Reality

[FutureClassicChamp]

hey guys, i would just like an idea like what percentage of bass professionals actually make a living off of just fishing (guiding, tourneys, videos, whatever....), without having another job. i know in the musky world that number is very very low and only includes the very top tier of anglers. but, there is a lot more money in bass fishing. thanks

[KU_Bassmaster.]

VERY LOW!!!!!  I think I remeber reading in Mike Ike's book that he has expenses alone of around $100,000 per fishing season.  That number is going to be even bigger now with the expanded schedule.  And if you consider the guys that fish the Federation tournies professionals, then that number is even lower.  Less than 1% ???  just a guess.  The odds are definelty stacked against you,

[George Welcome]

Very few of the Pros only fish for a living. Even less guides in this country are full time.

In both endeavors many come but few remain.

The tools it takes to be successful in this game are gained with time on the water. To enter the game without them destines one to an endeavor rife with expense and little return for the dollars invested.

[earthworm77]

Take what George said to the bank, he should know as he is a guide. It is true that few solely make a living by fishing. Most people do not realize it but only the top pros get the freebies that loe lunchbox expects to be given by a sponsor, it just don't happen like that.

[Sam]

All of the guides I know have another career, are semi- or fully-retired.

Even those who own larger guide services have other incomes.

The current bass pros get income from sponsors and tournaments but so many do not make enough to support their families.

Ike, in his book, said that bass pros need to expand their efforts and attract non-fishing sponsors.  

I noticed Ike wearing a Nike cap during an ESPN inteview on Saturday so I think Ike must have gotten some support from Nike.

I will be looking for non-fishing sponsorships at this year's Bassmaster Classic in Pittsburgh.  It should be interesting to see what companies start to sponsor our bass pros, if any.

[Will]

I read that tournaments will usually run around $6,000 apiece for the pros after you add in entry fee, hotel or camp, food, and gas which will continue to raise the overall cost. I don't think that inlcudes pre-fishing. So next year with 11 events you are looking at easily $70,000 just to enter and go to the tournaments. Thats alot of costs to make up for.