Written by Professional Anglers Association 

So what’s in a name?

Micah Sepko knows his is unique. But as a professor of sports management as well as a touring pro, he also knows the secret to the “branding” issue is presenting oneself in a positive light, and even better, presenting oneself as often as possible.

In the professional bass fishing realm, there yet remain certain names with long and storied track records, and strong public awareness. But as the baby boomers fade like the scent of musty livewells, the new generation techno kids have electronic and often instant means of showcasing themselves.

They may not achieve legendary status instantly, but they can present their image and voice via an array of means from Podcasts to U-Tube-like videos utilizing the Internet.

As Sepko described his unique www.Webcastangler.com site, he explained, “My motivation was (what he felt was) a lack of new technology for the new type of angler.”
Specifically he suggests, “A new breed of 18 to 25 year old angler may not sit down with Bassmaster Magazine.”

In addressing the career issue of name recognition or personal branding, Sepko advises, “Not everyone will win,” but that does not mean that there isn’t room in the marketing world for competitors outside the top 20 in the national rankings.

“Sports management creates fan bases,” says Sepko. “People like certain people, so a pro needs to see the big picture and maximize this point.”

In the case of Sepko’s site or others that may eventually emerge, he says, “Building your resume on the site will be possible in the future.”

Presently, Webcastangler.com provides the fishing community with fishing videos, but soon, that will be further enhanced. “In the future, viewers will be able to upload their own videos,” he says.

In the meantime, Sepko’s plan appears to be working, as he reports some 8000 unique viewers to his site. He’s been building a name (promotionally speaking) by sharing, not just winning. “My show is more instructional,” he relates so instead of just catching, there are details offered on many of the basic, but critical elements of lure use and an array of other worthwhile topics.

In short, his website offers free access to instructional videos, weather and lunar information, fishing destinations, a forum to discuss fishing topics and access to fishing reports and charters.

All the while, Micah Sepko provides viewers “a friend in the business.”