I am 22 working my way through college. My parents do not support my fishing financially. I have a full time job as a Sales Lead. I bought my own boat 1989 Bass Tracker tf1600 fiberglass, for $1500. Re-carpeted myself, reworked the entire live-well system.... the works. It has been my dream to be a professional angler, but after much involvement with the community service side of fishing I have gotten more enjoyment out of those events, as opposed to competing with total jerks who don't respect others, much less the bass they are catching. My thoughts are I have worked my arse off to get the rig, rods, reels, I have. It bothers me to see 19-20 year old kids with 2010 bass boats. But luckily I was raised up with by really awesome parents who provided for me, but showed me how to get what I want, through hard work. I agree with the original post. And I have decided if I get sponsors it will be because I worked for it and earned it.