Humility can lure sponsors

IAM often asked about sponsorship of people who are into fishing and what’s involved. Having myself been sponsored by three international fishing companies over the years, my one piece of advice for young anglers seeking endorsement is to be a little bit more humble.

As a cottage lure maker, I get approached by two to three anglers a week, seeking sponsorship which involves merchandise and lures.

In most cases I say no as, being only a small operator, it’s hard enough to make enough to keep things going.

What I do find is that a lot of younger anglers are selling the fact that they have a YouTube channel (which anyone can do) and most have Instagram and Facebook accounts. This is all well and good, but lots of people can’t be bothered with the social media hype, therefore you are not reaching a lot of people.

I found the best way to get product awareness out there is to talk to people at boat ramps, or those fishing, or even go to fishing club evenings. Most will be receptive but be prepared for the odd cold shoulder.

Also, if you are lucky enough to get endorsed, as I said earlier, be a little bit more humble and don’t think that you are the be-all of everything fishing, because nothing turns others off quicker.

The two young chaps I do supply with a bit of gear are quiet, non-assuming and get on with their lives. They go to school and generally fish when they can. I get the odd photograph, which is great.

I have noticed that most of those I have supported in the past, have gone on to greater things and this gives myself and others immense enjoyment. I often say that anglers make better people.

In other news, the Sea Fisheries has announced season dates for the upcoming lobster season, which is fantastic. Waters outside the East Coast stock rebuilding zone will open on November 1 and will be subject

THIS MEANS THE KIDS CAN FISH FOR FREE … ENJOY A GREAT DAY OUT IN THE WILDS OF TASMANIA AND PERHAPS, TAKE A TROUT HOME FOR THEIR TEA.

to biotoxin regulations. The East Coast stock rebuilding zone will open on December 5.

Seasons in the Eastern region and Western region (females) will close on April 30. The Western region for males will close on August 31, 2021.

The squid/calamari spawning closures are East Coast, Great Oyster Bay and Mercury Passage from October 15 to November 14 inclusive each year. North Coast 2020: Tasmania’s north coast will be closed from October 1-31, 2020, inclusive from Cape Grim east to Cape Naturaliste.

Day trippers looking for a good trout fishing spot away from the fishing hordes would be well advised to try Pine Tier Lagoon which is 6km north of Bronte Park. Here some great fish are on the loose with this self-recruiting waterway not only having a great number of fish, but it’s also topped up with huge stockings by the Inland Fisheries Service. Trout from here are usually fat and healthy and weigh on average about 500g. Wading, spinning lures and fly fishing are most popular and remember the kids don’t need a licence if they are younger than 14 years old.

This means the kids can fish for free under the watchful eyes of carers and enjoy a great day out in the wilds of Tasmania and perhaps, take a trout home for tea.

Great advice is available from retail outlets or visit a popular fishing site such as Fishtas.com and get advice on what you need to take the kids fishing.