Bassnajr Posted March 11, 2008 Posted March 11, 2008 Hey all... I would like to hear members definitions of what they feel qualifies someone as a "Pro Angler'. In golf, if you are in a charity tournament, hit that hole in one, and win the car, you have TECHNICALLY become a pro. I feel that in fishing, people throw the word "pro" around pretty freely. Because you win money in a local tournament, are you a pro? Because you mortgage the house to buy a $50,000 bass boat an wear a Ranger shirt to FISH for money, are you a pro ? You see what I am saying, CHIME IN!!! bassnajr Quote
squid Posted March 11, 2008 Posted March 11, 2008 A pro in most sports...fishing included is someone who tries to make a living in that sport. There are pro's who have second incomes, only because they have not covered their expenses of their respected trails. Our trail claims that a pro is anyone who pays an entry fee of $1500 or more. Everyone will have their own perspective of what a pro is defined as. Quote
bassin_man Posted March 11, 2008 Posted March 11, 2008 Imo a pro is someone whom makes the majority of their money by tournament fishing. Quote
Super User Catt Posted March 11, 2008 Super User Posted March 11, 2008 One who earns a living in a given or implied occupation Quote
jrhennecke Posted March 11, 2008 Posted March 11, 2008 Hey all... I would like to hear members definitions of what they feel qualifies someone as a "Pro Angler'. In golf, if you are in a charity tournament, hit that hole in one, and win the car, you have TECHNICALLY become a pro. I feel that in fishing, people throw the word "pro" around pretty freely. Because you win money in a local tournament, are you a pro? Because you mortgage the house to buy a $50,000 bass boat an wear a Ranger shirt to FISH for money, are you a pro ? You see what I am saying, CHIME IN!!! bassnajr By definition it would be: participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs. So that would make any tournament angler a "pro" angler if they fish for money. I think a pro angler would be one that competes in a major circut like the Elite 50, FLW or WON Bass out here in the west. Quote
Bassnajr Posted March 11, 2008 Author Posted March 11, 2008 OK We are nailing it down, but I still see a wide variety definitions. Let's try to narrow it. If you win money are you a "pro" or is just attempting to win good enough? Do you have to pay an entry fee to be considered a pro? (another point) What about having sponsors? Good thread so far.... ajr Quote
GobbleDog Posted March 11, 2008 Posted March 11, 2008 If the definition of pro is someone who's majority of income comes from fishing, then does that mean if I quit my job and keep fishing cheasy little club tournaments, I can technically call myself a pro? Pro GobbleDog!!! I like it! Quote
Super User roadwarrior Posted March 11, 2008 Super User Posted March 11, 2008 I consider a "Professional Tournament Fisherman" someone who has committed to providing his livelihood by fishing in organized competition. 8-) Quote
frogtog Posted March 11, 2008 Posted March 11, 2008 A pro is someone who can whoop your butt fishing on any water. He knows how to fish, how to change under any weather conditions, how to fish any cover or structure, he is dedicated to his sport and knows how to keep his cool and come out on top. He is always willing to help anyone to advance their knowledge in the sport. And then give thanks for his God giving talent. And he will most likely be a member of Bass Resource. Quote
Super User Catt Posted March 11, 2008 Super User Posted March 11, 2008 I've been classified as a Semi-Pro by some tournament trails because of the number of tournaments I've fished. Here's their reasoning; semiprofessional: Taking part in a sport for pay but not on a full-time basis. I've also fished tournaments with the likes of George Jeane Jr., Stephen Johnson (Guide), Ben Matsubu (Bassmaster Pro), Dicky Newberry, John Gunnels, Lonnie Stanley (former Bassmaster). Joe Joslin (guide), Harold Allen (Bassmaster), Todd Faircloth (Bassmaster), Elton Luce Jr. (Bassmaster). None of the above were considered Pro Anglers but all can be found listed on Bassmasters.com Quote
jrhennecke Posted March 11, 2008 Posted March 11, 2008 OK We are nailing it down, but I still see a wide variety definitions. Let's try to narrow it. If you win money are you a "pro" or is just attempting to win good enough? Do you have to pay an entry fee to be considered a pro? (another point) What about having sponsors? Good thread so far.... ajr Sponsors have nothing to do with it. Winning money in itself doesn't either. I have fished in some of the same tournaments as Dee Thomas (the father of the flippin technique) and Gary Dobyns(Arguably the best Western Angler ever). That doesn't make me a pro. We all know which circuts are top level. Once you make it to the Elite 50 you are a pro. Once you make it to the FLW you are a pro. Quote
Super User 5bass Posted March 12, 2008 Super User Posted March 12, 2008 To become a member of the PAA (Professional Anglers Association) one's yearly income must be at least 51% from tournament winnings. Meaning that tournament fishing was your primary source of income. At least this is what it was a few years back to be a PAA Member. Not sure if that has changed or not. Quote
Bassnajr Posted March 12, 2008 Author Posted March 12, 2008 FBL... I think that about does it!! That makes a lot of sense. 51% of your yearly income. So all I have to do is win $10.100.00 in tournaments and I can join!!!!! Wahoo!!! ajr Quote
Super User 5bass Posted March 12, 2008 Super User Posted March 12, 2008 Let us know how that goes. Do you belong to a bass club? If not, you should get in one and although it's not 100% necesssary, if you plan to pursue pro status, it would be good if you could dominate your chosen bass club. What about BFL's or BASS Weekenders? Again, not necessary, but these trails are where the club guys take the next step and these particular tournaments are very competitive. A very good measuring stick. Win or place high in more than 1 or 2 of these and you will be noticed as more of a steady, consistent angler......which are good qualities to have if you strive to turn "pro" one day. Of course, if you have enough money, you can skip a lot of the small stuff. Quote
BillyBob Posted March 12, 2008 Posted March 12, 2008 Too many times I see guys confusing the word "pro" within the context of quality or degree of expertise. BASS requires one to buy a membership into the A.B.P. (association of bass professionals), this alone gives you "pro" status, to fish the front of your boat in all six open tour events. But to stay exempted from one year to the next requires you to stay in the top fifty, of the more than 200 in the field, including some twenty or so "elites", and this is where the "cheese gets binding". Don't get hungup on the word, anyone can be a pro, expertise, execution, priority management , and skill sets, are all words to contrast good from average, exceptional from ordinary, or as most would say "Pro" from Amateur . I'd much prefer someone refer to me as a "good stick", or"good angler". If the word "Pro" was an adjective for how good someone was, why then would B.A.S.S feel the need to put "elite" in front of their best ? Quote
10#bass Posted March 18, 2008 Posted March 18, 2008 "A pro is somebody with a week off of work and enough money for the entry fee". -----Ray Scott--- Quote
JT Bagwell Posted March 18, 2008 Posted March 18, 2008 "A pro is somebody with a week off of work and enough money for the entry fee". -----Ray Scott--- LOL That sounds about right. JT Bagwell Quote
Super User Catt Posted March 19, 2008 Super User Posted March 19, 2008 "A pro is somebody with a week off of work and enough money for the entry fee". -----Ray Scott--- LOL That sounds about right. JT Bagwell Until Monday morning rolls around Quote
ZEN BASSIN Posted March 20, 2008 Posted March 20, 2008 Dude, we are pro's when we've accomplished all our goals and draw some income (51%) from doing what we have set out do for our own enjoyment and the fun of it all . P.S. Our motor is all set. Quote
Bassnajr Posted March 20, 2008 Author Posted March 20, 2008 Great, If you're gonna be a pro, you need a BIG motor!!!! ;D ajr Quote
Bassnajr Posted March 20, 2008 Author Posted March 20, 2008 jrh, I am getting my answer....the answer is.. that pretty much EVERYONE has a different definition of Pro Angler...I do VERY respectfully disagree with using the Elite or FLW guys as the only pros. They are the best of the best, the major league. JT and I had an exchange in PM tha I agree with. Being a pro is the whole package, fishing, marketing, charity, selling yourself and why you fish, and most of all, realizing how lucky you are to earn a living (good or bad) doing something you love. Unlike other sports, for the most part, you don't need natural talent, just passion, a longing to learn, a love of the outdoors, and the ability to put it all together and still be happy. ajr Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.