Over the years I have given away so many products, lures and baits to all kinds of people from all walks of life and every level of angler experience. Kids, parents, individuals, couples, groups, guides, stores, sales reps, non profits...in all that made promises to deliver feedback, pictures, video and what ever else they said to convince me to give them some of whatever I had at the time to try. It has probably been over 400 different people throughout the years...guess how many ever followed through without me having to beg them for what they promised me in trade?! I know it seems simple, and almost all the people, told me later that they had success with whatever it was that I gave them, many times asking me for more of whatever it was.
Less than ten people of around four hundred over a thirty year period actually followed through with what they agreed to. I still break my own rules in hopes that I find a new true team player to work with. Today I only work with a small group of hand picked anglers that help build my testing team.
There is always room for more anglers, but I am in no rush to grow my group. I am now slow to farm new prospects.
The best thing of all for me, truly is just catching fish on all the lures that I personally make. I will only ever fish with lures that I make or companies that I plan to buy. I do however have one dedicated exception to my personal rule...TOMIC RVP series plugs.