Meet the PROs - Are You In?May 2, 2005 - 6:00-8:00pm
12-April-05 The upcoming Meet The Pros event in Mobile, Alabama sponsored by Palmer Toyota, the PRO, and the Redfish Nation will be a prime example of those anglers that are willing to grow our sport. You see, without attendance and participation by the professional anglers, there is no Meet The Pros:
Then…fans go home disappointed, sponsors become leery, the media turns a blind eye, and promoters go another direction. They figure if we aren't there than we aren't interested enough in our own sport to promote what we do. The upshot is that no one wants to look bad. If we don't show, WE look bad and so do all the people that worked hard to give us a chance to promote professional redfishing. There is much more to being a professional angler than just showing up at blastoff and fishing for two days. Those that are willing to consistently give a little are the ones that will get a lot in return. All that is required is that you get off the water that day in time to get yourself and your rig over to the event (on time!) and then spend 90 minutes with the fans and media. You will be surprised (and pleased) when those fans that you took the time to speak with and have a picture made with at this event return the favor by taking the time to show up at weigh-in to applaud and cheer for "their angler" – You! I assure you that the two hours of "on the water time" you miss on "Meet The Pros" day will be negligible when compared to the contribution you can make towards growing this sport. A contribution that means bigger audiences, bigger fan base, more media coverage – Translation: BIGGER PAYOUTS and MORE SPONSORS. When sponsors, promoters, media, and fans see that there is excitement and camaraderie among our group of professionals, they become interested in what we are doing. When the fans have met you in person and have your picture in their home you have become more than just a name, you are a personality and a friend.
Make no mistake - it is the media and fan base that makes any sport great. We can go on fishing in relative obscurity or we can get out there and make our sport great. It's our choice; it's your choice. Make it happen!
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