New to the Resume, Longtime Fisherman!

[flagatorbait]

I just had a few questions, I am a longtime fisherman, been fishing since I was 6 years old I am now 34 years old, fished many junior level tournaments and some local club tournaments.  Always as a kid dreamed of fishing at the higher levels like the bassmaster classic with the big dogs!

Where do you start in this industry, I mean I can tell you all day long that I can catch a limit everytime I go out on just about any lake in the United States whether it is a pressured lake non pressured lake, clear lake or stainded lake but if I am wanting to get more competitive in this sport where would you start out, like if I wanted to fish the FLW tour, do you need to focus more on getting sponsers and the business end of things?? I know there are probably a lot of people here that maybe have climbed this ladder, got any good advice??

[Swede]

Difficult topic to cover with few words.  To someone just getting into the sport of bass fishing - I'd say concentrate on the bass fishing end of things.  Time on the water spent perfecting the basics is something that cannot be over emphasized.  Getting into the big time requires jumping in heart body and soul and not looking back.  Acquiring sponsors is time consuming and accomplished one little step at a time.  I'd recommend "Fish for Free" - which will definitely give you a place to start in your search for sponsorship. 

http://www.fishforfree.com/

I'd take a look at companies whose products you use regularly - as confidence in a product shines through while promoting.  Are there businesses you frequent regularly?  Have you ever drawn up a proposal, brought it or sent it to companies/businesses mentioned above?  Asking for sponsorship is a necessary step in the process - especially in start-up.  Don't take NO for an answer and never give up.  If your desire is there - you'll find a way to achieve what you are after - fishing the big tourneys.

Sponsors are not necessarily looking for the best fisherman - they are looking for the best promoters - people that give them the best bang for the buck in exposing new potential customers to their products.  My rule #1 - it's all about the sponsor - what can I do for them?  How can I help them more than I already am or have?  What I get out of any sponsorship deal is always secondary.  "I can't" are words that do not come out of the mouth of a successful person - attitude is paramount. 

Very few fishermen are able to afford the biggest of bass tours without sponsorship of some kind - as they spend $50,000 - $100,000 a year in entry fees, fuel, and other various cost while on the road each year.  Focus on the business end of things is necessary - after all at that level it is a business.

Like I said starting out here - way too much to relay in one sitting.  Are you successful on the water?  What do other successful anglers look like?  Appearance is another aspect worth considering.  I look at myself in the mirror and ask myself the question - "Do you look like KVD?"  What changes in physical appearance are needed.

Will go into more later - smnall steps to success.