Pro Teams?

[RossCo]

So this a bit of a spin off thought from RipRaps post about Pro Members Mentoring.

My knowledge of Pro members are like brand ambassador they are sponsored by tackle suppliers to promote baits and win competitions.

I've heard that some sponsored guys can't use other brands of either baits or equipment?
Are you approached to be part of a Proteam?
How many Pro teams are there currently?

What takes preference Proteams or the Club you belong to?

I still am trying to learn the network of bass fishing in South Africa, I am part if Inanda bass Club which is part of Sabaa, and with that I have entered divisional this year as I love the competitive side about this sport, but I often wonder what other accolades are out there?

[smurf]

Most of these Brand Ambassadors are sponsored to a certain extent,they use their products AS well as other products,and I am yet to hear of one that does not admit to using and catching on other baits.They promote their brands because they enjoy using them,they do catch fish on them and when they do,they will no doubt have a write up to promote that product...this is,after all,their job.And in so doing,they would get their stock of branded merchandise at preferential cost...very seldom for free.It would be totally unreasonable to ask an angler to use ONLY the products that he represents,so no...they are able to utilise other baits.A rod/reel sponsor might get a bit scratchy if his "shimano" Ambassador suddenly had a craving to use a Quantum,but use anything and everything that hits the water and a bass' mouth.These Pro Teams have nothing to do with Sabaa or the Club you belong to...you would be a member of that Club,sponsored or otherwise,and will fall in line with the Club and Sabaa Constitution.But one thing that should NEVER be done is to write an article promoting a certain brand of lure that you represent,but you in fact,never caught any fish on that promoted lure,but used another.That has,and most probably still happens.

[Navrik]

Great reply Smurf. I agree 100% with you on the honesty aspect. The biggest mistake a pro staff/brand ambassador can make is to lie about products just to impress his sponsor. You will get caught and this will destroy your credibility and do serious damage to the brands you represent.

Also the supply chain in South Africa is too small to warrant a full sponsorship of all products. We do receive some products for free and new products to test but in a lot of cases we get only get preferential pricing which on it's own is a huge saving when it comes to high end items like ALX Rods.

Having the support of a company like BWG (Blue Water Gear) behind Floatie and I the past season has really inspired us to move up the BFSA Money Trail ranking as well as my limited success in my first year as a Divisional Angler. Floatie went from an angler just fishing under the Xcite Baits banner this season to a full blown Pro Staffer by the end of the season.

I would recommend applying to become Pro Staff / Brand Ambassador to any angler as I have see the impact on a number of newly appointed Pro Staffers. Look at Jim_from_Zim, JMG, Roy, Floatie, IanVersfeld and other performances over the last season on two and how much it has improved after receiving the backup of the local supply chain.

Also the support of the supply chain to events like the Money Trail, Elite Series and quite a few of the Classics have increased due to the visibility, performance and marketing efforts of the Pro Staffers.

[bblunt]

Spot on smurf. We use the agencies baits and test new ones and do write ups etc. but still use other brands.

You are dead right in saying that reporting is often bogus. Never say you caught it on your sponsored bait when you didn't. If you are caught out you will damage the integrity of your agency and yourself.

[RossCo]

Thanks guys,

Yea, I can see that people would lie, quite a sad truth,

But on the other hand the whole concept is pretty cool!