Fishing Pro Advice: How to Get Sponsors

As a lifetime angler in the bass fishing world, I have been asked many times how to go about becoming a pro angler and getting sponsors. Of course, the first thing and probably the most important, is that you really have to love fishing! I became interested in fishing as a young man as my father would enjoy taking my brother and sisters catfishing on Friday nights. (Taking a kid fishing might just change their life).

The next thing that you need to do is to reach out to the tackle companies that manufacture the products that you enjoy using and that have produced for you. Or reach out to companies who you think would like to advertise. Show them your tournament and event schedule and show them how their name is going to be seen. Check to see if they have a show or seminar coming up and offer to help set up or tear down, etc.

You can then start to represent them formally or informally and demonstrate that you believe strongly in the products. It is important to be an ambassador for the sport as well and remain dedicated to the improvement and enlargement of the fishing world by working with youth groups, etc. Sponsors like to see their name out there so wear or display their logo as often as possible.

Being a professional angler is more about connecting with others, I have so many great memories and I have met so many great people who have shared much with me. As a professional guide and angler, I still enjoy fishing just for fun and can’t wait to get out on the water and make that first cast. I would like to thank my sponsors who have supported me for so many years as I couldn’t have done this without them. Here are just a few: D&W Fasteners, Blakemore Roadrunner, Daaichi Hooks, Pline, Gambler Bang, CastCray Outdoors, Smelly Jelly, and the Angler Magazine...

Stay true to what you love... Hope to see you on the water

Ron Slater, Pro #808 N.P.A.A....bassfisher273@gmail.com