I got a free hat from Phoenix while I was at the classic. Hmmm...I guess I'm sponsored! Ok! I need deck graphics and a full boat and motor wrap. I'm going to need a full jersey and I better make sure I have my name embroidered on the back so they can instantly recognize me. After all, I'm a sponsored pro-team member now! I'll also prepare my speeches so that I mention Phoenix no less than once a sentence. "I was casting my Rapala Shad Rap from the deck of my Phoenix that's powered by my Mercury. My Mercury powered Phoenix boat was so stable that I was able to set the hook on my Rapala Shad Rap so easily, that I credit it for my win! Phoenix! PHOENIX! P-H-O-E-N-I-X!!!!!!" Ok...Enough silliness. None of the Phoenix crew I met were anything like what I described, as they all were great guys and gals, and talked more about fishing in general than their own products. Gary Clause and I talked about his Okeechobee trip quite a bit actually. But man have I met some local jersey casters that act just like that. They think they're KVD because they PAID to be part of some pseudo sponsorship program, or maybe get a 10% discount. To be fair, I did try to buy the hat, but they gave it to me for free (I also got a free Yamaha one). I tossed it on just before the final weigh in because I was waiting in the sun, and got mobbed by people asking about my boat. I, of course, was happy to discuss it. But I sure didn't act like a big shot sponsored fool.