Late on 2 March 2010, I checked email and discovered an invitation from Mrs. Joyce Loupe (More Tackle). She requested Cajun Custom Rods as a sponsor for the first “Annual, Youth for Christ Memorial Bass Fishing Tournament (on behalf of Mr. Ron Hardy) in Lake Kissimmee, Florida.” Scheduled for 6 March, I knew time would be short … so I immediately called Joyce, confirmed that CCR would be honored to be a part of the tournament, and began to gather the requisite materials for the trip to Kissimmee. A long week ran into an “all-nighter” on Friday night as I finalized handout brochures (printing took forever), printed out another 100 or so business cards, and most importantly … finalized the three gift certificates. Needless to say, that night led to an early Saturday morning which involved packing for the road trip, helping coach two soccer games (for my boys), and then departing from the soccer fields for the 4 hour trip from Jacksonville to Kissimmee.
The launch for the tournament occurred at daylight on 6 March 2010 and the first boats were scheduled to weigh-in at 3:00 PM. I left Jacksonville at 10:00 AM on the 6th, so I knew the timeline would be tight: 4 hours for the drive to the tournament, unpack and get the CCR booth set up, and be ready for the bass fishermen and their catch. I arrived at Lake Kissimmee, Florida about 45 minutes before weigh-ins … safe and sound.
Though we didn’t have quite the turn out for the tournament that we were expecting, there were quite a few anglers who braved the early morning freezing temperatures and the 15-20 knot winds to fish for a good cause. We handed out brochures, talked and met lots of good folks, and had a chance to see a few nice bass weighed in before the charity raffle and awards began. Biggest bass was around 7.5 lbs and the #1 spot went to a weight of around 17-18 lbs. CCR donated three $100.00 gift certificates for the cause and we got to make a bunch of new friends before the end of the day.
Please check out the CCR Gallery to see a few of the pics we took while at the tournament.
Additionally, we took the micro-guide rod down for other anglers to cast and compare to a traditional casting guide rod. Everyone loved the micro-guide rod and thought it cast much smoother and further than its “sister-rod.” We’re getting close to completing our analysis (i.e., independent testing and utilizing some of my engineering and stats background from my days at USNA). Once complete, we’ll let y’all know what we learned.
So, after the tournament we broke down the CCR gazebo, loaded the car, and said our goodbyes … it was almost 7:00 PM and I knew the drive would take longer because I was tired. After stopping multiple times on my way back to Jacksonville, I arrived home safely around 11:00 PM … tired, but wired up on caffeine from the drive … and went straight to bed.
We had done it … our first sponsorship … and for a great cause nonetheless … its was perfect! Not so hard and I am definitely glad I checked my email that night and got the gears turning in “high speed” to get everything lined out in preparation for the tournament 
We learned a lot of lessons regarding what works, doesn’t work, and what we need to change for future CCR engagements … mostly logistics, but a few business lessons too. That said, we’re looking for our next show now and will keep everyone posted as to where we’ll be … with a move to Omaha, Nebraska scheduled in July … who knows? Maybe we’ll be close to your neck of the woods in the near future? Stay tuned in … the cold is fading (albeit slowly this year) and the spring fishing (IMO) is going to be a whirlwind once the temperatures and weather evens out … hang on, and keep the line tight … rod tips up!
Hurry and get your order in before the spring spawn is up and gone for 2010.
Tags: Bass Fishing, Bass Fishing Tournament, Gift Certificates, Lake Kissimmee, Largemouth Bass, Micro-guide rod, Sponsor, Spring Spawn