FISH NERD LABS

PRO STAFF PROGRAM

THE FISH NERD FIELD NETWORK

USE IT. TEST IT. FISH IT. REPORT IT.

INTRODUCTION

Fish Nerd Labs was built around a simple idea: Fishing technology should be developed through science, tested in the real world, and continually improved through observation and data. Our products are designed around fish biology, water quality, fish care, bait technology, chemistry, scent technology, and the practical realities of fishing.

Our Pro Staff Program is an extension of that philosophy. We are not looking for people who simply want free products, discounted products, or a logo on their jersey. We are looking for anglers who are willing to represent the Fish Nerd Labs brand, use our products, communicate honestly about their experiences, create useful content, provide meaningful field feedback, and help introduce other anglers to what we are building.

Our Pro Staff members are part of the Fish Nerd Field Network. You are not simply a customer receiving a discount. You are representing a company whose reputation is built on science, credibility, responsible fishing, and product performance. That comes with opportunity. It also comes with responsibility.

1. WHAT IT MEANS TO BE FISH NERD LABS PRO STAFF

Being Fish Nerd Labs Pro Staff means that you have been selected to represent the company as an independent member of our field team. You may be a tournament angler, guide, captain, kayak angler, bass angler, saltwater angler, multi-species angler, fishing educator, content creator, fishing industry professional, or serious recreational angler.

Your fishing background is important, but it is not the only consideration. We are interested in people who demonstrate integrity, professionalism, knowledge, communication, consistency, respect for fish, respect for other anglers, respect for the Fish Nerd Labs brand, a willingness to learn, and a willingness to contribute.

We would rather have a smaller team of highly engaged people than a large team of people who do very little.

2. WHAT FISH NERD LABS EXPECTS FROM YOU

If you become part of the Fish Nerd Field Network, we expect you to actively participate. That means more than putting a Fish Nerd Labs sticker on a boat. Our staff members should be actively using the products, learning about them, talking about them appropriately, and providing feedback.

USE THE PRODUCTS

Use Fish Nerd Labs products as intended. Learn how they work. Understand their intended applications. Pay attention to results. Report problems honestly. Tell us when something works and tell us when something does not work. We cannot improve products if everyone tells us they are perfect. Honest field feedback is one of the most valuable things you can provide.

CREATE CONTENT

We want real fishing content. This can include fishing photos, fishing videos, product demonstrations, tournament content, product-use videos, educational content, fishing tips, fish-care demonstrations, livewell and bait-tank content, behind-the-scenes fishing content, product testing, and field observations.

Content should feel like real fishing, not a scripted commercial. Quality is more important than simply posting constantly.

3. REPRESENT THE BRAND PROFESSIONALLY

When you represent Fish Nerd Labs, remember that your actions reflect on the company. You are expected to conduct yourself professionally on the water, at tournaments, at fishing stores, at trade shows, online, on social media, in conversations with customers, in conversations with other anglers, when interacting with retailers, and when interacting with tournament officials.

Treat people with respect. You do not have to agree with everyone. You do have to represent Fish Nerd Labs professionally.

4. SOCIAL MEDIA EXPECTATIONS

Social media is an important part of the Fish Nerd Labs Field Network. Staff members should make a reasonable effort to maintain an active presence. Depending on your staff level, this may include Fish Nerd Labs posts, product-use posts, fishing photos, short-form video, stories, tournament updates, product demonstrations, and educational material.

Fish Nerd Labs may provide suggested topics, product information, photography, graphics, or campaign material. You are encouraged to put your own personality into your content. We want your fishing, not advertisements copied word-for-word from the Fish Nerd Labs website.

5. BE HONEST ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE

This is one of the most important rules of the program. Do not claim that a Fish Nerd Labs product did something that you did not personally observe. Do not manufacture results. Do not exaggerate results. Do not create fake testimonials. Do not claim scientific proof that does not exist. Do not make medical, environmental, biological, chemical, or performance claims beyond information provided by Fish Nerd Labs.

If you don't know the answer to a question, ask us. It is better to say, "I'm not sure. Let me check with Fish Nerd Labs," than to make something up.

6. PRODUCT CLAIMS

Fish Nerd Labs is a science-driven company. Our credibility matters. Staff members must use approved product information when discussing products.

Do not independently invent claims such as guaranteed fish attraction, guaranteed catch increases, guaranteed survival, guaranteed mortality reduction, guaranteed tournament results, medical claims, disease-treatment claims, unsupported environmental claims, unsupported chemical claims, or unsupported scientific claims.

Do not tell customers that a product will produce a specific result unless that statement is supported by Fish Nerd Labs. If Fish Nerd Labs has not provided a specific claim, don't create one yourself.

7. DO NOT MISREPRESENT FISH NERD LABS

Never claim to be an employee, owner, scientist, or official spokesperson of Fish Nerd Labs unless that is specifically true and authorized. Your staff status does not give you authority to make contracts, promises, pricing arrangements, wholesale agreements, or other commitments on behalf of Fish Nerd Labs.

You are an independent member of the Fish Nerd Labs Field Network.

8. WHAT YOU MUST NOT DO

The following activities are prohibited:

Misrepresent products: Do not make false or unsupported claims.

Fake results: Do not stage fishing results and present them as genuine.

Fake testimonials: Do not create or encourage fake reviews or testimonials.

Misrepresent your relationship with Fish Nerd Labs: Do not represent yourself as an employee, owner, scientist, spokesperson, or authorized business representative unless you actually hold that role.

Attack competitors: Fish Nerd Labs staff members should not use personal attacks, harassment, threats, or defamatory statements against competing companies, anglers, guides, tournament organizations, retailers, or individuals. You can discuss differences between products honestly and respectfully.

Engage in harassment: Do not harass customers, other anglers, tournament officials, retailers, Fish Nerd Labs staff, or other members of the Field Network.

Create unnecessary controversy: Do not intentionally create controversy using Fish Nerd Labs products or branding simply to generate attention.

Abuse pro pricing: Pro pricing is for the approved staff member. Do not resell pro-priced products, purchase products for unrelated parties, share private discount codes, distribute staff pricing publicly, or create unauthorized group purchases. Pro pricing is not wholesale pricing.

Make unauthorized deals: Do not negotiate with retailers, distributors, tournaments, guides, or other businesses on behalf of Fish Nerd Labs unless specifically authorized.

Misuse the Fish Nerd Labs name: Do not create unauthorized websites, social media accounts, merchandise, advertising, promotions, giveaways, logos, or product claims using the Fish Nerd Labs name or branding.

Represent yourself as Fish Nerd Labs management: Staff members do not speak for company management unless specifically authorized.

9. DISCLOSURE OF YOUR FISH NERD LABS RELATIONSHIP

If Fish Nerd Labs provides you with products, discounts, commissions, compensation, or other benefits, you must clearly disclose that relationship when appropriate. Do not attempt to hide the relationship.

Examples of clear disclosures may include:

Fish Nerd Labs Pro Staff

Fish Nerd Labs Pro Staff | Product provided by Fish Nerd Labs.

I am a Fish Nerd Labs Pro Staff member.

Disclosures must be clear and noticeable rather than hidden in a long block of hashtags or buried where people are unlikely to see them. Fish Nerd Labs may provide specific disclosure language for individual campaigns.

10. FISH CARE IS PART OF THE PROGRAM

Fish Nerd Labs believes that the fish we pursue deserve to be handled responsibly. Staff members are expected to practice responsible fish handling and demonstrate appropriate attention to fish handling, livewell management, water quality, temperature, oxygenation, fish stress, safe release, proper weighing, and proper transportation.

Our staff should demonstrate responsible practices rather than simply talk about them.

11. HOW TO APPLY

Becoming part of the Fish Nerd Field Network begins with an application.

Applicants should provide personal information including name, location, email, phone, and social media accounts. Applicants should also provide fishing information including primary species, primary fisheries, years of fishing experience, tournament experience, guide experience, club memberships, and fishing organizations.

Applicants should provide content information including social media platforms, follower numbers, typical views, content frequency, video experience, photography experience, and websites or other media.

Applicants must also answer:

Why do you want to represent Fish Nerd Labs?

Which Fish Nerd Labs products have you used?

What did you learn from using them?

How would you introduce Fish Nerd Labs to another angler?

What can you bring to the Fish Nerd Field Network?

12. APPLICATION REVIEW

Applications are reviewed based on the overall quality of the applicant rather than simply follower count.

We may consider fishing experience, professionalism, content quality, audience relevance, engagement, tournament participation, local influence, industry connections, communication, product knowledge, interest in science and fish care, willingness to participate, geographic value, and potential to generate useful field feedback.

Having a large social media following does not guarantee acceptance. Likewise, having a smaller following does not automatically disqualify an applicant.

13. THE 30-DAY FIELD EVALUATION

Selected applicants may begin as Field Team Candidates. During the evaluation period, Fish Nerd Labs may provide limited product support.

The purpose is to determine whether the relationship works for both sides.

During this period, we want to see product use, communication, content, professionalism, product feedback, fishing activity, engagement, and reliability.

This is not a popularity contest. We are looking for people who actually participate.

14. LEVEL ONE — FISH NERD FIELD TEAM

The Field Team is the entry level of the program. This is where most new members begin.

Field Team members demonstrate that they are serious about representing Fish Nerd Labs but have not yet established a significant performance record within the program.

Field Team members may receive staff product pricing, a referral code, product information, early product access when available, Fish Nerd Labs digital recognition, opportunities to receive products for testing, opportunities to create official Fish Nerd Labs content, and opportunities to advance.

Field Team members should consistently use Fish Nerd Labs products, create appropriate content, participate in campaigns, provide product feedback, represent the brand professionally, maintain communication, and follow all program rules.

15. MOVING FROM FIELD TEAM TO PRO STAFF

Advancement is earned. There is no automatic promotion simply because someone has been on the Field Team for a certain amount of time.

We evaluate:

Activity: Are you actually fishing and using the products?

Content: Are you creating useful content?

Quality: Is your content consistent with the Fish Nerd Labs brand?

Engagement: Are people actually interacting with your content?

Sales: Are you generating legitimate customer referrals?

Feedback: Are you helping us improve products?

Professionalism: Can Fish Nerd Labs trust you to represent the company?

Initiative: Do you actively look for ways to contribute?

16. LEVEL TWO — FISH NERD PRO STAFF

Pro Staff represents the next level of the Field Network. Pro Staff members have demonstrated consistent participation and have shown that they can provide measurable value to Fish Nerd Labs.

This may include customer sales, strong content, tournament exposure, dealer referrals, product testing, educational content, community involvement, industry relationships, or valuable field observations.

Pro Staff may receive increased product support, better staff pricing, affiliate/referral commissions, increased product testing opportunities, Fish Nerd Labs apparel, early product access, featured placement, tournament opportunities, event opportunities, greater involvement in product development, and opportunities for special campaigns.

17. LEVEL THREE — FISH NERD ELITE

Elite status is reserved for a small number of highly active and highly trusted members.

Elite status is not based solely on follower count. An Elite member should demonstrate that they consistently provide significant value to Fish Nerd Labs.

This may include significant verified sales, strong content performance, major tournament participation, dealer acquisition, industry influence, exceptional product feedback, educational value, strong regional presence, significant event participation, and consistent professional conduct.

Elite members may receive the highest level of product support, increased commission opportunities, tournament support, special campaigns, product-development participation, exclusive product testing, event support, potential performance-based bonuses, and increased brand visibility.

Elite status is limited. Not everyone who applies will reach this level.

18. THE ADVANCEMENT LADDER

APPLICANT → FIELD TEAM CANDIDATE → FISH NERD FIELD TEAM → FISH NERD PRO STAFF → FISH NERD ELITE

Your advancement depends on your performance and contribution.

There is no requirement that every member advance. Some members may remain on the Field Team. Some may become Pro Staff. A small number may eventually become Elite.

19. SALES MATTER, BUT SALES ARE NOT EVERYTHING

Fish Nerd Labs is a business. Sales matter. However, we do not measure a staff member solely by the number of products sold.

Someone may contribute through content, education, tournament exposure, dealer relationships, product testing, scientific feedback, community involvement, photography, video, or regional influence.

Our goal is to evaluate the total value of the relationship.

20. REFERRAL AND AFFILIATE PROGRAM

Qualified staff members may receive a personal referral code or link. Customers may use the code to receive an approved discount, and staff members may receive a commission on qualifying sales.

All referral activity must be legitimate.

Do not create fraudulent orders, purchase through your own code solely to generate commissions, encourage friends to create fake accounts, manipulate referral systems, use unauthorized advertising, or spam customers.

Fish Nerd Labs reserves the right to investigate unusual referral activity.

21. DEALER REFERRALS

One of the most valuable contributions a staff member can make is introducing Fish Nerd Labs to a legitimate fishing retailer, tackle shop, guide service, marina, or other qualified business.

Staff members may submit qualified dealer leads through the Fish Nerd Labs referral system.

Staff members must not negotiate unauthorized wholesale terms. Fish Nerd Labs will handle the actual wholesale relationship.

Successful dealer referrals may be considered when evaluating advancement and may qualify for additional incentives when offered by the company.

22. TOURNAMENT SUPPORT

Tournament support may be available to qualified members. Tournament support is not guaranteed.

Fish Nerd Labs may consider tournament level, geographic importance, audience exposure, staff member performance, content opportunities, product usage, previous results, promotional value, and available company budget.

Tournament support may include product, entry support, contingency awards, apparel, promotional material, or event support.

Specific support will be determined by Fish Nerd Labs.

23. PRODUCT TESTING

Some Field Network members may be invited to participate in product testing. Testing may involve new formulas, new products, packaging, fishing applications, livewell applications, bait technology, scent technology, or fish-care products.

Testers are expected to provide honest feedback.

Testing does not mean that the product must receive a positive review.

If something doesn't work, tell us. That information is valuable.

24. THE FISH NERD FIELD NETWORK FACEBOOK GROUP

Fish Nerd Labs will maintain a dedicated private Facebook group for approved members of the Fish Nerd Field Network. The group will serve as the central communication and knowledge-sharing environment for staff members.

This group is intended to be much more than a place to post promotional material. It will function as a field intelligence and product-feedback network connecting anglers who are actively using Fish Nerd Labs products in different fisheries, conditions, seasons, and fishing situations.

Members will be encouraged to share information such as:

• Products being used

• Species being targeted

• Location and general fishery information

• Water conditions

• Water temperature

• Water clarity

• Weather conditions

• Fishing conditions

• Bait and lure selection

• How a Fish Nerd Labs product was used

• Application or dosage information when applicable

• Observed results

• Fish behavior

• Fish-care observations

• Livewell observations

• Bait-tank observations

• Tournament experiences

• Product performance

• Product problems or unexpected results

• Suggestions for improving products

• Photos and videos

• Field-testing information

The purpose is to create a growing body of real-world knowledge.

SHARE WHAT WORKS AND WHAT DOESN'T

Members are expected to be honest in the group.

If a product performed exceptionally well, explain the conditions and what you observed.

If a product did not perform as expected, explain what happened.

If you are unsure why something happened, say so.

A negative result is not a failure of the Field Network. It is useful information.

Fish Nerd Labs can learn from unexpected results, different environmental conditions, application differences, and situations where a product did not perform as expected.

DATA AND FIELD OBSERVATIONS

Whenever practical, members should provide useful details with their reports.

For example:

Product: SmartSoak
Species: Largemouth Bass
Water Temperature: 78°F
Water Clarity: Approximately 2 feet
Livewell Volume: 30 gallons
Application: Normal recommended application
Duration: 6 hours
Conditions: Tournament day
Observation: Fish remained active with normal behavior throughout the day.

This type of information is much more valuable than simply saying:

"SmartSoak worked great today."

The goal is to build a useful field record.

PHOTOS AND VIDEO

Members are encouraged to post photos and videos that help document their experiences.

Useful content may include:

• Product application

• Livewell setup

• Bait-tank setup

• Fishing conditions

• Fish condition

• Tournament situations

• Product demonstrations

• Before-and-after observations

• Unexpected results

• Field-testing situations

Members should never stage results or manipulate information to make a product appear more effective than it actually was.

PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT

Information shared within the Field Network may help Fish Nerd Labs identify:

• Product improvements

• New applications

• Packaging improvements

• User problems

• Educational opportunities

• New product ideas

• Testing requirements

• Regional differences

• New research questions

The Field Network therefore becomes part of the product-development process.

The goal is simple:

The laboratory develops. The field tests. The field reports. The laboratory improves.

GROUP PROFESSIONALISM

The same standards that apply to representing Fish Nerd Labs publicly apply inside the Field Network group.

Members are expected to:

• Respect other members

• Respect different opinions

• Keep discussions productive

• Avoid personal attacks

• Avoid harassment

• Avoid unnecessary arguments

• Avoid posting confidential company information publicly

• Avoid sharing private group information without authorization

• Keep product discussions honest

• Provide useful information whenever possible

The group is intended to be a place where staff members can ask questions, share experiences, learn from one another, and help Fish Nerd Labs improve.

THE GROUP IS NOT A COMPETITION

The Field Network is not designed to create competition between staff members.

One angler may have more followers.

Another may sell more products.

Another may provide better scientific observations.

Another may create better video.

Another may provide valuable dealer relationships.

Every contribution has value.

The purpose of the group is to share knowledge and make the entire Fish Nerd Network better.

25. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

Some Fish Nerd Labs projects may involve information that is not publicly available. This can include formulation information, product development, prototype products, research, product testing, business plans, unreleased products, pricing, marketing plans, software development, or other confidential company information.

Do not publicly disclose confidential information unless Fish Nerd Labs has authorized you to do so.

Information shared in the private Field Network group should be treated as confidential unless Fish Nerd Labs specifically identifies it as information that may be shared publicly.

26. COMMUNICATION

Good communication is one of the easiest ways to distinguish yourself.

If Fish Nerd Labs contacts you, respond. If a product has a problem, tell us. If you have an idea, send it. If you have a question, ask. If something happens that could affect your relationship with Fish Nerd Labs, communicate with us.

We don't expect perfection.

We do expect communication.

27. WHAT WE DO NOT EXPECT

We do not expect every staff member to fish every day, have thousands of followers, win every tournament, create professional television-quality videos, become an influencer, or sell hundreds of products immediately.

We understand that people have jobs, families, businesses, and other responsibilities.

What we expect is consistent effort and honest participation.

28. PERFORMANCE REVIEWS

Fish Nerd Labs may periodically review staff members.

Reviews may consider sales, content, engagement, product use, feedback, professionalism, tournament participation, dealer referrals, program participation, and compliance with program requirements.

Reviews may result in advancement, continued status, additional support, reduced support, tier adjustment, or removal from the program.

29. YOUR REPUTATION MATTERS

Fish Nerd Labs is building a long-term brand. We are interested in people who want to be part of that process.

We want our staff members to be recognized for knowledge, integrity, professionalism, fishing ability, curiosity, responsible fish care, innovation, and respect.

That reputation is worth more than a free bottle of product.

30. THE FISH NERD STANDARD

Before you post, promote, recommend, or represent Fish Nerd Labs, ask yourself:

Is it true?

Did I actually experience it?

Can I support the claim?

Is it consistent with Fish Nerd Labs information?

Would I be comfortable saying it directly to the customer?

Does it represent the brand professionally?

Does it respect the fish?

Does it respect other anglers?

Would I be comfortable with Fish Nerd Labs seeing this?

If the answer to any of those questions is no:

Don't post it. Ask us first.

31. THE OPPORTUNITY

The Fish Nerd Labs Pro Staff Program is designed to grow with the people who participate in it.

You can start as an angler who simply wants to represent a company you believe in. You can become a Field Team member. You can demonstrate your value. You can become Pro Staff. You can build sales. You can create content. You can introduce retailers. You can help test products. You can participate in tournaments. You can contribute to product development. And eventually, you can become part of the Fish Nerd Labs Elite team.

The opportunity is there.

But advancement must be earned.

32. OUR EXPECTATION IS SIMPLE

We don't want people who simply want free stuff.

We want people who want to build something.

Fish Nerd Labs is developing a fishing technology company around science, fish biology, chemistry, fish care, bait technology, scent technology, software, research, education, and responsible fishing.

The Field Network is an important part of that mission.

You are the connection between the laboratory and the water.

You use the products.

You observe the results.

You report what you see.

You educate other anglers.

You help us improve.

You help us grow.

And you represent the Fish Nerd Labs name every time you put it on your boat, jersey, social media page, fishing gear, or conversation.

THE FISH NERD FIELD NETWORK

USE IT. TEST IT. FISH IT. REPORT IT.

EARN YOUR PLACE.

FISH NERD LABS
Science for the serious angler.