How to Get Sponsored as a Professional Fisherman

Professional fishing is a little known profession but people do complete in national tournaments year round for prizes and cash. It's becoming more popular due to television shows and more media exposure. One of the ways people pay for their supplies and entry fees is by getting sponsors to support them. Here's how to get sponsored.

Instructions

1. Fish all the time. Try every technique on every lake you possibly can in every possible weather situation and time of year. The more you know about each lake you'll be fishing on, the better prepared you'll be for the actual tournament days when anything can happen.

2. Study other fishermen. Watch what they're fishing with and where. See how they deal with sticky situations and get out of them. Watch fishing shows on television. Learn how to fish for different species of fish. Read fishing message boards for tips, hints and suggestions.

3. Enter small, local contests and competitions to gain some experience. Talk to all the fishermen there and get to know them. Continue to fish these smaller tournaments until you feel confident and have consistently done well.

4. Approach some small, local companies (not franchises), and inquire about sponsorship. Show them any press clippings you have for your wins and other finishes. Tell them you will wrap your boat with their logo, or offer to wear their logo and apparel during weigh-ins. See if they'll be willing to to pay for all or part of your tournament entry fees, equipment and supplies.

5. Compete in the national tournament circuits, and try to do well each time. Take these results, earnings, press clippings, television segments, and photos to fishing companies. Discuss sponsorship opportunities by telling them how much television and photo time you get and that their logo and name can be displayed each time. Good luck!

Tips & Warnings

• Always behavior professionally at your tournaments and meetings. You never know who's watching!

• Don't lose your temper if you do badly. This can be noted by potential sponsors.