Anybody use an agent?

[Joker]

I am an angler that lives in WI and my bride of 6 years has agreed to let me chase my dream of becoming a touring pro. I will be applying to the PWT and the FLW to fish full time next year. My wife has a great job with insurance, so we don't have to deal with that, if I can find a small amount of support through sponsors I should be OK.
My question is do any of the current pro's use agents to help sell them? Similar to Pro sports where a professional agent would solicit sponsors for or with me? I realize there is no free lunch, I am willing to do speaking, seminars, writing, and personal appearances to help my sponsors sell more product. I am just a bit on the unexperienced side to "sell" myself.
Anybody have some words of wisdom for me? Are there any professional sales organizations that help pro fishermen secure sponsorships. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Joker

[Joker]

I am an angler that lives in WI and my bride of 6 years has agreed to let me chase my dream of becoming a touring pro. I will be applying to the PWT and the FLW to fish full time next year. My wife has a great job with insurance, so we don't have to deal with that, if I can find a small amount of support through sponsors I should be OK.
My question is do any of the current pro's use agents to help sell them? Similar to Pro sports where a professional agent would solicit sponsors for or with me? I realize there is no free lunch, I am willing to do speaking, seminars, writing, and personal appearances to help my sponsors sell more product. I am just a bit on the unexperienced side to "sell" myself.
Anybody have some words of wisdom for me? Are there any professional sales organizations that help pro fishermen secure sponsorships. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks
Joker

[Burr ND]

I'd suggest you contact the NPAA for some direction. NPAA dot net.

I'm not aware of any agent relationships, just networks of friends that pitch in with individual skills

[Burr ND]

I'd suggest you contact the NPAA for some direction. NPAA dot net.

I'm not aware of any agent relationships, just networks of friends that pitch in with individual skills

[yesagent]

Call Sonja Pinkert. She acts as an agent for many. 612-308-6301.

[yesagent]

Call Sonja Pinkert. She acts as an agent for many. 612-308-6301.

[maybe maybenot]

Some companies will not talk to a third party. They want to KNOW the person they are potentially going to sponsor. Building a relationship with potential sponsors is the key to gaining a sponsorship with them.

Ranger for example will not talk to an "agent". Never have and never will.

An agent might work for gaining non-endemic company sponsorships.

Good luck

[maybe maybenot]

Some companies will not talk to a third party. They want to KNOW the person they are potentially going to sponsor. Building a relationship with potential sponsors is the key to gaining a sponsorship with them.

Ranger for example will not talk to an "agent". Never have and never will.

An agent might work for gaining non-endemic company sponsorships.

Good luck

[FuzzyIL]

Start on the business side of things. Make deals with firms to work with them during the Winter/Spring shows. Learn the selling/PR side of the business first. Build relationships and understand how that all works. You'll meet plenty of pro's, reps, owners along the way. Be professional, on time and look/dress sharp. The fishing side of things is the 'easy' part, ie you already know how to do that.

[FuzzyIL]

Start on the business side of things. Make deals with firms to work with them during the Winter/Spring shows. Learn the selling/PR side of the business first. Build relationships and understand how that all works. You'll meet plenty of pro's, reps, owners along the way. Be professional, on time and look/dress sharp. The fishing side of things is the 'easy' part, ie you already know how to do that.

[just watchin]

Go ahead attempt to find an agent. Just because the fishing guys won't speak to one is the best thing you can hear. Stay away from the fishing industry because it will suck your life away.
Be smart, look to the outside. Although dress for success is the right direction it will not get you into the door of the F.I.
The conventional wisdom of the old days will not get you a dime as the F.I. has guys who will sell the hearts and souls for a shirt and a hat and being able to buy stuff at dealer cost.
Just Watchin

[just watchin]

Go ahead attempt to find an agent. Just because the fishing guys won't speak to one is the best thing you can hear. Stay away from the fishing industry because it will suck your life away.
Be smart, look to the outside. Although dress for success is the right direction it will not get you into the door of the F.I.
The conventional wisdom of the old days will not get you a dime as the F.I. has guys who will sell the hearts and souls for a shirt and a hat and being able to buy stuff at dealer cost.
Just Watchin

[Joker]

Thats exactly what I found. There are literally tons of FI companies that want to give you either free or at a reduced cost products to help them sell. I understand that, but last I checked the major circuits want bejamins ($$$$$$$) not baits, line, rods, reels etc. I agree the more the promotional (note I did not say "PRO") fisherman accepts these sort of endorsement deals the less and less the FI companies will hand out hard cash. I am looking outside the FI to secure sponsorship for that very reason. I believe agents fo exist for this, but I just can't come up with one.
Thanks for your input
Joker

[Chad]

Joker,

Yes, there are agents. However, I do not think there are many in the walleye world. If I were you I would look to the Bass world in doing some research. Do a google search on fishing resumes or pro fishing. In booking speakers for our club in the past I had many people that worked thru a secretary to book them. Not necessarily an agent that was out promoting them. Most had business to run.

Do some searches on google on the ideas you have. I know there are a few people out there that will help anglers write resumes to target specific potential sponsors.

ChadM

[Octatgon]

Octagon is a huge agency that does just this sort of thing.

They represents a variety of individuals. The website is www.octagon.com.

Here is a link to the pro anglers they represent:

http://www.octagonoutdoors.com/clients1.htm