First of all I think you should join a local club, get some tournament experience that doesnt cost you an arm and a leg to enter. If you compete well at the club level, then its time to think about moving on. There are a lot organizations like the future pro tour here in california. They are low cost tournaments for those who have never won over a thousand dollars in a season or not fished tournaments before, I would look into those.
Next finding the right partner is like finding a wife or husband. You Both have to be totally committed to the seaon, time and financially. Time on the water is the key to doing well in these tournaments, and fishing as a team is most important. You need to spend long days on the boat together respect eachothers way of fishing and be willing to bend on lake approaches, types of fishing, and work together for the same goal. Its not an easy task.
Next Sponsorship
Fishing and the way you finish in tournaments is important but: The most Important thing That sponsors look at is the way you carry yourself, Can you speak? can you sell product? how you dress? are you a good representative of their company? this what sponsors want, they sponsor for the reason of being seen,and selling product. If you cant sell yourself to them you cant sell their products.Sponsors also require (most) at least quarterly reports on what you have done to have their products seen, what you fished and how well you did. some require working fishing shows. managing sponsors is a full time job in itself.
well i hope this gives you a look at the big picture, any other questions send me a pm. Scott |