The sponsorship program was created in 2008 to build awareness of the BoatU.S. Angler membership program with inland anglers. Freshwater tournament directors are encouraged to contact BoatU.S. Angler for prize offerings for 2009 events.

The heart of the Sponsorship Program is a BoatU.S. Angler tournament prize package that includes basic membership, "Unlimited" on-the-water towing assistance from the largest fleet in the nation, and "Unlimited" on-the-road towing for both tow vehicle and boat trailer.

"With our 24-hour dispatch service, being a member of BoatU.S. Angler means you'll never have to worry who will come to get you if you hit a stump, have an engine breakdown, or run out of gas," said BoatU.S Angler Director Mike Pellerin. "And unlike most auto clubs, our on-the-road towing program won't make you abandon your fishing boat and expensive gear on the side of a highway while you go to find someone who'll fix a flat tire.

“We have over 18,000 towing companies across the United States that will tow both your tow vehicle and boat trailer up to 100 miles to a repair facility of your choice." Launch ramp winching service is also included.”

Basic BoatU.S. Angler membership also includes access to an array of services and benefits offered by the nation's oldest and largest recreational boaters organization, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatU.S.). This includes consumer affairs and boating safety programs, shopping discounts at West Marine, BoatU.S. Cooperating Marina discounts, a BoatU.S. Angler Magazine subscription, as well as access to feature-rich fishing boat insurance.

The Association is also the boat owners' voice on Capitol Hill, fighting against unfair legislation, taxes and fees.

With a retail price of $67 each, the number of BoatU.S. Angler prize packages offered to a tournament director depends on the size of the tournament trail and exposure offered in exchange. Vinyl decal fish rulers and other event giveaway materials are also included.

"All we ask for in exchange is inclusion in all of the tournament's marketing materials — event banners, publications, e-mails and Web sites — and the opportunity to distribute literature and sell memberships at the event," said Pellerin.

"This is a very easy prize program to manage," he added. "We supply the BoatU.S. Angler tournament prize packages in a self-service format — all the tournament director has to do is hand them to the winner and we take care of the rest."

Participating tournaments can also be listed on the BoatU.S. Angler event locator at http://ww2.BoatUSAngler.com.

There are a limited number of sponsorships remaining. For more information, e-mail Tournament Program Coordinator Porky Leitch at PLeitch@BoatUS.com.

Dinghy Digest ®