The emergence of social networks
For several years, the world of recreational fishing has normally turned to social networks. The opportunity for many fishermen to share their passion and for brands of fishing equipment to expand their communication easily and quickly.
With the advent of social networks and the Internet, the world of sponsorship in fishing has opened up to a wider audience. Formerly reserved for anglers practicing competition, sponsorship has now expanded to all amateur anglers.
What does it mean to be sponsored?
It seems important to specify the first definition of the term "sponsorship": "To finance a company, an event, a team, a sportsman, etc., to obtain publicity, an increase in notoriety". The sponsored angler is therefore considered as a showcase for the brand and will have to respond to its demands which can be multiple.
As far as sponsored anglers are concerned, you will find ambassadors, Pro-Staff and even Field-Testers. So many terms to designate anglers attached to one or more brands.
Sponsored anglers and parties
However, the anglers belonging to these Teams are very rarely, if ever, paid. Most of the contracts established between the sponsored anglers and the brands allow the anglers to benefit from free equipment and material for fishing. In return, the angler commits to promote the equipment through different social networks or other articles on websites or in the press.
Some brands ask their field testers to test the equipment before it is marketed, in order to report on any changes that need to be made.
For brands that only offer discounts on fishing tackle orders, the term sponsored is no longer really appropriate. Indeed, the fact that the fisherman will still have to open his wallet to acquire the said equipment, is simply an exchange of partnership.
