St. Clair Smallmouth Spring 2007
St. Clair Largemouth Spring 2007
Sponsorship Information
Definition of a Sponsor
The world of fishing is quickly becoming a marketing frenzy. In 2005, bass fishing exploded nationally into a televised sport on three major networks including ESPN, Fox Sports Net, and Outdoor Life Network. Nearly 17 full hours of national network time was dedicated to the Bassmasters Classic. What does this mean to sponsors? Simple...more exposure. More exposure means more fans, more Fisherman, more tournaments, and more opportunities to market product through anglers.
Why do anglers need sponsors? Sponsorships are the life blood of the competitive angler. In order for the tournament fisherman to compete in as many entries as possible each year, they need resources to pay for the expense of travel and entry fees. With the emergence of weeknight divisions and team tournaments, some of the financial burden is lessened. However, with the relief from a partner comes a split in the dividends. So, anglers seek out businesses and interests willing to participate in a different kind of partnership. In essence, anglers become subcontractors offering advertising space on boats, jerseys and tow vehicles in exchange for sponsorship money. Also we make ourselves available for the sponsor in whatever ways we can. An example ; appearing at a fishing show for a boat sponsor.
Okay, it sounds like anglers need sponsors more than sponsors need anglers, right? Well.....it's really a symbiotic relationship. Sponsors and anglers need each other.
Anglers add legitimacy to products. They put a face with a name. They introduce new products on the tour. Anglers promote to other anglers. Pro Fisherman are in the spotlight, even when they are practicing. Spectators and fans notice who their favorite angler supports. Few things catch some ones eye quicker than a giant bass rig rolling down the highway. Those same rigs can carry a message from sponsors. Put it this way, advertising money spent on billboards will reach thousands. That same amount invested into a fishing sponsorship will affect thousands. The message is carried personally to the public through a recognized spokesman who has made it his job to gain respect and establish personal contact with as many people as possible in his travels. That is in fact what we do.
This is my definition of a professional sponsorship. It is my opinion that a professional angler should be measured respectively: by character. On or off the water, tournament or practice, my goal is to positively reflect the virtues of our sport through professionalism and performance. I believe that my role as a spokesman is every bit as important as my job as a fisherman. I look forward to forming a professional relationship with anyone interested in being on the cutting edge of professional angling.Thank you for visitiing and please come again
Sincerely, Devon Banks
