Hello Vincent, can you introduce yourself to the readers of Fishing.news ?
Vincent Ottmann -My name is Vincent Ottmann, I am 44 years old, I have been a fishing guide in the roadstead of Brest and in the Iroise Sea for 7 years. I practice a wide range of fishing techniques: support fishing, tenya, lure fishing... In addition to my activity as a guide, I am in charge of the fishing department of a store a few minutes from Brest. I participate in the training of future fishing guides by giving courses at the CFPPA of Caulnes. I also participate in a scientific program of marking on emissaries. I am a member of the Kerfil team.
Can you tell us about your early days in fishing?
Vincent Ottmann -I started fishing as a child, with my father and grandfather, during the vacations at the seaside. Later, I started fishing in fresh water in Alsace. During my career in the French Navy, I was able to practice all over the world. Later I moved to Brittany and I deepened my technical knowledge there. When I left the navy, I passed my BPJEPS fishing leisure to be able to make my passion my job.
When, how and why did you agree to be a Pro-Staff?
Vincent Ottmann -I have been in partnership with the Kerfil brand for more than 5 years. I prefer a partnership to a sponsorship, because I am much more free of my choices and it allows me to give priority to my guiding activity rather than to the obligations of a sponsored guide. The partnership is essential for the practice of my activity, it allows me to have preferential rates to equip myself and to have access in preview to the various innovations.
For the brand, our agreement allows us to have feedback on the use of the equipment, and the guarantee that many anglers will be able to try the equipment during the guiding. It's a win-win agreement!
I already knew the Kerfil salesman (we met in the navy and then during animations in fishing stores) and after having "investigated" my way of working and my cyber reputation, Kerfil proposed me to join the very young Kerfil team. Since then, I have been loyal to the team and to the brand.
What does being an ambassador mean to you?
Vincent Ottmann -For me, being an ambassador of the Kerfil brand is above all integrating a team of passionate people with whom I can share my fishing experiences in a good mood and conviviality. The moments spent with the team allow me to become an amateur fisherman again and to leave the guide temporarily aside. It is to be able to participate in the development of the products and to make them known to the general public. It is also the joy of being able to test all the new "toys" well before Christmas!
What is your best memory, or anecdote, as a Pro-Staff to share with our readers?
Vincent Ottmann -Apart from the outings with the Kerfil team, my best memories are of our participation in the Nantes sea fishing show. Each time, it's a lot of fun! Between the vacuuming to the sound of "I want to break free" of Queen, the extinctions of voice at the end of two days of show and the meals in the restaurant where we have difficulty to eat so much we laugh, it is every time the insurance of unforgettable moments!
How do you see the fishing industry in France?
Vincent Ottmann -My view on fishing in France and more particularly on sea fishing is rather mixed. There are great people who are ready to invest themselves, but also a lot of "yaka hawks", you know this bird that criticizes, but never does anything! The competitions for example : everybody agrees that it is great and that we should have more... But when it comes to organizing them, volunteers are becoming increasingly rare... It is the same for the defense of our passion, many people complain in their corner but when it is a question of federating there is nobody more...
Any advice for anglers who want to join a Pro-Staff team one day?
Vincent Ottmann -The Pro-Staff scene is not all rosy, if some are very good, there are many people who are only there to compete for the biggest rod. Others are ready to sell their soul for three lures and a cap. For all of them, the status of Pro-Staff is more a goal than a way to live his passion, it is unfortunate.
For some time now, brands have been looking for communicators more than for very good anglers. Gone are the days when good results in competition were enough to attract the interest of a brand. There are many candidates for few places...
Some teams exploit their teams, I have heard for example, of a brand giving a low percentage discount the first year, a slightly higher percentage the following year, with a minimum order rather high! But they were entitled to a T-shirt, a cap and 4 lures to test! Other brands are much more generous and are quite correct with their team.
For all those who want to join a pro staff, ask yourself the right questions:
What drives you to do this? Satisfy your ego? To show others that you are better than others because you are a Pro-Staff? How many times have I seen sponsored anglers, or those who present themselves as such, arrive looking down on other anglers and imagining that everything was due to them...
Is fishing just a hobby or do you want to go further? Does passing Pro-Staff fit your idea of fishing?
If after all that, you're still up for it, here are some tips:
1- Look carefully at what you are doing! Do not accept everything and anything.
2- Take care of your cyber reputation! Someone who spends his time arguing about everything, insulting everyone who disagrees with them on social networks (yes, yes, we all know them!), will not interest brands.
3- Learn how to make beautiful photos or videos. The better your visuals, the more visible you will be.
4- Diversify! Whoever practices only the same technique always in the same place will not be able to provide much variety in his returns to the brand.
5- Be aware that you are becoming a communication tool and that some brands will not hesitate to impose publication quotas, presence at certain events... You have to be ready to accept it or to know how to say no.
6- Get to know and talk about the products of the brand you want to represent. Saying that a lure is great because you caught a fish with it is not enough, you must be able to explain to someone who knows nothing about it how to use it. It is above all your experience as an angler and the advice you give that interests the people you meet.
7- Have an irreproachable behavior when you wear the colors of the brand. I remember a Pro-Staff who was completely drunk during a show and did more harm than good for the image of the brand he represented... He wasn't there the next show!
8- Stay humble ! There is nothing more annoying than to be taken down by a guy dressed from head to toe in the colors of a brand who explains to you that the fact of testing equipment puts him at the same level as a test pilot!
9- Don't spit on other brands! You are here to promote a brand, not to put down others.
10- Most important : HAVE FUN!!! If it becomes a chore, if you don't enjoy it anymore, if it takes all your time: stop! This is not a job.
