Fishing Shirts...

[BassinGT]

Guys, help me understand some things...

I was looking at that cool website, Tourneyshirts.com, checking out all the cool pictures and it got me wondering... Everyone shirt had logos, sponsors, whatever, all over them. I understand that most of these people have secured sponsorhips or on a pro staff or something. My question is do you need sponsorships to be able to wear shirts like that? For example, I bought a Stratos Boat last year, does that mean I can wear one of those cool Stratos shirts? Really I'd just like to have a shirt made with my name on the front and a "Your logo here" or "Space for Rent" sign on the back :-). Maybe if I looked more official I'd do better in the tournaments!!! Hee hee.

What's the deal?

-Gary

[McCarter]

Go ahead and wear whatever you want.  There is nothing wrong with supporting a company or product that you believe in.  Whether its on a shirt, or a hat, or a pair of undies.

There are some people out there who might poke fun at you.  There was recently a post on a similar website that was titled 'Patch Pirates' where a handful of guys joined in to publicly bash a select few anglers because they proudly display there sponsors names and logos on there trucks, boats, shirts, hats, socks, whatever.  Why did they do this?  No one will ever know, but i think more or less they suffer from some form of social disorder, maybe they were made fun of a lot in school and are now looking for ways to get back at others to make themselves feel better.  I am not qualified to speculate any further.

Dont let people like that discourage you.  They are also pirates, but of a different kind, if you catch my drift.   ANd if you dont, i will say this and only this............( y )

Do what you want.  Wear what you want.  I dont think it is wrong at all.

McCarter himself

[BassinGT]

Good to know.

Thanks Brian.

-Gary

[Genie]

It goes back to some old cliche's ... "You are what you eat", "You are who you associate with", "You feel like you dress" ...

I know I feel differently when wearing fishing shorts vs. a shirt and tie.  Wearing the "brag rags" can make you feel a little different - maybe even put a little bounce in your step or draw an extra look from someone as you walk by.

Who know - it just might make you fish differently as well ...

Leave the "I wonder what others think ..." to the schools and do whatever makes you feel/fish better.

-Genie

[Dan]

I second that emotion.

[fowlmouth]

You can buy the Stratos tourney shirts on stratosboats.com, but if you wait a little the style will probably change before next season.

[stackenem]

I called Stratos and they said they are not changing anything this year what you see is what you get. I like the yellow that is clearanced but will probaly get the grey.

[Bassman24]

Gary,

Great to see you posting on the bass sites.  The guys here will give it to you straight.

As for wearing sponsor garb, if you have legit sponsors you should be proud to promote them and shirts, hats, etc. are the best way to start.  If you are just happy with a product you use and want to support them, you should also proudly do so.  Don't let the nay-sayers Brian mentioned stop you from promoting.  It is what sponsors look for and expect when you find one to work for.

Hope you enjoyed your season.  I hate the fact my boat is hibernating for the winter.

GT

 

[bosshawg]

 does the saying, i might not be a great fisherman but i'll look good doing it. anywho - i also have a couple of patch laden shirts i'll wear to tournaments. does it make me fish better, probably not. you do sort of stand out from the others but thats fine. the patches promote the products i use and like. i don't get anything from the manufactures for it. bought a mercury tournament shirt last year and like the looks of it cause it matches the boat and besides having a merc on the back of it. planning to have name put on it and probably a couple of other things. so dress up a little and look good while your out on the the water. it makes ya FEEL GOOD!!!

[BassinGT]

Thanks Everyone. That is all great information. I've been fishing in the ABA for a few years now and you really don't hear about this stuff, or at least I haven't, at the tourneys.

It's nice to have forums like this. To most people our definition of fishing may be a little extreme, but to us it's natural. And like most of you of I have aspriations of winning tournaments, having sponsorships, and traveling the country, and essentially make a living doing what we love. And to me answering these types of questions is just as important as "what lure did you use?" and "what pattern were you fishing?"

Thanks again. I may post more questions like this in the future. I need to do something to keep my mind on fishing during these cold months!!!

-Gary