I joined the RBBass family in April of 2017. At the time I was just learning the ropes of tournament bass fishing. I had just entered my second year of tournament bass fishing and had begun fishing a local circuit with Bob Tyler of RBBass. Bob and I met through a mutual friend Austin Wilson who is also a part of RBBass. At the time I honestly did not think I was a talented or seasoned enough angler to have a chance at joining the team. I was seeing RBBass anglers winning big tournaments and bringing home big time money. Bob Tyler my tournament partner at the time kept bringing up RBBass and how I should apply for a position. I brushed it off lightly being that I was not sure if I was ready for the task. After a short amount of time I finally decided to apply and was accepted to the team.
Since that day I have been able to use RBBass to nearly its full potential. I say nearly due to the fact that I still have a long way to go to accomplish my goals. At that time and to this day my goal is to make fishing 100% self sufficient through the acquisition of sponsorship dollars through marketing partnerships as well as through tournament winnings. I had no idea what I was getting into when I started trying to achieve this dream of mine. I leaned very heavily on my new family as mentors for help, advice, and guidance. Teammates like Ron Howe, Bob Tyler, and Michael Coleman are a few who helped me at the beginning to give me a start to finding the “Secret Sauce” of acquiring sponsors. I’m just happy these guys took the time to help out “the new kid” who was probably annoying and pushy.
Since my early days at RBBass I have used the platform provided to acquire my own sponsors as well as use those that are provided to us through RBBass. In short, the program provides anglers with an outlet to grow their own personal brand through the use of RB Bass’ media platforms as well as recognition from wearing the RB Bass Logo.
Aside from the business aspect of RBBass I also gained a family. Many people don’t see the fun side of RBBass. We have a couple camping trips every year where we all get together fish, eat good food, and hangout with one another. Hanging out with the team and the commeradery is my favorite aspect of RBBass. Some of my favorite times are spent with the team off the water.
RBBass has provided me an opportunity to speak with and mingle with guys I have admired for years. Recently I have been able to spend time and speak with teammates like Michael Birch, Armando Luzuriaga, and Mark Lassagne the CEO of Bass Angler Magazine. These men are veterans of the sport and are extremely decorated with accomlplishments. I feel like a kid while speaking with these guys. They have an abundance of insight and years of experience. I wish I could bring a pen and paper when we talk so I can jot down as many notes as possible. Fun fact, Michael Birch actually helped my younger brother write a paper and presentation for his fisheries class regarding the spraying of chemicals in the water of our Northern California waterways. Its moments like these and our get togethers that provide the most joy.
A wise man once told me “The fishing, boats, and popularity are all great. But at the end of the day, when all of that is gone we are still going to have this family.” Without RBBass I would not be where I am today. For that I will be forever grateful.
Ryan Hall
@ryanhallfishing
ryanhallfishing@gmail.com