In our little world of professional bass fishing, sponsorships are a lifeline. They fuel our seasons, fund our travel and often determine how far we can go in the sport. But there’s a common misconception out there — especially among younger anglers — that sponsorships are just about the money.
I fell into this trap when I was in high school. I don’t blame anybody, but that’s why I am here to tell you the truth. The best partnerships aren’t built on cash; they’re built on relationships.
I’ve learned when you genuinely care about the brands you work with — and the people behind them — the money usually follows. Not the other way around. (You’re not going to be rich regardless, so take “money” with a grain of salt.)
I’ve been with Douglas Rods for over 10 years now, and that relationship started long before I ever competed professionally. I ran local bass tournaments for them as a young angler, and those early days laid the foundation for a relationship built on loyalty, effort and shared passion.
I’ve also been a sales guy for Powerhouse Lithium and K and K Kustomz for five-plus years, which gave me an inside look at what brands truly value in a partnership. It’s not just performance — it’s trust, reliability and a willingness to show up when it matters.
The best sponsor relationships feel more like a team than a transaction. When you’re in it for more than a paycheck, it shows. You go out of your way to deliver value, whether it’s through content, feedback, product development or simply representing the brand the right way at events. And in turn, those companies go out of their way for you.
I’ve had sponsors send me overnight gear when something broke mid-event, and others drive hours just to get me the bait I needed for the next day. I’ve had them celebrate my wins like they were their own. I could go on and on about specific moments like that. But at the core, that kind of support doesn’t come from a contract — it comes from trust.
If you’re only looking at your sponsors as a financial resource, you’re missing the bigger picture. You should be an extension of their brand story. That means learning their mission, believing in their product and being proactive about bringing them value without always being asked.
Whether it’s filming a piece of bonus content during downtime, giving product feedback that leads to innovation, going out of your way on a drive to go into headquarters or simply taking time to shout them out after a tough tournament, it’s those little things that build relationships that last.
Let me be clear: There’s nothing wrong with wanting to make a living in this sport. But longevity in bass fishing doesn’t come from chasing the biggest check — it comes from cultivating relationships that evolve and grow over time. I mean let’s face it — no one jumps into bass fishing to get rich.
Some of the most rewarding partnerships in my career didn’t start with a big paycheck. They started with alignment: shared values, mutual goals, and a willingness to build something together. And as those relationships grew, the opportunities and income did too — organically.
In fishing, just like in life, people want to work with people they trust. Companies want to invest in anglers who invest in them — not just financially, but emotionally and professionally. So if you’re looking for long-term success in this sport, stop focusing solely on “what can this brand do for me?” and start asking, “How can I build that relationship?”
Because at the end of the day, authentic relationships don’t just make you a better representative — they make you a better angler, a better professional and a more sustainable part of the sport.
