Jimmy Houston didn't practice for Champlain: Sponsorship obligations

[cwenbass]

I was reading on the FLW live blog how Jimmy Houston did not practice this week due to sponsorship obligations. It would seem, to me, that sponsors would want him on the water so he could perform well and be a stronger advocate for sponsors' products/services. I know Jimmy is big time and has a lot of sponsors that may not be even in the fishing industry, but exposure is exposure and if he is not making cuts, he is not getting the exposure he would have had he practiced and subsequently, performs better.

[Mark Perry]

I was reading on the FLW live blog how Jimmy Houston did not practice this week due to sponsorship obligations. It would seem, to me, that sponsors would want him on the water so he could perform well and be a stronger advocate for sponsors' products/services. I know Jimmy is big time and has a lot of sponsors that may not be even in the fishing industry, but exposure is exposure and if he is not making cuts, he is not getting the exposure he would have had he practiced and subsequently, performs better.

As the Googans have proven sponsors want people that move the needle and sell product. If they happen to fish tournaments thats a bonus.

[cwenbass]

As the Googans have proven sponsors want people that move the needle and sell product. If they happen to fish tournaments thats a bonus.

I agree but if you aren't making cuts, then you are not moving needles. And Googan seems to being sponsoring the top pros who are​ only fishing.

[grandbassslayer]

I agree but if you aren't making cuts, then you are not moving needles. And Googan seems to being sponsoring the top pros who are​ only fishing.

Honestly how many cuts does Jimmy make? The guy is in his mid 70s, his name recognition is more important to sponsors than making cuts.

[dabassking]

With only 3 finishes above 50th in the last 4 years, I don’t think Jimmy’s sponsors sponsor him because he does well in tournaments. They sponsor him to get their name associated with his persona and notoriety. Neither of which hinge on his tournament success either.

[LewStulePH.D.]

And that explains why Mr. Houston ALWAYS has $pon$or$ because He is personable and knows who signs the checks ("checques" for our Canadian friends...)

[Casslaw]

If you don’t make the cut you get to put Jimmy Houston in a signing booth for the weekend! That’s worth a LOT

Hell I had no idea he still competed! He isn’t a young pup.

[grandbassslayer]

And that explains why Mr. Houston ALWAYS has $pon$or$ because He is personable and knows who signs the checks ("checques" for our Canadian friends...)

When I was his marshal on Grand, I asked him why he had a dual console instead of a single, he said its more comfortable when he is entertaining sponsors/vips.

[Mark Perry]

I agree but if you aren't making cuts, then you are not moving needles. And Googan seems to being sponsoring the top pros who are​ only fishing.

I am willing to bet he moves the needle a lot more than some guy making a few cuts on BASS or FLW every year.

[dstep0]

Honestly how many cuts does Jimmy make? The guy is in his mid 70s, his name recognition is more important to sponsors than making cuts.

Exactly....

[bossbowman]

I agree but if you aren't making cuts, then you are not moving needles. And Googan seems to being sponsoring the top pros who are​ only fishing.

Not true, plenty of personalities that don't make cuts that move the needle, James Watson is one example off the top of my head.

[cwenbass]

I guess that is a good point, all of them, but I would still think he or they would not schedule sponsor meetings around the few weeks he's actually fishing.

[grandbassslayer]

I guess that is a good point, all of them, but I would still think he or they would not schedule sponsor meetings around the few weeks he's actually fishing.

He mentioned he does around 130 personal appearances a year. When you count drive and fly time he is busy all the time.

[hulapopr]

I folliw his youtube,sounds like this may be his last tournament.I like his youtube stuff.I can say
one thing,for his age he is a go getter.

[basscat21]

If you don’t make the cut you get to put Jimmy Houston in a signing booth for the weekend! That’s worth a LOT

Hell I had no idea he still competed! He isn’t a young pup.

Nailed it!.....him there in a booth on the final day is worth ten fold, to being on the water that day.

[LewStulePH.D.]

I folliw his youtube,**sounds like this may be his last tournament.**I like his youtube stuff.I can say
one thing,for his age he is a go getter.

And He will still be cashing checks from sponsors until He is ready to retire and 'Go Fish'...

[DMart1]

Ha, he deserves to do what he wants at his age. The man is a legend in the sport.

[RANGER487]

[QUOTE=LewStulePH.D.;10366095]And He will still be cashing checks from sponsors until He is ready to retire and 'Go Fish'...[/QUOTE


yep! I grew up watching Jimmy back when he was on USA network @ 7:30 many many years ago his song before the show will always be in my head.

[Locknload59]

Nailed it!.....him there in a booth on the final day is worth ten fold, to being on the water that day.

Exactly this. His sponsors would much rather Jimmy be in a booth pushing product and shaking hands than on the water. I think it is amazing that he can still fish full-time on the FLW, make 130 appearances per year and still film a tv show. He has been dumping videos to his YouTube channel daily or twice daily. He even has a pet deer named Lucy that goes out on the water with him for some YouTube filming.

[Casslaw]

It’s wild to me that Jimmy Houston still has SO much fun fishing! A lot of guys disappear once the industry has put them through the ringer but Mr Houston has to be on the water 300 days a year!

The dual console boat makes sense, I’ll bet most of his money is tied to taking know nothing execs fishing. He sounds like a fun guy to spend a day in the water with anywhere in the country!

I surely hope when I’m his age I will be kissing bass! I get mad at small fish right now...yes I’m spoiled. His love for bass fishing is contagious. I still have a Shimano Jimmy Houston Signature Series rod from the 90s and it works as well today as it ever did!