Resume services can help take anglers to the next level of professional career development

In several editions of The Bottom Line, there has been much written about the importance of resumes, portfolios and quarterly reports within the business side of fishing. But compiling an entire fishing career into a concise portfolio is a challenging task. Consequently, a few readers of The Bottom Line have inquired about resume services that are tailored specifically for tournament bass anglers.

Without a good internet, fax and phone setup, professional anglers face a huge handicap

On the water, Marty Stone is all business. Like any accomplished angler, Stone continually demonstrates the importance of having all of the tools of his trade at his immediate disposal. In his boat, in a carefully organized manner, reside all of the necessary gear and equipment for fishing success: rods, reels, lures, high-tech sonar units, trolling motors and GPS system. However, as all good professional anglers know, there are many other underrated tools that are just as invaluable for a career bass fisherman.

In order to maximize business opportunities, a good e-mail setup is a must

“E-mail is of critical importance in any business environment these days, and professional fishing is no exception,” says David Simmons, the field promotions coordina

True or false: Bass anglers who garner consistent press are the ones who have a higher chance of landing sponsors. True. Anglers who can get a company's product in print are the ones who get contracts.

Here is an adage from the world of professional fishing: “Getting a sponsor is easy, keeping a sponsor is hard.”

FLW angler Bernie Schultz demonstrates why differentiation is key to success

Despite having never won a national tournament, Bernie Schultz is one of the most viable anglers in bass fishing's sponsorship marketplace. The Gainesville, Florida

How to get your foot in the door and make a good first impression

Many jobs require standard applications and stringent resume formats for potential employees. But when it comes to “applying” for a position as a promotional bass angler, ther

Local dealers provide anglers with best chance of landing national sponsorships

In last month's The Bottom Line column, we discussed the most common mistakes anglers make when approaching sponsors. This edition focuses on key strategi

Experts cite need to keep expectations realistic

For anglers embarking on professional bass fishing career, the search for sponsors can be as illusive as skittish bass after a severe cold front in Florida. In the bass fishing industry there

Hint: It's more than just good fishing skills

In the bass-fishing industry it is assumed that the words “professional bass angler” refer to one who derives his livelihood from bass fishing. But for Sammy Lee, the label carries a connotation

Patience, preparation and professionalism are what the sponsorship game is all about

“How long does it take to get a sponsor?” That is one of the most commonly asked questions in the tournament bass fishing business. One reason that the timi

Savvy pros parlay strong fishing and communication skills into winning formula

Last month, communications expert and FLW Tour show producer Jerry McKinnis provided some valuable advice about exposure. This month's column features two anglers

A well-spoken angler can turn catches into commodities.

OperationBass.com unveils the latest feature designed to help anglers with the business side of bass fishing.