Most Honest Angler?

johnnie crain outdoors · Mon Mar 10, 2003 6:21 am

Just curious. Most pro anglers promote various fishing items through commercials. They look you in the eye and swear their product brand is the answer to all angling problems. Who do you feel is the most trustworthy pro angler-pitchman? Who do you trust with your money? Johnnie Crain Iowa Pro Staff.

LGBASS20LB · Post by **LGBASS20LB** » Mon Mar 10, 2003 7:50 pm

Even though I am a novice compared to all of you here on the ProStaff, I have bought a lot of products. In my opinoin, all of the products that Roland Martin has ever recommended have worked pretty well.Same for Bill Dance, most of the stuff I have tried of his has been productive. Some of the Excalibur lures are really good and I have had a lot of success with them, especially the shallow diving minnow. As for Roland Martin, I have used the Gamakatsu hooks that he recommended and I really have been able to hook into more fish using those hooks than I did using Mister Twister Keeper Hooks. If my opinion is relavant, then you have my answer. Thanks guys, keep fishing!

JoeM · Post by **JoeM** » Tue Mar 11, 2003 4:07 am

I think that if a Pro goes with a certain sponsor, we have to realize that he is pledged to that company for the duration of their agreement. Even if a certain item from their product line is not up to par, we can't expect the Pro to make that fact known.

However, I do believe that the Pro Bass Angler has a responsibility to the public when he gives a convincing commentary to the media. If he says XYZ line is the greatest thing since french fries, it better be good line or I'll not listen to him next time.

If the truth be known, Denny or Rick or Larry could sell me snake oil because they have been reputable Pros for so many years.
But the reason I would buy it because of them is that they won't back bad products.

It will be interesting, Johnnie, to hear each persons comments on this subject.
Great post. Keep 'em coming. Joe

mjripp1 · Post by **mjripp1** » Tue Mar 11, 2003 4:14 am

You have to remember that most Professional anglers really do believe and stand by their sponsors products. While there will be a few that do it for a few bucks most truly believe in what they are promoting. If they did not have the confidence in the product they would not be as likely to promote it to there full potential and sponsors recognize that. Pro-Staff exist to move product for companies and if they don't like the product they can't do that effectivly. Thats just my two cents.

Mark

brendanc · Post by **brendanc** » Tue Mar 11, 2003 1:33 pm

Well said Mark...

Personally, I am not comfortable recommending products that I would not be willing to use myself. Because of this, I do not approach companies for sponsorship unless I use and believe in the quality of their product(s). I have been offered sponsorship from a few companies that I turned down simply because I knew that I would never use their product. Like Joe Mo said, "You lose credibility with your fellow angler if you recommend a line that is not all you say that it is".

Interesting topic Johnnie...

BC

mofish · Post by **mofish** » Tue Mar 11, 2003 7:16 pm

I still watch Bill Dance and love his show. we have all seen the other post refering him to fishing in his private waters. Even so you must admit that he throws his sponsors products all the time and he does catch fish. His tournament career speaks for itself.

But the person that I trust the most would have to be Larry Nixon. Check out his stats and most of the products he used I use. I was using them befor I even knew who Larry Nixon was. lol. So to me he is the man.

Conley

MMT · Post by **MMT** » Tue Mar 11, 2003 7:38 pm

Joe, aren't they called Freedom Fries now??? Seriously, I have always had a hard time following what certain pro's have said worked. Some are simply hawking goods to make money. I know not everyone is dishonest but I just don't think pro X only uses his sponsors baits all the time. At the same time, if he wins an event, you better bet the farm that he will tell us he won it on a sponsors baits or equipment.....anything else would be unacceptable to that sponsor. Imagine me sponsored by Berkley, and winning an event using a Larew Craw. What would Berkley do if they found out? If it was made public?? Again, I know someone will bring up the fact that they should only be fishing with their sponsors baits but lets be realistic here. That likely does not happen.

Bren, your point is right on target. I feel the same way. I have several small sponsorships I persued in the manner you did. It works out better that way. I used product X before I was sponsored by the company that made it and I liked it. I have motivation for using the bait because I know it works.

From the view of a manufacturer, this is what I look for when someone sends me a resume'. Product knowledge and not someone looking for a handout. This really sways my opinion.

johnnie crain outdoors · Wed Mar 12, 2003 9:46 pm

Thanks guys,
I guess I have to go with Hank Parker. Hank has always been well respected by his peers and his love of fishing is obvious. He always fishes with senior citizens and or children when possible so I trust him.
Most pros use their sponsors products most of the time; but, there has been several national tournaments where the pros "had" to use other baits. Rick Clunn's big money sponsor was always Poe's Lures, he even designed some of the baits, but when the fish are in shallow water in heavy cover, Rick will use a jig or worm to win. Sponsors understand this, they know they will get some mention somewhere down the line. The pro's always try to catch at least one fish on their sponsors product, even if it's not a keeper, the product will be part of the winning lures. Once again, Hank Parker.Thanks, Johnnie Crain

bassnron · Post by **bassnron** » Tue Mar 18, 2003 2:23 am

Johnnie,
Great Question! Thanks to all for the wonderful answers. I would have to say that I would go with Larry Nixon. I know that there is a lot said about just going with the money and telling the people what they want to hear.

Since I work at Bass Pro Shops and get to see lots of lures, rods, reels etc., and I talk with a lot of customers every week, I tell my customers about products that I use because they work. I have lots of them come back and thank me for the info. You have to build that credibility and it only comes from suggesting or recomending the things that you are familiar with and that you know will work.

I believe that most pros truly believe in the products that they are promoting.

Ronnie Long

johnnie crain outdoors · Tue Mar 18, 2003 3:10 am

Thanks Ron, I have to agre, Larry Nixon is one of the guys I would trust. He's laid back, easy going and a great angler. Seems others think so too, so I change my vote from Hank Parker to Larry Nixon.