A job in the fishing industry

[Targa_Wi]

If a person with a college degree, a background in sales, and experience as a tournament fisherman, had the desire to get a job in the fishing industry, how would one go about getting such a job? I assume, and maybe wrongly, that boat manufacturers have their own sales reps, but what about tackle manufacturers? Do they also, or do they market and sell thru distributors? Thanks in advance for any and all help.

[Jim Ordway]

I think I just saw an ad that Frabill was looking for a sales manager. I think I was it in the Mil. Journal/Sentinal. You could give them a call to find out the job qualifications.
Good luck,

[Targa_Wi]

Thanks for your help Jim, I will be contacting them. I'm still curios tho as to how other companies market and sell their products, be it with their own sales force or thru distributors. IE. Berkley, Northland Fishing Tackle, Lindy, St. Croix, Ranger, Tracker, Lund, Mercury, Baitrigs, Normark /Rapala, Reefrunner, Lowrance etc... to name a few. Maybe someone associated with some of these companies or who has sponsorship in some way could possibly provide some answers. Thanks to all who may help in any way. Tim

[Goldpig]

Not sponsored myself, but I know or have met several regional sales reps. and marketing managers directly employed by companies like Lund, Crestliner, Pure Fishing, Yamaha ect. I would contact human resources w/ companies your interested in working for to check the availability of positions. Not sure if this helps or not.

[Targa_Wi]

Hi Goldpig, thanks for your help. Tim NPAA #548

[Backwater Eddy]

Lindy Little Joe was looking for a person with your type of talents.

In fact look back on this board and you will see a post from Ted listing the details.

Good hunting!

Backwater Eddy ~ ~ ~><sUMo> ~ ><>

[Brian_MN]

A job directly with one of the manufacturers would be great, but don't forget all the smaller distributors who rep and sell the products directly to the retailers. If you enjoy working more closely with the end user of the product (us!), that might be a good fit for you. Avis Sports and Bell Industries are two that come to mind, but there are a bunch more. Good Luck!

[fishstock]

Targa...I am the owner of a small "fishing lure-making kit" manufacturing and marketing company. Our products being the first of its kind is always looking out for someone with qualifications such as yours who is also just trying to get started in this, "sometimes difficult to get into" industry.
We are preparing to launch a full marketing campaign on our unique line of kits and perhaps we can be of help to one another.

Kind regards,

Sebastian

[.]

back to the top,,,, more answers,,, same question here.... very interesting.

[TONY ON ICE]

TARGA
There's a company called Ll' Hustler Tackle Co. in Pembroke New hampshire that needs a manufacturers rep.
They manufacture spinner baits, buzz baits, jigs, terminal tackle and tube jigs and have been in business for over 30 years.
Their phone number is 603-494-1172 or 603-224-8843.
It's not much walleye tackle but you never know.

Also try calling Triple S Sporting Supplies in Amherst N.Y. 1-800-942-3777 or fax. 716-691-4305
www.triple-s-sporting.com
Ask for Dave Sheffield
They're always hiring sales and marketing reps.

[Targa_Wi]

Thanks for the reply Brian, thats what I'm looking for. Another question I have is how to contact Avis and Bell, and what are some of the others you made reference to? Tim # 548

[Targa_Wi]

Thanks for the help Tony, I'll get in touch with them. Tim #548

[Gumbo]

Scott, seems like a "Job Listings" forum might be worthwhile here on WalleyeCentral for jobs in the fishing industry.

[TONY ON ICE]

No Problem Tim.
Hope you find something that you enjoy and can excell in.

[Jason Sullivan]

I have to bump this one back to the top because I have found myself in the same situation.

I curious to hear if anyone knows of any new leads.

Thank you so much!

Jason Sullivan

[Mike at BPS]

Get a free subscription to Fishing Tackle Retailer magazine. It's a monthly; you can learn a lot about who's repping what and how they're doing, etc. A pretty decent info source. Good luck--hope this helps.

http://espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/s/bass_media_fishing_retailer.html

[Roadhunter]

I work at Rapala and you are welcome to send me a resume.

gwollner@rapalausa.com

Gregg Wollner

[JLDII]

Don't hesitate to investigate into marketing companies (groups) that may represent more than one product line. (i.e. Wellman Sports Marketing in Plymouth, Minnesota, represents G.Loomis as well as Minn-Kota, and Lakesports Marketing in Eagan, Minnesota, represents Pflueger, Shaksphere, and Sterns as well as their sub-divisions). You might better serve your future by carrying a broader product line than maybe just a single company. In other words, more versatility in an ever changing, and highly competative market without pigeon holeing yourself in one area.

Good luck in your endeavors!!

[Catch-n]

Tim, please "catch on" to Catch-N Tackle Co.
www.catch-n.com
I plan on growing this company and would like to visit with you. I see a solid future for several of our unique products... such as Bio-Bait.
Dave "Hoggie" Hoggard

[Sully]

Mike-

Thank you for the tip. I've ordered a subscription this morning.

Jason Sullivan

[Sully]

Gregg-

I tried to send you an email but my message was kicked back.

Jason

[Pat Nagle]

Well I suppose I will reply to this one, I have some experience. I was a mffactory and independant rep in the fishing industry for more than 12 years. I started out working at Thorne Bros while I was in college. I would not trade the experience for anything. As a single guy it is the greatest job int he world, travel a lot, fish waters all over the midwest, get to know truely great people.
Believe it or not you will know nearly everyone in the industry within a couple years. It is a very small tight nit group of people. Generally speaking, I would say most of the representatives, whether independant or factory, come from within. Guys that have worked at a retailer and achieved their degree seem to be the guy most companies will go with.
The only other bit of info I can pass on is be ready to travel. Sales calls are the easy part, the industry shows and sportshows add up in a hurry and you will find that you will not be home too much from late January through May. Goog Luck!
Pat

[A little bird]

A heads up... On the GNWC website message board there was a post a few weeks ago that the GNWC is going to be hiring a full-time person in the near future.

[the big bird]

Already filled.