Being loyal is important and Jeff knows that he has my loyalty and that I work to promote the products he sells. Knowing they can depend on you will help them go to bat for you with sponsorships. This kind of relationship doesn't happen overnight, it takes time. Of course this is easy for me to say. The other thing that will help you the most to jump-start a fishing career is to seek sponsorship outside the fishing industry.
Automobile dealerships work differently than fishing industry sponsorships.
I'm lucky that Nichols Ford of Fort Worth looked elsewhere than the usual football or baseball players for promotions. They sponsored Paulie Ayala, the champion boxer and myself. I'm not a world champion like Paulie, but I work hard for Nichols and whenever Ken Nichols needs my help, he has it. Not every dealership or business can help you with such a large contribution as a vehicle, but help with entry fees or other expenses is valuable as well. Start small and allow it to grow as you've demonstrated your ability to promote for them.