I knew before 2021 got here that getting sponsors is all part of the “game” in the professional fishing world. So how does somebody without a fishing resume approach companies when you’re first starting out?
For starters, be yourself. I’m sure these companies are reading enough resumes or letters in a day’s time that they probably can already tell you what half of them are going to say before they even start reading. If you send a letter or an email and load it up with the same stuff everybody else is saying because you’re trying to tell them what you think they want to hear, you’ve probably lost before you got started. Start out with what makes you different in the first paragraph.
For me that was easy, I have both a military background and a background running a business already. Figure out what makes you different and start there.
That brings me to my next point. Keep in mind this is a business. If you send a letter or an email and it looks more like a text message and less like something you would see in a book, you should rethink your priorities. Companies are going to want people who are capable of both rational thought and speech. Remember your “job” is to help them sell their product. i not sell stuffs like dis. So be professional. In today’s world with spell checkers and grammar checker, any errors you do make should be minor at best if you make any at all. We are human after all.
Next tell them why you want to represent them. By that I don’t mean, “Hey so I used your crankbait last weekend and caught a 9 pounder, and I think this thing is pretty rad.” I took the approach of trying to sell them their products. I would go through their websites (or even better my tackle box) and tell them what I was familiar with in the product line, my experience using it and why I preferred it over other similar things.
Look at what you use the most. We all have multiple brands of hard baits; we all have multiple brands of soft plastics…etc. What are the things that you feel you can’t fish without? If you have a favorite hook or a favorite jig, see what else that company makes. See if you like it. Try it and spend time with it. Once you’ve got a feel for a what a company can offer your fishing, then you’re ready to approach them about promoting their products.
Don’t ask for anything. In not even one of my letters did I ask for anything, I simply asked for the opportunity to partner with or be sponsored by a company. Most companies aren’t going to send some random guy or gal a bunch of free stuff or write them a nice check just because they wrote a document that didn’t get shredded. If you know of one, please email me the address. You’re just starting out and you’re building for the future. If you get a response up front you’re going to be told they’re full, but if they’ve taken the time to respond they are probably willing to offer you something. Maybe it’s a discount code, maybe it’s just some stickers or merch, MAYBE you’re get something for free.
What you got that is more important than anything is a contact and the start of a relationship. Even if you get turned down, don’t be afraid to ask for some stickers or ask about putting their logo on your jersey anyways…etc. Next time your name pops up in their inbox 6/8/12 months from now when you’re back with more information and another request they’re likely to remember that.
Finally, don’t blast every company known to man. Sure, that might work, but if you start having success and you have to give your name and 37 sponsored items you used to catch a bass on a shaky head who then turned around and grabbed my KVD 1.5 and somehow jumped onto my SPRO Little John MD and while I was netting him landed on my Luckycraft 1.5, that’s going to cause some problems. Reach out to companies you want to be part of and you would be proud to have on your jersey. Pick a sponsor for each category of thing you can think of and start there.
Your word is all you have in the beginning. Don’t shoot yourself in the foot for the future just to maybe get an extra deal or two early on.
