:Be Selfless

Rick Clunn of Ava, Missouri, has won more than $1 million in professional bass fishing as well as four BASS Masters Classics and has fished in 26-consecutive Classics.

"The real secret to attracting sponsors is to prove that you don't need them," Clunn said. "Work for sponsors for nothing, give seminars, travel with representatives, promote their products without asking for anything and demonstrate that you know how to promote and sell fishing tackle and can catch bass.

"Once you prove you're worthy of sponsorship, the sponsors will come looking for you. You won't have to ask companies to sponsor you, if you're the right kind of person and a good fisherman."

Tomorrow: Be Committed