So I saw a column that fellow Bassmaster writer Pete Robbins wrote before the Bassmaster Classic and it sparked a thought inside my head. I get a lot of questions (especially from youth anglers) now of how to get started in the fishing industry or land sponsors etc, etc. I hear it all the time, I know the youth are chomping at the bit to get in the industry and make a living at it and I want to try to help those are who are trying to find their way.

And while there isn’t a clean cut path of how to get there, here are some of my recommendations that have seemingly to work out for me one way or the other.

1) Probably the most important thing you can do (especially talking to youth anglers here) is to start building a portfolio of work. Beyond your tournament results, have something ready for those companies you are seeking out to look at when you do talk to them. I can’t tell you how many times I have been talking to people within the industry and they ask me where I put all my photos, videos and writing and I always revert them right back to this website here and my social media outlets. I am not saying you have to have a website or an incredible social media page, but have something readily available. And it doesn’t have to be photos, video or writing it can be some of things you have built, education you received or projects you have helped on. Try to keep them industry related but those are always number one.

2) Be present. I cannot stress to you how important it is to be present. Be at the biggest events because that is where everyone is gathering. A perfect example is a Bassmaster Classic. Anyone who is in the industry is pretty much there. It’s the biggest show in bass fishing and if you’re not there it’s most likely you’re not serious enough to be within the industry. I know that sounds crazy because those trips can expensive but you have to look at it as an investment into yourself. Not to toot my own horn but I attended the Classic in 2019 and 2022 on my own dime and I marshaled for the event in 2022 and the connections I made in those three days help me land my job at Bassmaster. And without I probably wouldn’t even have my gig there. I met some incredible people that week and those connections went a long ways. Trust me.

The Classic is just one event, there are plenty of events to attend. ICast is a big one, it can kind of be a pain to get credentials, but to be honest you could probably strike better deals after the show. Bigger regional shows are important to be at. No knock to the local WV shows, but it would be next to impossible to land a paying “fishing” job/sponsor at any WV show…

I would say another tid bit of information especially for those older than 21, more deals are struck at the bar every night than at the expos or shows. And that pretty much goes for any fishing show or expo. Take advantage of those nights, it’s hard to tell one where buying one drink for a stranger in the fishing industry can lead to. Again, not to toot my own horn, but I have made plenty of connections within the industry after hours.

3) I can promise you just telling a company that you like to just fish and compete in local club tournaments will get you basically nowhere with them. And that’s not throwing shade at those who fish local club derbies (I even fish them). But there is absolutely no value there for a company to help you out. Approach them just as a stranger and just start a casual conversation. Tell them you are seeking something to do within the industry and tell them what you are good at and what you are passionate. And fellas, don’t just say “fishing.” We all know you’re good at something outside of fishing.

I can’t tell you how many conversations I had about college fishing (even with my poor tournament results) that lead to further opportunities. Folks within the industry are ate up with the youth movement in fishing and there is no better time to take full advantage.

4) Never say no. If you get an opportunity, pounce on it even if its something you might not like. You never know where that opportunity can lead. Again, never say no.

And of course if you ever have any questions about the industry, I am just a message or a phone call away.

That’s it for my TedTalk today. Thanks for stopping by.