Did The Pros Dream It One Day?

[5 Dollar Fishing Game]

I've often wondered if we ever sell ourselves short in regards to becoming a pro. Hear me out before anyone thinks this is a "pipe dream" thread. Take Randy for example, he didn't just one day say "I'm gonna win 2014 Classic". He had to start somewhere and then get funds, sponsors, etc. I know that it requires a lot of sacrifice with time and money, but if someone has time and money, why not pursue what you love? A friend of mine once told me (and this can be applied in many facets) "if you don't live your dream, then you will be working for someone to make theirs come true". Just a thought. :-)

Joe

[mjseverson24]

I think anybody can become a pro fisherman if they put the time and effort needed to get there. For some people it might require more time and effort some it might take less, but i firmly believe that anybody con do it if they want it bad enough. the question is how bad do you want it?

 

Mitch

[5 Dollar Fishing Game]

Mitch gets the motivational star of the day with that last sentence!!!!!!! :-)

[Missourifishin]

why not pursue what you love?

 

There's no reason not to pursue what you love. But, like people always say to yonugsters who want to go pro in any sport - Make sure you've got something to fall back on.

[5 Dollar Fishing Game]

And what to say to the financially established adults????

Go baby go!!! Woot woot!!

:-)

[flyfisher]

Bing a pro at fishing requires dedication and ability.  It is not a lucrative career for many and like has been stated before, there must be something to fall back on should ht need arise.  If you are single and have no family or minimal obligations and responsibilities then it makes things much easier.  I have done some competitive sports before and moved my way up but there comes a point where it becomes a job.  This doesn't mean it isn't fun anymore but when food on your table and a roof over your head is dependent on your success it changes the ballgame.

 

That is one reason i say if you are young go for it, if you are able to support yourself financially then go for it....the hard part is being honest with yourself about your abilities and your financial stability to make a drastic change.  Personally i am going through a similar change in the career world and I am leaving a good bit of money on the table but it is what i want to do and can make it happen so to me, it is worth it.

[mnbassman23]

Lots of kids grow up dreaming of being a star athlete. Some of them are great in high school, some of those good enough to play college ball, and very few of those are good enough to go pro. Dreams turn into reality for many. It takes a different breed to be at an elite level regardless of sport. You still have to be at the top to succeed and that takes more than time and money. If a person puts in the time and effort to gain that skill level than chase those dreams. I think many people don't chase that dream because either they don't have the funds, have other obligations/not enough time, or they realize that they simply are not good enough to compete.  

 

Mitch gets the motivational star and I get the Debi Downer star. 

 

I'm not trying to tell people to sell themselves short. I believe in setting goals, having dreams, and trying your best everyday to achieve them. If you want it bad enough go get it. Fishing is one of those sports that you don't have to have certain genetics, body type, physical attributes, etc to be successful like many other sports. But I also think its wise to be realistic of your skill level and not chase that dream simply because you have the time and money. I think you'd be disappointed in your results and find that the pros enjoy taking your entry fees. 

[tomustang]

It's pretty easy being a pro, all you really need is money for your gear, boat, and your entry fees.

To make a living off it is another story.

[5 Dollar Fishing Game]

True that! You can have the money for a the "stuff" but without the "smarts and skills" you are making those entry fees good for another person. :-)

[Deleted account]

It's pretty easy being a pro, all you really need is money for your gear, boat, and your entry fees.

To make a living off it is another story.

x2. Its really smoke and mirrors. Very few anglers (even some of the famous names)  make a lot of money. Its been discussed before, but the reality of driving a pickup up and down this country and sleeping in hotels for a good portion of the year gets old very quickly.

[RoLo]

Lots of kids grow up dreaming of being a star athlete. Some of them are great in high school, some of those good enough to play college ball, and very few of those are good enough to go pro. Dreams turn into reality for many. It takes a different breed to be at an elite level regardless of sport. You still have to be at the top to succeed and that takes more than time and money. If a person puts in the time and effort to gain that skill level than chase those dreams. I think many people don't chase that dream because either they don't have the funds, have other obligations/not enough time, or they realize that they simply are not good enough to compete.  

 

Mitch gets the motivational star and I get the Debi Downer star. 

 

I'm not trying to tell people to sell themselves short. I believe in setting goals, having dreams, and trying your best everyday to achieve them. If you want it bad enough go get it. Fishing is one of those sports that you don't have to have certain genetics, body type, physical attributes, etc to be successful like many other sports. But I also think its wise to be realistic of your skill level and not chase that dream simply because you have the time and money. I think you'd be disappointed in your results and find that the pros enjoy taking your entry fees. 

 

Good read

 

Roger

[WRB]

Dream on!

The local bass derbies are the farm system of pro bass fishing. Pay your entry fee and test your tournament skills for a year. If you can earn a check in each event, maybe you have the skills to move up to the next level.

This is a tough sport, lots of road time, fast food, cold rooms and bad weather. Sponsors don't give away boats and motors to beginners, you must earn them. If you think you can do it...go for it!

Tom

[McAlpine]

I honestly don't know why anyone would want to do it.  Think of how many guys are out there busting hump to make it as pro's in this sport and how many are really pulling in bank?  For those that are trying desperately to make it I respect their guts to stick it out.  However; they are never home, there is no money in it, and it's a constant fight to keep funded.

 

Your better off buying lottery tickets and keeping the 9-5.

 

Now, if that lottery ticket ever pays off then you'll see me out there in a boat with a wrap that says "sponsored by me".  Independent wealth does make some things easier.

 

[SirSnookalot]

x2. Its really smoke and mirrors. Very few anglers (even some of the famous names)  make a lot of money. Its been discussed before, but the reality of driving a pickup up and down this country and sleeping in hotels for a good portion of the year gets old very quickly.

As in many endeavors 10% of the people make 90% of the money.  I can think of only 2 reasons why someone would be a pro fisherman.  One would be for the love of doing it, money aside because most aren't going to make it anyway.  If money is the motivation some may just not have the educational background or the where withall to make a good living doing something else.  Not being much different than why some young kids go into boxing, it's shot to make money with a skill they have, most of them fail too.

[jhoffman]

If you wanna take a run at it without litterally sleeping out of your truck and eating pb&j every day you better either have rich parents or your own financial backing. I think its why most pros are 30-40+ years of age. Thats when you can afford to have ten rods, a new truck and a new boat. Think you dont need a new truck or boat? Whats gonna happen when youre half way across the US and your truck that has 70,000 miles on it from one year blows up. Same goes for the boat, you aint out fishing the elites in a 94 procraft with a merc tower of power.

 

What if you are a young dude, you put your neck on the line for the boat and the truck and dont cash a good check the first year? Those $900 a month payments arent going to wait for you.

[Smokinal]

Have you ever heard of a guy named Takahiro Omori?

[5 Dollar Fishing Game]

Yep. Bottom line is how bad you want it. I doubt Randy Howell or others got where they are by luck and happenstance. It takes sacrifice and determination with good financial planning also.

[5 Dollar Fishing Game]

Just watched the BR video on takahiro. He made good points about how he just enjoys it. He said he came with no sponsors, nothing from japan. Just got out and did it. He wanted it bad enough.

[Smokinal]

Did they mention the part where he was at a former Classic Champ's house, I can't remember whose it was, but he saw his Classic trophy, grabs it, raises it over his head and starts screaming like he's on stage winning it? I would have loved to see that freaky moment. Oh ya, he wanted it.

[wrat]

lived the dream

 

http://www.bassmaster.com/flashback-kerchals-death-saddens-bass-fishing-world

[jhoffman]

lived the dream

 

http://www.bassmaster.com/flashback-kerchals-death-saddens-bass-fishing-world

 

I knew of him, but never read that story, thats a good one.

[5 Dollar Fishing Game]

wrat,

Simply amazing read!! Thanks sooooo much for sharing.

[AQUA VELVA]

You'll know you made it into the big leagues when you no longer have to fish for a living, just endorse products that you never use. By the way, whats Taka doing these days?