be a 1/2 hour infomercial on the products of the anglers sponsor . As far as the salesmanship goes were are on the same page I've been in outside sales of construction supplies for about 10 years and I won't sell a product that is not good enough to sell itself , I am there to show new products to contractors and educate them on its use and possible benefits it could bring to their job , its not a good idea to show a crappy product to a big guy with a hammer in his hand , and with the housing slump maybe I should try selling fishing gear , what a concept selling something that relates to a hobby you enjoy . I might try some of the amateur tournaments to get some time in with some experienced anglers but trying to find the time to devote two or three days in a row is difficult and at this point the competition is not as important as picking up a few pointers and having fun doing it . Thanks again

[B Becker]

Everyone hit the nail on the head, one way or another, I too believe in the products that I represent. I used Bass Pro rods and reels before they offered me a contract. It took me two years to finally talk to someone at Maxima. I don't have to sell the gitzit from Canyon Palstics, it sells itself, and I wish I could keep the Lunker Sauce a secret (and that is the truth). Black Jack Jigs is a small company here in Vegas, and I like that!!....If I ever go fishing with someone new (like in a Pro/Am) they are more than welcome to anything I have...do I throw other baits? absolutely!!! I would never promote something I don't believe in, I don't know how to "act"..I too like to thank everyone that has helped me through the years. So every chance I get, I will (it is out of courtesy)...

[Dom]

Who makes the best boat these days Ranger or Triton?

God I even remember the ranger shoes!!


Just messin with ya man its been along time hope all is well.

[Guest]

As for the best boat question... That's a whole 'nother can of worms! That's like asking what's the best flavor of ice cream... They are all pretty darn good - but, what you might like and what I might like are two different animals!

As for sponsored guys - (to keep this on topic) Truth is we all love our boats and the companies behind them!! I for one wouldn't change my boat for any other boat on the water - BAR NONE! and I know there are many other guys out there in other brands of boats that feel the same way - and none of us are wrong!

Another FACT about a boat is... For every person that thanks Brand X is the best there are 10 people that think Brand Y is better. The best way to answer this question for yourself is to get out there and ride and fish out of as many as you can!!

This is a perfect time to show off the pics of my new boat --- Not saying it is the best - although we all know that is what I truly believe. You may agree or you may disagree - but, you won't know the truth until you've spent time in all brands of boats!




P.S. - The colors have nothing to do with Skeet Reese. I was influenced to yellow by a Legend I saw at Lake Havasu in August.. and there aren't many colors that look good with yellow!

[RichThiel]

Tom.

Prrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrttttttteeeeeee

Does it have that strap for the passenger to keep his Azzz in the seat ??????? Otherwise YES its a smooth boat and does handle sweet.

[kb]

Hey Dom don't make me call Ebbtide and bring him out of retirement to hammer on you a little bit......I remember when you were Dom the hawg hunter and wanted to called that on stage.....oh and the best boat is a Triton......glad i got to find that out

kb

[StogieMan]

This entire discussion can be summed up as follows: “A Convenient Truthâ€

[Dewayne]

Best is a subjective term that you will seldom seen used by most pro staffers. It really has no meaning and a pro staffer who can come up with nothing better than "brand X is the best" will not be sponsored long.

For instance if a boat buyer's main desire is the fastest boat on the lake then Ranger is probably not the best boat for their needs. An honest pro staffer who will work to help people understand what is good about the products they represent. It does no good telling someone the product you represent is the best fit for their needs if it is not. They would just be unhappy and you would have lost credibility.

If we help people understand the products we represent we increase the odds they will purchase the sponsors product.

[Andy Giannini]

I look at the products like this, they are all different and have different strong suits.

While working for a sponsor I try to hit the high points, and the low points or weak suits. It makes for an informed consumer, and they recognize that you are being honest. People have a built in bullpoop meter. While you are speaking they are sizing you up, to figure if there is any truth in you.

An easy example would be something like a jig. There are all kinds of jigs out there, some are specialty type jigs, and some are utility jack of all trades jigs. A football is a good example, you can't really represent it as a grass jig. You tell someone that they work great in grass, and they are going to be pretty dissapointed. However you can extoll the virtues of the football, in structure fishing, and tout its strong suits.

There is something in just about every product that can be touted, price point, durability, bite frequency, or big bites you name it.

It is easy to promote products you are genuinely excited about, its actually quite a bit of fun. The best part is when someone comes back and says they really caught them on that stuff or technique "X".

.02 A.G.

Have fun at the shows!

A.G.

[Dom]

NOT ol' EBB! I give, you WIN!!! Yea Dom "the Hawg Hunter" Retired along time ago he just got way in over his head. I chalk it up to youth, man how time flies,people grow up,people change and life goes on. I aint got that problem anymore man I'm gettin old!

See ya at the Sac Show
Merry Christmas & Tight Lines
Dom

[Jim Conlow Sr.]

I read that that most fish are repelled by Yellow. The theory is that yellow jackets and bumble bees have been stinging fish who eat them for millions of years and through the evelutionary cycle the fish have become wary of yellow.

Tom you may want to quickly get rid of that boat Cheap so that you can stop getting sKunked.

Another proof of this is that it is the yellow banana peels that keep the fish from biting, but if you dont ever let the fish see the peelings you will find that the fish still bite

Further research also indicates that people in the last stages of yellow jaundice very rarely if ever catch a fish

[jletsinger]

I have a fish on the wall courtesy of Larry Newby's taxidermy that was caught on a yellow jitterbug (you that have been fishing awhile know which lure I'm talking about) in the early 1990's.

[Andy Giannini]

Sorry Jim,

I checked your yellow hornet theory on snopes and it is just another urban legend started by Skeet Reese detractors.

Har!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Xmas to all the Nutcases!

Sincerely,

A.G.

[jsoregon]

(sweet ride Tom!!!)