Many who follow the Bassmaster Elite Series believe our work is done once tournament season concludes, but that’s not the case. Not even close.
For the anglers serious about making it in this business, there is still plenty to do in the offseason — like prepping boats for next year, negotiating contracts and booking appearances at sports shows and in-store promotions. It’s a part of the job that can require considerable time and travel.
My most recent efforts have been devoted to Shimano’s Rod & Reel Tour — an initiative designed to support the company’s premium dealers and large consumer base. It’s a hands-on, grassroots effort to better educate the public on our newest products and design concepts. And having such a broad product line, there’s plenty to talk about … believe me.
Growing with the brand
My relationship with Shimano began in the mid-1980s. In fact, it was Toyo Shimano — direct descendant of company founder Shozaburo Shimano — who signed me. Although Toyo has long since retired, I’m still going strong. And I appreciate the opportunity he provided.
When I first signed, Shimano’s American division was trying to gain better traction in the bass market with both reels and a new line of rods. It wasn’t easy, however. The competition was stiff. But through perseverance and extensive product development, they eventually penetrated the market and today are considered a leader in both categories.
It’s an awesome brand, and I’m extremely proud to have represented them all these years. I’m even prouder that my oldest son Daniel is a sales rep for Shimano. Working with the Don Coffey Group, his previous territory was Georgia, Alabama and parts of Mississippi. Today he oversees much of Florida — both fresh and saltwater.
On many occasions, we have worked together at dealer in-store promotions, as well as ICAST and Bassmaster Classic Expos. I can’t begin to tell you how rewarding it is to work side-by-side with my son, watching him grow in the business.
The Rod & Reel Tour
When Shimano announced its Rod & Reel Tour, it created additional opportunities to work together. Our first event was held at Lakeland Fishing Outfitters in Central Florida. Lakeland is a hotbed of fishing enthusiasts and their local B.A.S.S. affiliated club is one of the largest in the nation. They are heavily involved with youth and conservation programs, so having a Premium Shimano Dealer in that area is important.
Lakeland Fishing Outfitters is a great store. The staff is friendly and very knowledgeable. They carry all of the latest tackle and gear, including just about every rod and reel Shimano makes. They also stock Shimano lures, as well as Power Pro Braid (a Shimano owned, U.S.A. based company). If it’s not in stock, they make every effort to get it as quickly as possible.
Store manager Kris Smythe is an Army veteran and very disciplined in his approach to doing business. He expects the same from his employees — all of whom are versed on a range of fishing styles and any pertinent tackle. When the date for Shimano’s Rod & Reel Tour came, customers were lined up at the door. Among the many incentives were product giveaways, casting clinics and instructional seminars … both of which were well attended.
Shortly after, their sister store — Tampa Fishing Outfitters — hosted an event.
Located just down the road from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers stadium, they’re in one of the busiest sections of the city. And like the Lakeland store, their patrons showed up in a big way.
I’ve visited countless tackle stores over my career, but few as well stocked as Tampa Fishing Outfitters. The amount of inventory they carry is insane! Aisle after aisle of rods, reels, lures, terminal tackle and other miscellaneous gear … all the way to the rafters.
Located close to Tampa Bay and the Gulf, they also carry an extensive line of saltwater tackle. To accommodate those anglers, they booked saltwater pro and social-media influencer Capt. Bubba Betancourt for the promotion.
Where to next
Florida isn’t the only place the tour will visit. Shimano is in the process of scheduling more events throughout the country.
According to Freshwater Product Marketing Manager, Kade Gewanter, “The Shimano Rod & Reel Tour is a cross collaboration between sales and marketing, designed to support our dealer network … giving them a similar look and feel as large scale events. This includes providing attendees with swag, such as stickers, T-shirts, hats and Shimano branded buckets.
“Additionally, Shimano’s pro staff and sales team members will be present for added support. The goal is to educate consumers on the design features of our newest products, and to demonstrate the high level of quality and performance those products possess.”
Looking ahead, Gewanter promises a schedule announcement sometime in January.
So if you’re interested in learning more about Shimano’s latest product innovations, while getting some tips from their top level pros, then plan to attend one of these tour stops. I can assure you, those that participated in the Florida promotions left more than satisfied with the effort.
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