Help In Decision.. Fish Vs Golf

[cole4hopson]

Hey guys I'm new to the bass resource community and love it already, I have recognized the amount of great knowledge displayed by the members and I am now looking for help on a question. I am currently a sophomore in high school and figured its never too early to start thinking about the future. My passion for bass fishing never seems to stop growing and if I could get a good job at a company and was involved in fishing I would be pretty satisfied, but like every high school angler I want to be the next Kevin Van Dam and become a pro angler, however I realize that the road is not easy if I could make it to some form of series that would be my dream situation. Another factor to throw into the equation is I am a decent golfer, I recently received a letter from a scout trying to inform me on my opportunities on being a college golfer, I'm also a fan of golf but it just seems to get to me whenever I'm on a lake. Any and all opinions are greatly appreciated.

 

Thank you guys

[brown12687]

I'd go with golf if there is the potential to get a scholarship. 

[einscodek]

Its pretty hard to be the next Kevin Van Dam.. if golf or anything can save $$$ on college thatd be my pick too

I like fishing as a recreation not as my job but thats me..

but as always follow your heart..

[Fun4Me]

It's easier to become a pro fisherman than it is to become a pro golfer IMO. If you're good enough at golf to get a scholarship, you could use that as a springboard for a good education in case neither one works out, and you have something to fall back on. 

[FinCulture]

I personally think you should pursue golf, especially if you have potential as you say you do. From the articles I've read, becoming a pro angler is something that can be extremely stressful and take away from your life, o maybe get into the PGA and use your winnings to get a brand new bass boat and all the rods/reels/baits you could ever imagine!

[Jdw2920]

Yea golf can make you more money a lot quicker than fishing it's something you can control much more than you can fish

[BrianinMD]

Take the education and work towards a marketing degree. During this time you can learn bass fishing. The marketing degree would be a huge benefit when it comes to sponsorships.

[MIbassyaker]

Follow the Five Step Plan:

1. Do whatever gets you to college.

2. Finish college and get a degree.

3. Use the degree to start a successful career.

4. Make enough money to support yourself and your family, with enough left over to fund your hobbies. 

5. For the rest of your life, spend however much of your disposable income and leisure time as you wish on golfing AND fishing.

[flyfisher]

Free college, do whatever that is which in your case is golf.  Fishing will always be there and besides, you can always hit up golf course ponds before or after shooting a round  

[SirSnookalot]

Education first and foremost.  

Jumping from college into the upper tier of fishing or golf is a hope, with a slim chance.  More upside potential in golf, even an assit. pro at a golf course doesn't make much but it's networking.  At the latest PGA championship how many club pros made into the top 10, I don't think any.

[Oregon Native]

Lots of wisdom spoken above.....everyday is a gift....use them wisely if you can

[StinkyBass]

First let me say that I LOVE TO BASS FISH! that being said, COLLEGE FIRST! Because you asked for my opinion, here it is!

 

GO TO COLLEGE! if you are good enough for getting someone else to pay for it, DO IT! The tournament road is hard (as you said), but paying off student loans are harder to pay off in some cases. if a scout is coming to you, go for it.

 

college is a short period in you life, you can bass fish for the rest of your life while you have a dependable job!

 

Good luck man, fish in your free time and do well in college. I know a guy who works full time making $100K/yr, and also is in the money every weekend. so its safe to say his college days paid off AND he's not hurting if he doesn't catch a limit that weekend.

 

You sound like smart, goal driven sophomore. Keep it up, get your education and the rest up to you!

[papajoe222]

Not to disagree with others, as I don't. Picture yourself ten years from now and you're looking back on your decision whichever it may be. Would you be constantly wishing you had done things differently? There is always time for fishing, even if it's only an hour or so at a local pond now and then. Golf is always a time consuming venture. Both have their own rewards and you don't need to give up one to enjoy the benefits of the other. Right now, at this point in your life, I think you know which benefits will serve you best, both now and in the future.  Good luck

[wenz41378]

As someone who too loves both golf and fishing I can relate to this question.  The paths to a professional career in either is neither easy or guaranteed.  An education is such an important part of life whatever career you choose.  Golf and fishing will always be there as a hobby either seriously (tournament) or recreationally.  Being able to use one of those hobbies as a source to getting your education should be viewed as a bonus. 

[Ratherbfishing]

Can you fish the water hazards at the golf courses you visit?  If so, I'd go with golf.

[F14A-B]

Pursue golfing @ college.. Get degrees in something meaningful & make lots of money. Then buy a Ranger boat & fish when & how you want..

Best wishes..

[LinkLow]

_{Go with golf if it will get you into college.....that being said, if you can't consistently shoot low 60s on your home course, you aren't going to make it on the tour (as a career), even though you may get a full ride at a college. I have been playing as a professional for the past 2 years. The commercials on the golf channel are right, "These guys are good". They are the best in the world.}

 

 

_{Fishing will always be there. Everyone on this forum is just one cast away from the lake record wherever they are fishing.}

 

_{I love fishing, and would rather be in the boat than on the course, but you have to stick with what makes you the money.}

[DogBone_384]

Fish the course ponds before dawn and tee off @ 8:00 AM...