The tournament season is in full swing, and between early mornings on the water and late nights prepping gear, it’s easy to let sponsor relations slip through the cracks. But if you want to build lasting sponsorships and increase your chances of renewals (or even bonus support), *now* is the perfect time to check in and show your fishing sponsors you're delivering value.
The world of competitive fishing is evolving—and fast. From cutting-edge technology to changes in tournament structure and a growing focus on sustainability, today’s anglers are navigating a landscape that looks far different than it did just a decade ago.
Social media has become one of the most powerful tools for building a brand in any industry, and fishing is no exception. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube are where fishing enthusiasts gather to share stories, tips, and their latest catches.
How to use social media effectively:
As an angler, securing sponsors is a huge part of building your career. But sponsorship isn’t just about receiving support—it’s about creating value for the brands that invest in you. Promoting your sponsors effectively strengthens your relationships and increases your chances of long-term partnerships. Here are five essential tips to help you showcase your sponsors the right way:
Success in the fishing industry isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about building an audience and staying top-of-mind with customers. Social media is one of the most powerful tools you can use to grow your business, whether you're a guide, retailer, or tournament angler. Here’s how to leverage it effectively:
“Can’t miss” Livestream focuses on Rising Above the Noise.
“Can’t miss” event focuses on Rising Above the Noise.
Forestville, WI (November 12, 2024) – With the New Year just around the corner, anticipation is running high for the National Professional Anglers Association (NPAA) 2025 Annual Conference. The premier event for the sportfishing industry’s angling professionals including guides/captains, tournament anglers, tackle retailers, and industry representatives, the conference is slated for Friday, January 3rd through Saturday, January 4th, at the Chula Vista Resort and Conference Center in Wisconsin Dells, WI.
“We are really looking forward to our 16th annual conference,” says NPAA president, Patrick Neu. “ This year’s gathering is designed to help sportfishing industry professionals focus on what they need to do to “Rise Above The Noise” in today’s content-driven world. The conference promises to provide attendees with a deeper, more realistic understanding of what it takes to be successful on a professional level in this industry.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Registration Now Open for January 4th, 2025, NPAA Annual Conference in Wisconsin Dells
Pat Neu Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award by the Sportfishing Industry
Award Presented at 2024 Sportfishing Summit in San Diego
Hunter Brousseau 12 years old of Naples, FL
Going into the 7th grade
Event
Bill Dance Giant Bass Open
Lake Chickamauga- Dayton, TN
6/22 & 6/23
Event had 100 youth anglers and 371 Adults
Hunter weighed in a 9.09# bass at the first hourly weigh in on the first day and took the hourly payout of $500.00. Upon completion of the event that same fish was good enough to win the youth angler division for an additional $1,500.00.
Hunter was the youngest angler to attend the 2024 NPAA Conference in Fort Myers, FL. He competes in many adult tournaments and can also be seen on TV fishing with his good friend Roland Martin!
Fargo, ND — June 18, 2024 — Yamaha Pro Angler Spencer Deutz successfully hosted the third of five Yamaha Outboards Youth and Family Fishing Clinics at SCHEELS in Fargo. The event, held on June 18, 2024, drew participation from young anglers and their families, providing them with an engaging and educational experience.
Devils Lake, ND, June 23, 2024 – Yamaha Pro Angler Spencer Deutz educated future anglers at the 48th Annual Devils Lake Chamber of Commerce Fishing Tournament. The Youth and Family Fishing Clinic, held immediately after the last team weighed their catch, was a success attracting enthusiastic young anglers and their families.
On Wednesday, June 19th, Captain Greg of Learn 2 Fish With Us hosted a fishing clinic for Big Brothers Big Sisters at Appleton Memorial Park. Why was this fishing clinic so important? It was fifteen years ago that Captain Greg hosted Learn 2 Fish With Us very first fishing clinic, which was for Big Bothers Big Sisters at the same park!! Memories!! Today, this was Learn 2 Fish With Us four-hundred and nineteenth fishing clinic. Captain Greg, so remembers his first fishing clinic and how they have improved, to make their fishing clinics so educational and fun.
The weather conditions were perfect for a beautiful morning on the water in Northern Minnesota. Minnesota hosts an annual Take-a-Kid Fishing event every June, and this year, the event fell over the June 8th weekend. Located north of the city of Duluth, MN, is a 110-year-old reservoir called Fish Lake, where this year's event took place at Hi Banks Resort.
On June 8th, the Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Walleye Club, for the 3rd consecutive year, hosted the Camp Courageous/NRG Media Fisheree at Pleasant Creek Lake near Palo, Iowa. The event is sponsored by NRG Media (105.7 FM; 107.9 FM; 1540 AM; 107.3 FM) as a fund raiser for Camp Courageous of Iowa (https://campcourageous.org/). This year the CRANDIC Club partnered with the Future Angler Foundation and the National Professional Anglers Association to add a conservation ethics clinic and distribute rod/reel combos and tshirts for the youthful participants including 2 busloads of campers from Camp Courageous. The morning was spent weighing bluegills and crappies as the anglers competed for prizes and swag from the many sponsors and supporters of the event. Over 40 kids and more than 50 adults participated in the events as NRG’s stable of on-air personalities took turns live broadcasting the event across their 4 area stations. The event was supported by CRANDIC Walleye Club president Dave Nichols(#153) and Secretary Terry Hora (#767)
The Suicide Shad has established itself as a reliable fish catcher. Its tail design ensures it swims true at any retrieval speed. Our hand-painted color schemes feature a forked tail for added realism, and the solid head enhances durability. The split belly design accommodates various rigs, whether it's a weighted hook, swim jig, or our Swimbait Head. Available in three sizes: 3.5″ (5 pack), 5″ (4 pack), and 7″ (2 pack), with over 20 fish-catching color patterns.
