After learning the basics and fishing with local bass clubs in New York for about 6 years, I started to inquire about the world of professional fishing. I was a good "local" guy who did well in small tournaments but I wanted the challenge.

My strength for the sponsors in bass fishing was my ability to talk to people. I can stand in front of 10 or 10,000 people and talk about fishing till I am blue in the face! During my best years, I had 26 sponsors 12 of them I had NEVER MET! They took me onto their pro staff from my letter, followed up with a phone call.

Since moving to Canada last year (2004), 6 of my sponsors have stayed with me despite the fact that I don't fish the tours at the moment. They are now showing me the loyalty I showed them during my years on the road. I can't tell you what a great feeling it is to have them!

You need to write to some of the companies who's product you already use and tell them you have taken a serious look at the way their tackle and products are sold in your region. Explain to them that you feel you could do a very good job at a local level for them. In return (if you are successful) you will be given product/discounts etc to begin with. Once you have established yourself locally (offer to give free seminars in tackle shops and trade shows and work with local government agencies on free fishing days etc,etc), you can go back with the big question "Can you help me tour on the televised fishing tournament trails"? If you have worked hard and represented them well, they will listen.

Remember appearance in EVERYTHING. Anyone can sew a patch onto a shirt, but if you want to stand out from the crowd do like I do and have your fishing shirts professionally embroidered with the company logos (similar to NASCAR shirts)! Looking the part will open many doors for you and bolster your efforts when asking for financial support. When you write, be sure to send a picture of you fishing or holding a fish, it has a great impact.

Get to meet some of the "names" in the industry by attending seminars and ask questions, just as you have asked me today.

Good luck and thank you for the e-mail.

Charles "The Bass Doctor" Stuart
Bassonhook Pro Staff