Do you collect sponsors??

[lookin4help]

I've been thinking lately about the upcomming tournament season, its my second doing our state tourneys, and I needed some insight from the rest of you walleye junkies. Do any of you guys who fish local or state tourneys utilize sponsor fee's? I've been thinking about it and am wondering if this is proper or not to do at this early stage of the game. What I had in mind was to try to find enough sponsors and have each cover the entry fee for a tournament(there are 6 or 7 I intend on entering). I have a number of aquaintances who own businesses that I think would be receptive to the idea, I just don't know if people would be offended by my asking them to help support my fishing fun. What has been the reaction of the people/businesses that you guy's have approached? Also, if some of you do find sponsors, what do you recommend offering up in exchange for the funds? Most of the businesses I have in mind have nothing to do with fishing or sporting goods. Any help or suggestions would be appreciated...Thanks, for the help...

[Joe Sponsor]

Your in for a shock if you start asking sponsors for cash to enter events. First thing you will hear is, "Mr. Lookin4help who the ##### are you?"

Even for seasoned tournament competitors true cash sponsorship is very rare. There are stages to get to that point, if then. The first 2 stages will cost you a lot in time, effort, and a pile of pocket money, your pocket money.

Then, if your lucky and well connected, you may get a call from a prospective sponsor, maybe?

Good luck!

[Jbob]

Sponsers like the rest of businesses are tightening their belts. Money especially new money is HArd to come by. If you do get money you will have to work it off.

[Fish-on]

You are right on the money about asking local businesses and people you know for sponsorship. That's probably the only way you are going to get it at the level you are fishing; However, you are looking at it from the wrong angle. If you are expecting them to finance your fishing fun you better hope they have a generous heart and even that won't last for long. Go to them with a plan and say I would like to help you promote your business and here's how I'm going to do it: 1) 2) 3) etc. You're asking them for advertising dollars. How can you get exposure for them and make sure they get their money's worth? Many people start by putting their decals on their boat and wearing clothing/caps for the sponsors. That's a small start. Where can you take it from there?

Think about it from that angle, and you're on your way. Good luck.

[thanks4help]

Thanks to you who have responded so far. I wanted to make sure I had not came across wrong. I DO NOT expect to simply go around asking for cash to fund my fishing. Sorry if this is how I came off. My initial concern is if I have any business even asking for sponsor funds or help of any kind at this point in my fishing. I am also curious if any other amatuer fisherman even try this sponsor route. The last thing I would want to do is offend a friend or local business by sounding like I'm just looking for hand outs! I am mainly asking a few simple questions. For starters, is this even something that is ethical to do? Second, what have others at my level of fishing competition done to reward or earn such sponsorship help? The tournaments I will enter will have entry fee's that range from $150-$190. As I stated in my initial post, I had been contemplating trying to get a few sponsors and try to get each to sponsor ONLY the entry fee for these tourneys, nothing more. Certainly they do not require the funding of Pro/Am tournaments or National level tournaments, but when asking for help, maybe size doesn't matter as much as principle. These are the things I am hoping to get help or info on from you WC guys to sort through all this. Thanks to all who have responded already, and thanks to you who respond later. Sorry if I sounded greedy and simplistic in my initial post. RJ.......

[groovymoe]

Sponsorships are no different for fishing tourny's than they are for softball teams. They amount to no more than a tax write-off. All most sponsor's are after is some advertising to new markets. If some of these guy's who are prospects are buddies, offer them a cut of any winnings, Take prospective sponsors out on the water, and let them see what their money is doing. Don't expect Diawa,or Ranger, to jump right in your back pocket. However some restaurant, or other successful company in your local area might want some exposure. Good luck in your search.

groovymoe

[lookin4help]

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[SUPERTROLLER]

We're sponsored by a local Party Store that also has a small bait and tackle area in their store. They have bought us shirts and stickers for on the boat. Sometimes they give us a case of beer to had out to fellow fisherman at the weigh-in. They also have paid for the fuel on occasion. Last summer our buddy picked up some pizza's for us when we fished all night, coutesy of the store. We gave some slice's to others who stayed out to fish that night. It's ALL about advertising and making sure the Sponsor's get a return on their investment. When approached by people at launches, we tell them everything we can to help them catch fish and where we got our bait, of course. The sponsor also gets fishing trips with us too.

My advice is to seek sponsorship for XXX number of dollars, whatever they will help with, in exchange for stickers on the boat and their name embroidered on your shirts. I don't think approaching them for a whole entry fee for a certain tournament is going to as enticing as if they could benefit from you for multiple events. Some people may think they get more advertising than others and be willing to do more for you but the end result is you want every dollar you can get to help. Remember too, where you got the money and that you are expected to earn it. How, is between you and the sponsor. Discuss what they want or need or expect in exchange for they support. That helps keep you both on the same page. Not all the people you approach will be a good fit for your expectations.