careers

[alltimefishingzack]

I am a young fisherman and I want to be a pro fisherman. I will not win every tournament that I go into. so sometimes i might not have the money to aford things and I was woundering what kind of job I might have other than pro fishing. I was thinking carpentry but I would also like to think of some other  things so if anyone would let me know of some jobs you have been in or want to be in or are good ideas of jobs.

[bass109]

I still want to go pro, it is also my dream but you need to alot of money first then can become a pro.

[CJ]

Becoming a pro angler!....Great goal and I say go for it!

However,the #1 thing for a professional fisherman to do is get his/her education first.I am sure you have heard that before but it can't be said enough.How about a degree in business or marine biology?You will need $$$ to get into pro fishing.You will also need an education.You will need to be able to market yourself to sponsorships.Sponsorships are going to be your backbone when your winning or when your not.Sponsors aren't just looking for the greatest fisherman but are also looking for anglers that are able to market their products,that are good public speakers,have a good education,oh yeah....and you need to be able to catch fish anytime and anywhere.

I'm behind you %100!Right now all you have to do is get the best grades to your ability,fish your butt off,and KEEP THAT DREAM ALIVE!

Good Luck  CJ

[Bass XL]

I too dream of going pro. And right now i am looking into Water Patrol. Dont no how far that will take me, or help me, but any job on the water is what i want.

[Gatorbassman]

First and formost get a degree and then get a job that pays the bills then think about going pro. It takes lots of money and most of it will come out of your pocket no matter if you have sponsors or not. If you have no way to make money outside of fishing then you will have a hard time at it.

[cart7t]

You need a job that pays really well but also allows you lots of time off.

I still haven't found that job yet.

[Shadcranker]

Get a degree, learn to sell, and become a takle rep for a wholesaler. Rep several lines, and use your tournament success to promote your products to other fishermen, and work those companies for sponsorships as you become more succesful.

You will have lots of flexibility with your time, and you'll be in the industry.

[MALTESE FALCON]

Zack,

CJBasswacker said exactly what I was going to tell you. I can't stress enough, how important a college education is. A degree in business or marketing would help, or fisheries management.

It's good to have a goal to become a professional fisherman, but do yourself a favor and get your education first.

Good luck,

Falcon

[Catt]

I would suggest any of y'all who have a desire to become a pro angler send an email to JT Bagwell, Lane, or Tom Redington. JT and Lane are around the pros a lot; Tom Redington is a top guide. These three have they hands on the pulse of the bass fishing industry along with a few other members. I'm in no way discounting the advice given above but you will need to know how to deal with people from a costumers stand point, sponsors stand point, a salesman stand point and so forth.

[justfishin]

Positively, absolutely, get your BS. Its a must have  and a Masters is even better. What you chose to major in is your choice but, I can tell you one thing. If you continue to fish tourneys and do well, the sponsors will look at your background and education. Lets face it, tournament fishing is a business, bottom line. This world we live in is media driven whether we like it or not and the sponsors want to know you can handle all of that responsibility. College should be a young mans first priority. Don't be like me and have to go back at 45 years old. I did it but, it wasn't easy because of all the other priority's I had to take care of like a mortgage and such. Good luck and go for it all.

[Water Dog]

You fellas have your life ahead of you and are getting a lot of good advice.  I would suggest that you talk to some of the pros if you get a chance or maybe even better read their bios.  Success on the tour is far from the only measure of being a successful person.  The road is a tough life and not many marriages will last with the husband on the road all of the time.  I would suggest that you postpone marriage and having children until you have experienced a few tourney seasons and have the lay of the land in mind and a plan for your career.  If you let things, "just happen", you are going to get other people in trouble besides yourself.  

Raising children is the most important thing that you will do with your life and is not to be taken lightly.

You don't want to start a family and then run out on them!!!!  

Develop a plan. Get your school guidance counselor to help you evaluate your potential.  Some people are not cut out for college.  There is nothing wrong with being the best mechanic, carpenter, machinist, dozer operator, or whatever tradesman.  Carpenters often turn into builders who do very well financially.  Pick a field that you will be happy doing.  Learn to live in the present that is reality.

As for seasonal jobs, I have known people who worked in Alaska for six months of the year and were able to take the other six months off!

America is the land of opportunity.  You are only limited by your GOD given abilities.  Set yourself some goals and then get out there and achieve them.

Realize that catching fish for a living may not be the same for you as it was when this profession was just a hobby.  

Make no mistake; you will look at things differently when your bread and board depends it.

[Water Dog]

Here are a couple of good articles on the perspective of a winning "non-boater" that might be useful to you.

<http://insideline.net/articles/rodyoder2.html>

<http://insideline.net/articles/rodyoder.html>

[cart7t]

Here's a tip I've given my son whose decided to persue this career.

The world will always need CPA's and good accountants.

Bank on it.