Do You Have What it Takes To Be a Professional Bass Tournament Angler?

[StickinPigs247]

that is my DREAM!!!!

[TheRubberDuck139]

it takes more than skills to get there. Money and a lot of it.

[NWIbass]

@TheRubberDuck139 entry fees and more!

[TheRubberDuck139]

@NWIbass I started fishing local tourneys when I was seven years old with my dad. I won my first tournament at 13. I decided to go off on my own at 21 and started out in the bigger regional tourneys as a non - boater. This was about 20 years ago and I was spending around $800 for a two day tournament twice a month and I wasn't even dragging a boat. I moved up to semi - pro and it got even more expensive. Without sponsorship its nearly impossible without deep pockets.

[TheRubberDuck139]

@NWIbass I could not hang up there due to the fact that I did not have enough sponsors to help absorb the cost. But the learning that I got, especially as a non - boater, up there was invaluable.  I had the opportunity to fish with some really great fisherman. When you get to that level, being a great fisherman is not enough. You have to be able to sell yourself & be very personable. Sponsors don't put money into just to show up at tourneys, they are basically paying you to sell a product.

[TheRubberDuck139]

@NWIbass When you are not on the lake fishing a tournament, you are at outdoor shows and events selling and representing your sponsors as Pro Staff doing seminars and such. Some people do not realize there is more to being at that level than just showing up at a lake and trying to win a tourney. I know for me, fishing that once was a loved hobby, became more like a job. It was no longer fun and enjoyable. A lot of lonely days on the road by myself and a lot of dinners by myself.

[TheRubberDuck139]

@NWIbass Do I miss the circuit? Yes and no. I still fish tournaments but not on that scale. I fish in my region and do a lot more jack - potting. I still have a few sponsors that help with gas and that helps a lot. But now I have a little girl and I am doing her like my dad did with me. I have started her out in tournaments and passing my knowledge down to her. To me, that is more important than being on the road by myself.

[TheBassfisher352]

BASS doesnt have a bank fishing division..and bass like that rnt hard to come by in falcon lake..any tom, dick or harry can catch those out there..come to florida..bet it wont b that easy!

[myuncleshouse]

NO WIGERS

[TheFLWPRO]

where do i sign up...

[dropshot35]

was this a contest??

[bass3do]

love it!!!



[sawyer2813]

really im 15 and fish the jr tournaments and i can fish better than half thoughs guys but then again there aint very many better than me and im confident in that

[topshelf92]

@sawyer2813 YOU are the biggest clown. you fish junior tournaments and so didnt I. and i did pretty well but wait till u fish with the adults and the pros. U wuldnt stand a chance at a tournament with the elite series or FLW Tour nor wuld u stand a chance at a bassmaster open. wait till u see what happens big guy

[NWIbass]

@topshelf92 He may be good at fishing but it takes alot to compete with the big guys.

[liljimi57]

@sawyer2813 Yeah well you can suck a toe.

[Mathewswitchback7]

@sawyer2813 pahahahahahaha

[n4sir804]

@sawyer2813 well im glad you have that confidence lil guy...you will need it later in life as you get older and fish against more and more people...best of luck to you

[footballkidd24]

mike iaconelli is the best inspiratrion to me in bass fishing

[JDSkidder]

are these the finalists????

[furyiiiplate]

Love it! Good Luck to All.

[BasswipeNC]

Hells Yeah!