Schultz, Grigsby, VanDam form angler resource company

VanDam, Grigsby and Schultz form a new resource– a select team of Elite Series pros and media experts whose mission is to teach aspiring young anglers how to build solid careers in fishing.

Anytime I work a promotion, I’m asked a lot of questions. Most have to do with lures and techniques or how to find fish. Sometimes, though, I’m asked for tips on how to become a pro angler or acquire sponsorships and work with the media.

Depending on who’s asking my responses will vary. If I feel that person is serious and has true potential, I’ll try to explain — in detail — the strategies that work for me. Unfortunately, however, in the context of a sports show or in-store promotion, time always seems to limit the amount of information I can convey. Just when I get into the more important aspects, the lesson is cut short.

Until now!

Enter Pro Angler Resources (PAR) — a select team of Elite Series pros and media experts whose mission is to teach aspiring young anglers how to build solid careers in fishing. The team includes Kevin VanDam, Shaw Grigsby, Ken Duke, Nathan Benson and — I’m proud to say — me.

Each of us has our own strengths. And by combining those strengths, we can provide the necessary tools for up and comers to succeed in this highly competitive field. All that’s required is a modest investment of your time and money.

In Good Company

Kevin VanDam’s credentials speak for themselves. He’s a four-time GEICO Bassmaster Classic Champion, seven-time Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year, and the all-time money winner of our sport. More important, though, is the fact that his endorsement is the most sought after in the industry.

Kevin’s name appears on countless products, under numerous brands, all of which improve the bottom line for retailers worldwide. Simply put, when KVD talks, people listen!

Kevin VanDam knows what it takes to succeed as a professional angler, and it's more than just fishing.B.A.S.S.

Shaw Grigsby is another story of great success. Not only has he bankrolled millions from tournament fishing, he’s also built a solid career in television as well. Shaw’s a consummate pro, on and off the water. When not competing or filming segments for his One More Cast TV show, he’s busy with public appearances and speaking engagements. Like Kevin, he works with a core group of sponsors who have supported him throughout his career.

Through his personalized instruction, you’ll learn how to improve your camera presence, speaking skills and the most effective ways of building a fan base.

On the media side is Ken Duke. The managing editor of Fishing Tackle Retailer — the industry’s top trade publication — Ken is also the former senior editor of B.A.S.S. Publications. He has 33 years of experience working in a multitude of media platforms, and he’s arguably the most knowledgeable stat guy in the sport. Ken has worked with hundreds of fishing pros and been published in more than 50 state, regional and national publications.

More importantly, however, are his insights on working with the media. He’ll share the components of a good interview and ways to build long lasting relationships with our sport’s top media contacts — both print and electronic.

Nathan Benson is PAR’s whiz kid. A former digital editor with B.A.S.S. Publications, Nathan knows everything technical. He has a strong grasp of social media, web development and multi-media presentations, and he can provide step-by-step instruction on building stellar PowerPoints for more impactful sponsor proposals and seminar demonstrations.

What I can show you is how to survive. Having no major victories or record-breaking achievements to fall back on, mine has been a story of versatility and endurance. What I may have lacked at the scales, I more than made up for in the boardroom.

I can show you how to increase your value with sponsors while building lasting relationships with the brands you want to represent. Companies in this industry look for much more than someone capable of putting fish on the scales. They want anglers who can communicate and promote effectively while sharing ideas.

Making It Happen!

The truth is, any touring angler can catch a fish. It’s how effectively that angler works with sponsors and the media that will ultimately determine his or her longevity in the sport. At PAR, we can give you the tools to not only survive, but excel.

Shaw Grigsby is a professional fishing and television superstar.B.A.S.S.

By subscribing, you’ll gain direct access to this and much, much more. PAR’s site will feature tips on specific topics with regular updates, including videos and photo galleries to help you better grasp the concepts discussed. You’ll be able to interact through the site as well, to ask questions and gain greater insight into specific areas you may be deficient in.

In time, PAR will add traveling workshops, where students can attend and receive intensive training from our team of experts. Special guest speakers will be included so that additional perspectives are incorporated into each seminar presentation.

So if you have aspirations of becoming a professional angler — or perhaps an outdoor journalist or pro staff manager — I recommend you sign up with Pro Angler Resources.

These days, garnering sponsorships, booking public appearances or being noticed by the media can challenge even the most resourceful. There are clearly more anglers and seemingly less opportunities to go around. But by subscribing to PAR, we’ll show you ways to distance yourself from the competition.

Click here to get started now!