At one time, anglers living outside urban centres found it difficult to capture sponsorships.
With the arrival of the internet came social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to name a few.
Manufacturers saw the advantage of these sites and started adding local anglers to their pro staff to help promote their products.
Websites such as National Pro Staff allowed anglers direct contact with manufacturers.
NPS provided anglers a place where they could share their experiences by posting reports, tips, and pictures.
This not only helped anglers gain exposure, but also helped manufacturers add local anglers to their pro teams and gain extra exposure for their products.
The early 2000s saw the introduction of the Northern Ontario Walleye Trail in Northeastern Ontario.
Today, many manufacturers and local business have taken advantage of social media and the NOWT to gain some extra exposure for their business and products.
When local businessman, Clint Chartrand, assumed ownership of Guiho Saw Sales and Marine in 2009, he quickly started expanding his dealership by constructing a new building in a new location more suitable for the business and its customers.
Afterwards, Clint obtained the dealership for Lund Boats.
With the support of Lund Boats, Clint set his sights on building the Guiho Saw Sales and Marine/ Lund Boat Pro Staff Team.
In 2013, Clint added a well known local angler, Craig Salmonson to the team.
Salmonson is a five-time Mattagami Spring Tournament winner, FLW co-angler winner on Lake Oahe, Northern Ontario Walleye Trail Angler and existing Lund Pro Staffer.
Shortly afterwards, Clint added local anglers Andy Yu and Paul Either to the team.
A couple weeks ago Clint added an up coming NOWT angler Sebastien Lizotte.
Clint said, “We took Sebastien on as it is an awesome opportunity with his knowledge of the fishing throughout the Northeast Region.”
Adding Sebastein will help grow the Lund product.
His devotion to the sport and fishing the NOWT tournament is also an asset to Guiho and Lund.
I caught up with Sebastein this pass weekend for a day of fishing in the demo Lund 1875 ProV Bass with 200hp Mercury Verado.
I got his reaction to being added to the Guiho Saw Sales and Marine/ Lund Boat Pro Staff Team.
Sebastein told me: “I was on the phone when my girlfriend showed me Clint’s big news about me being accepted on the Lund Pro Staff team. I was so happy that I couldn’t finish my conversation on the phone.”
“Being asked to join Guiho Saw Sales and Marine fishing team in partner with Lund was a dream come true. I am very proud and honoured to promote and represent one of the best line of fishing boats out there. Since I'm on the water at the Cache every weekend, I look forward to promoting both Guiho and Lund boats.”
Sebastein says he hopes that anyone that has any questions will ask him, so he can help them choose their next Lund boat.
I can’t wait for 2017 fishing season to begin. I will be in my new boat ready to fish and promote this beauty.
The committee for Mattagami First Nation 3rd Annual Fall Classic Walleye Tournament on September 10 and 11 says there are still some openings for the tournament. Don't delay as these spots won't be open for long.
Whether you're an angler or hunter; a camp, lodge, resort owner; or just holding an outdoor event and would like some exposure, please feel free to email us at [email protected].