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Pro Staff Question - How Do I Know When To Move From Local Tournaments To The Pro Level
Charles "The Bass Doctor" Stuart's Answer
Hi Dennis!
You certainly do seem to be on the right path!
Start Fishing Local Tournaments And Your Government "Free Fishing Events"
As I have told so many anglers over the years, get some club tournaments under your belt and then look to represent your town or county by offering your services to local government agencies when they hold their "Free Fishing Days" and get yourself out there with the general public.
Attending these "pro-bono" seminars and teaching kids will get you noticed.
It also looks excellent on a resume to a prospective sponsor as the kids of today are the fishermen and women of tomorrow!
Sharing your knowledge with others is one of the great gifts fishing can give you and to see the glow of understanding from a child or young adult is worth all those early mornings, sleepless nights and tackle maintenance!
Just keep doing what you're doing, but put yourself out there for the public to see.
The rest will come!
You can also read through my article “So You Want To Turn Pro”for more of my advice on how to take the next steps.
Tight Lines!
Charles "The Bass Doctor" Stuart
BassonHook Pro Staff
Dennis "The Fishin Professor" Bryant's Answer
Brandon,
Thanks for your inquiry!
I enjoyed reading your letter.
Becoming a Professional Bass Angler takes a lot of hard work, requires a steady performance record and continued winning results to be "noticed".
From what you've just told us in your letter, it looks as though you're started on the right track to do just that.
Fish With A Local Bass Club Affiliated With Your State Bass Federation
Since you've just joined a Bass Club, fish with them for at least one season.
If the Club is affiliated with your State BASS Federation, you'll probably know by the end of that first year (without having to be told by an outsider) if you have what it takes to advance in the sport by advancing as a member of your State's Federation Team.
You'll also be able to earn the chance to advance to professional status from within the Federation amateur ranks.
It's really a win/win situation without having to part with all of your life's savings.
Continue fishing in the local "Buddy" Tournaments that you're already familiar with.
The experience itself (and the paychecks from winning in them) can help you buy the major piece of your fishing equipment that you need so badly ~ your boat.
If your local fishing reputation continues to grow, local sponsors will be looking for you rather than you having to look for them.
Stay on good terms with them!
Trust me without local sponsors you won't go very far!
Join A Pro Circuit Tournament As A Co-Angler
If your wallet is thick enough think about joining one of next years' national Pro-Circuits as a CO-Angler.
As a CO-Angler on a national circuit becoming a recognizable amateur tour entrant by posting continued winning performances can do a lot to help speed you on your way.
As you can see there are a lot of ways to advance in the sport!
The basic ability to catch fish is just one of them.
Learning what to do and when to do it is an even bigger part of it.
Don't be in such a hurry to climb the ladder that you fail to climb each rung, in turn.
Trying to do so never fails to result in a big fall.
Good luck this season!
Remember this: fishing is a lot like life, KISS ~ MIF.
Keep It Simple Stupid ~ Make It FUN!
Good Fishin'!
Dennis Bryant
The Fishin' Professor!
Leo Watson's Answer
Hello Brandon,
Thanks for writing in.
This is not an easy question.
First off I would notice how I do at the local level.
After you accomplish your goals at that level I would look to step up.
One thing you will need to be able to do is read new bodies of water.
This is where knowledge and experience will come in.
As you move up you will be facing more and more new water.
Don't Rush Your Progress To Get To The Top Faster
Try not to rush the full time angler job to much.
This takes an incredible amount of resources and time.
This world is a ton of work and takes the devotion that few people are willing to dedicate.
If you are dead set on obtaining sponsors I would start with the fishing industry first.
With the Internet you can find the right contact information for the company that you are looking into for sponsorship.
I would definitely try this first.
The fishing industry is one thing, corporate America is a whole different animal.
Refine your skills in the fishing industry first.
Once you reach your goals there, then and only then would I try the corporate arena.
Summing Up What It Takes For The Next Step To Become A Pro Bass Angler
I cannot stress enough how difficult it gets with each step up you take.
This will take time and patience.
Without the backing behind you you will not be able to compete with the people who have the backing to be on the water full time.
This may sound a bit harsh but it is the truth.
Take this one step at a time and you will be able to accomplish your goals.
Never get disappointed and you must have the drive to continue forward.
There will be doors slammed in your face, it has happened to us all.
Keep banging on those doors and eventually the right one will open.
Remember when approaching a potential sponsor never approach them with this is what I have accomplished and you owe me based on my accomplishments.
The approach that should be used, is that you are offering them a marketing service and that this is what I can do for you.
Good luck and if you really want it bad enough never quit.
As always if you have any more questions just forward them through this fine web site.
Thank you,
Leo Watson
