Fishing For Sponsorships
by Mike Dahl

These days it's not too difficult in finding a sponsor to give you money or free product, you just have to know the do's and don'ts. Granted, I'm not a 'Professional Fisherman' but I can give you some tips to better your chances of picking up a sponsor.

First off, this is my definition of a sponsor. A sponsor is someone who gives you money, product or a great deal on product for fishing. Then in return, these sponsors want you to push their companies and products first.

The biggest misconception of anglers today is that you can only get sponsors by winning big money tournaments. Not True! That certainly can't hurt you-- in fact, that will definitely help you. However, there are ways around without winning big money tournaments.

The key word for this is promotions. A company wants to promote their products with you. All you have to do is show them how you are going to accomplish this. When you submit your resume to a potential sponsor, you should outline how you are capable of promoting their company and what you will do for them. An example would be, writing articles about their products or working sportshows.

Now, here's what you don't want to do in trying to line up sponsors.

You never want to approach someone and ask them 'Will you sponsor me?' then hand them a folder full of papers that you've printed off the internet with your fishing highlights.

Another area to stay away from is asking for everything. Companies like it when you state exactly what you want, but be realistic. It's hard to get a free boat every year if you just started to fish club tournaments.

Also, don't tell them that they'll get their logo on your boat. Unless your name is David Fritts, some could care less.

Just remember that the more you want from a company, the more effort you will have to give to be successful. As I said previously, articles are a good area to promote sponsors. So I would like to thank my personal sponsors: UpNorthOutdoors.com, Bassjigs.com, LakeMaster (lakemap.com), Thunderbullets.com and StudentPaths.com