Let see a show of hands 2024
Hale reply :
With all the talks of resumes, sponsors, pro's, etc. I am curious how many people on here are actually working towards being on the Elite Tour or large tour of equivelancy. This really goes to you guys over 18 that has do more than fish and say the words to make this kind of commitment.
cabela10 reply :
I would like to qualify for the FLW Tour but reality says I won't have a chance because of the money issues.
JT Bagwell reply :
I have no plans to fish either tour or even attempt to qualify for them.
As of now, I make more money doing what I do than the vast majority
of tour pros. With a wife, a new baby, two trucks, a house, a boat, and a
bunch of other things I have to pay for, I do not think that it would be a wise
business decision for me to even try. When I was younger and single, it used
to be a dream of mine, but when I got older and married I decided it was just
that, a dream.
This was an excellent topic though.
JT Bagwell
Banor reply :
I am currently closer to the bottom of that ladder, however I'm climbing it. I have the wife's blessing and have made the commitment to jump in the water head first (forgive the water pun). I'm moving out of the local tournies and into the BFL. Hopefully next year the Stren and hold there until I qualify for the next rung of the ladder. BASS opens may be an option in '08 if there's no schedule conflicts.
I think I have my head on straight. I have a plan and am working it. My plan doesnt even include thinking about sponsors and all that. I believe one needs to keep the focus on fishing until the time sponsors start looking your way. Then go get 'em. Fortunately my finances afford me the ability to cover entry fees without putting my bills at risk. I wont have to fish every tournament with the pressure of cashing a check to survive and I think that is going to make all the difference in the world. I will be able to be on point and focused on the task at hand.
Show my hand raised.
Yes, excellent topic.
B
roadwarrior reply :
bshaner,
Wow!
Good luck man, I really mean it. That is quite a commitment.
Banor reply :
Thanks RW, that means alot! 
There have to be more dreamers out there! Let's hear some more aspirations, come on guys!
B
dink reply :
I would have to say yes also.
bshaner,
You have the same mentality as I do concerning the process of fishing bigger events. Although, I am also somebody who lives for the moment. I fish local tournies now and love it.... check or no check. I have fished bigger tournies over the years (without much success) and yet the fire still burns. I just love to fish, period. I have a competitive spirit that fits right into tournaments no matter what the contest.
I will chase my dream. If I never catch it, so be it. It is all about the journey, not the destination. That is the beauty of dreams!
Once again, good post.
Hale reply :
Im still in the preliminary stages of planning but Im going after one of the tours. Im going back and forth with the wife (she is supportive of it), the finances, and sacrifices. Im sort of in the same boat as JT as far as finances...unless I became an Ike or KVD I make way more money at my job than the tour could offer. But for me its not about the money, I want to compete against and beat the best in the world....simple as that. Im going to hit the Bassmaster Weekend Series and Opens in 08, so we will see how that stepping stone works out.
BillyBob reply :
MY hand is fully raised. This year already have my "selected" letter from B.A.S.S. back for all six Opens. My main sponsor has insisted for exposure reasons that I fish all Series local events too. There are only two Stren tourneys , I am going to, because of conflicts, but my main thrust, is to be IN the classic come this time next yr. The Elite will have to be discussed with both Sponsors and Wife, but would take an act of Congress for me not to say YES. That is the 07 Goal! I'm confident I'll do it, I know most of the lakes and have alot of good friends to help ! This makes the sixth year since I put the bullseye on KVD's back, and God willing next year we'll bump boats in pre-start.
I started tournaments some 20 years ago, some of you remember the Red-man's. Let it go, because of that terrible word "responsibilities". But got back into it when ABA came into our area 6 yrs ago. Gave me a fever again. Made the nationals on KY Lake the first year held at Paris landing, and its been a downhill snowball since. Alot of ladder rungs have been climbed, alot of humiliation and crow-in. I've spent almost as much time in the back as I have in the front,(last yr as co-angler in BASS tour, made the Elite Qualifier, Major observer 2 times) Boater in BASS Series National 05-06, been to 4 national ABA's 8th place was highest finish., missed last yr had a conflict with Sandusky Northern BASS. Ive got 9 top 50s , 3 top 20's in BASS, 4 top 20's and 1 win on the BFL.
But....the best thing about the last 5 yrs has been meeting all the guys and girls,making friends with people I would have never dreamed existed, and fishing some of the best bass waters in America...memories I'll die with!
And when I make it, I'll still be here on good old Bass resource! Don't input as much as I should, but I like lookin! 
WBFishing reply :
I am trying to make a move to the Elite. I don't have a lot of extra money between my wife, daughter (11 months), and son (due in April). My biggest asset is the fact that my wife is super supportive, and job that allows some flexibilty. I still have to pay and mortgage and make sure my family eats I have not even tried to get a sponsor, because I don't have the years of competitive fishing that others have. It is difficult here for me to even find a bass club to join to get a little competition, so I only have 1 tournament to even brag about. Plus, my boat is a 16 1/2 1967 Valco, with a 90's model 75 HP Mercury I had to drag back to Alabama from Cali but I got it free from my father in law. I have had to redo the carpet, replace the fishing decs, and am trying to repair the tilt and trim that my father lost the parts for. The parts are discontinued, too. Anyways, not trying to ramble on and on and make excuses . All I do know is that I can catch a fish, and I like doing it.
My plan is fish the ABA and Weekend Series this year, if all goes as planned I will have an ABA Angler of the Year for 2007 and a 2008 BASS Classic trophy. But realistically I want to put myself in a financial position, to quit my job next year and pursue this full-time, but not if it will hurt my family.
Hillbilly_Hooker reply :
I'm fishing local club and Federation tournaments, plus adding in the Weekend Series as a non-boater for '07. Beyond that, I'd like to fish the Weekend Series as a boater and maybe try the Opens as a non-boater. I'll take fishing as far as my talents will allow me. As others have stated, if I make it, that will be great. If I don't, then I still will have had a heck of a good time trying
I'm also at the age (quickly approaching 48) that I'm becoming more concerned about giving back than about taking for myself. I've gotten myself involved in many projects to try and improve bass fishing for others and to get more youth involved in the sport. I'll count my future successes more by how much I can do for others than by how many tournaments I can win.
Hillbilly
BASS fisherman reply :
I wanted to sit back until I felt it my turn to jump in on this thread.
I too plan on making a name for myself in the fishing community by fishing to the best of my ability while at the same time learning and absorbing everything that I possibly can while advancing up through the ranks. I am 25 years old, and due to my wanting to pursue bass angling as a career, I don't think a wife will fit into my plans as of the moment. You never know though, things can change in an instant. I have lived out of my car before, and until I can make some money fishing, I am more than willing to make sacrifices to pursue my goal. I believe that a great angler can and should set up sponsors to pay for just about everything that you need, such as rods, reels, line, lures, plastics, a boat, a tow vehicle, entry fees, hotel and travel expenses etc...
That is my goal I am just in the very beggining steps of achieving. At the time I am fishing with a local B.A.S.S. club, and when I am ready, I will begin to advance to higher levels such as tournaments that require an entry fee. The club I am in has alot of great anglers so I have some good competition for the 2007 season. Although unlikely for a couple years, I dream to advance through the ranks of the B.A.S.S. federation and make it to the Bassmaster Classic, and higher.
Now with all that said, I have to see how I do, and advance only when I am ready, no jumping levels. I still have alot to learn as far as bass fishing goes, but hopefully I will be "in the money" events within 10 years from now. Maybe I should get Ike's book or video about making it pro in five years or less.
Garnet reply :
I've made to the top locally and back to the middle and back to the top and back to the middle. The real elite tourney anglers I concider freaks. They travell alone, plan alone, fish alone, eat alone, and get a thrill by standing on a stage for 2 minutes.
I will take job, mortage,family,investments and fishing. For me the true elite anglers can balance all these things and still fish at a very high level.
Garnet
fishingtheusa reply :
I'm also just getting in the planning stages of my fishing career. It has been a long time dream of mine but earlier in life I didn't think I could really make it a possibility. I started fishing what was the Red Man in 99. I have been studying and learning what it takes to make it. One thing I have learned is it does take a whooooole lot of money and a whooole lot of hard work and determination. My expenditures thus far have far exceeded my winnings. It has been a fun learning experience. I went without even a serious girlfriend for 5 years just to spend as much time on the water as possible. One thing I have done is I started out on my own workwise. It's tough right now but getting better. I am in the process of planning how my business can still run without me there. I'll be hiring an answering service and subcontracting the work. I'm going the FLW route instead of BASS. It just seems an easier way. If I'm wrong please correct me. I believe it's good to dream huge and if you make it halfway there you're still doing well. I'm trying to make a 10 year plan to win the FLW championship. I'll be almost 50 then and still in competitive shape. Dream on Dreamers!
R Tilson reply :
There has been a lot of good input and a great topic.!
My goal, 5 year plan entering year 2 and ahead of schedule but reality in sight, just using it as a momentum. The plan, to be in the fishing industry, either fishing or related. The passion has put me there since I saw my Grandfather holding up a 10+ pounder from a boat so old the seats were made from Santee Wicker Grass (way before tournment fishing).
To All, Wifes can be supportive as mine is (as she is with every thing she in envolved with), just keep your focus. Family is important, the most impantant, point blank (sorry to be so harsh).
Remember this, the average age of Professional Angler is 45. Keep your dreams, keep positive, and you (I) will be where we will we want to be.
See you on a tour, which ever / where ever, focus for the dream......
jigman302 reply :
That's a good question.
At age 32 I wasrequired to move to IL. for my Job. I became envolved in BASS club fishing big time ,qualified for the eightman my first year. on my way to ahe dreal of club qualifying for the Classic. HOW MANY TIMES HAS THAT BEEN DONE? Then the Culb I was involved with had a run in with the rule changes made by BASS in 1988. The club (not me) voted to leave the the federation. Not a good Idea as far as I was concerned.
The CLUB sent the 8 man team to REND Lake IL. to fish the RICH HERIN MEMORIAL Tournament. That was the end of my dream. Not even a chance to get to the big show due to some dissatisfaction of a majority of The Club members.
Don't Kid your self these Dreams do cost a lot of money. At age 53 It's a Dream that has passed me by.
BUT I LOVE TO COMPETE!!!!!!!!
Okeechobee_Cracker reply :
Well im 17 ........18 in July........I just got into tourmanet fishing........actually my first tournament was 2 weeks ago........it was the Bassmaster Weekend Series and I fished as a non-boater and got 5th......For 2007 my goal is to do good in school work as many hours as I can at work and with ever second im not doing school or work im Either fishing, reading about fishing, or talking about fishing.........im just doing as much as I can to learn........my goal for this year is to finish in the top 8 in my Weekend Series Division so I can Qualify to fish the Bassmaster Weekend Series Championship.........My goal for 2008 is to fish the Okeechobee Division agian as a non-boater and to fish the Cypruss Divison as a non-boater...........I would love to go pro lol............but having only fished 1 tournament I cant really say yes thats what im looking to do for sure yet.........These first 2 years of tourney fishing im just looking to learn as much as possible......as of right now my goal is to do great in school..........go to College very soon.........and with fishing I just want to fish alot of Florida tournaments these next 3 or 4 years and try to make some what of a name for myself in Florida.........after that I will evaluate myself to see where I am and how much potential I have.......and Ill go from there....
bassin_man reply :
Was it once a dream of mine? Yes. Will I ever pursue it? I am not sure yet, money is causing problems at this point in time.
bassnleo reply :
Once I retire in 8 years from my current profession I'm plan on fishing larger scale events such as the Stren Series or BASS Northern/Southern Tours.
Got 8 years to keep getting better
MoBassFishN reply :
Fisherman without a plan right now. I've fished team series, Red Man, IBAA, and as high as the old Red Man Golden Blends which were the predecessors to the FLW Series or maybe the Stren Series. I did OK and was climbing the ladder when personal crisis struck about 10 years ago. I gave up fishing completely with the exception of some kids fishing trips for that time and totally kept it out of my mind while I raised a child as a single father. Well, the kids growing up and I'm happily remarried and getting back into it. Right now, I"m going through all the same stages as a new angler, club, small series, etc. In my first year back, I finished slightly in the red on expenses and won one tournament so it doesn't appear that I lost it all. ;-) This year I will fish the BFL's, TBF Fed, and maybe some pickups (Stren nonboater?) I tried fishing in the back of the boat in some local pro-ams when I started back, but after being able to control my destiny from the front for so long, it would have drove me nuts so I decided I'd go at this the same way I did the last time. The only exception is this time I won't be doing it with small sponsors, at least until they start approaching me. The committment in time for the small stakes and just to wear a tournament shirt just doesn't add up for me, I'd rather just fish my way up the ladder. FLW vs. BASS????? My club went FLW which I wasn't happy with, but I understood their ire. BASS kind of left the small guys out of their plan. At least there left many holes in their program. I was very dissapointed in them as I am a life member and have always believed in the old B.A.S.S . Hopefully, they'll come back but for right now, I think that the FLW, has more to offer the small guy coming up and learning and I'll go that way.
Good luck to all those wanting to move up, the road is tough. Keep your nose to the grind stone and compete against the lake and the fish. Make the comparisons at the end of the day or the end of the tournament rather than doing it all day long and thinking yourself out of contention.
basspro05 reply :
Well I am turning 20 in nine days, and so far so good on my plan, first off I graduated highschool, second off I am in my fourth semester of college and still on track to get my four year degree in business/administration, while filling my elective courses with public speaking and marketing. That sums up the business end of my fishing career.
Now, I started fishing local tournaments a few years ago, and I would say I have probably fished 90-100 tournaments in the last two years, it has been a great learning experience for me, I have fished with some of the best locals, and have learned so much. Of course my competitive edge has always wanted to win these tournaments, but I learn whether I finish first or last. I have 5 tournament wins, and too many top ten finishes to count, but I am nowhere near where I need to be even locally, the competition is tough in the kansas city area, with Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock, Truman, and Smithville Lake being close, the tournament circuits are filled with talent.
So I am going to take my time, earn my degree and my reputation as a fisherman, and gradually make my way through the ranks.
guest reply :
I am in no way a tournament guy, but I enjoyed reading this thread very much. I know hale is truly focused on his goal. He has the intellegence and dedication to have a realistic shot at a career in the 'bigs"
I was glad to read the serious plans you guys have.
I wish you all the very best of luck.
I truly believe that a person needs to pursue their dreams.
Go for it
CJ reply :
I'm not really a man of goals.Yeah..goals are great for those who set them but I live on a "let it happen" and not "make it happen" attitude.
I have fished the BFL for 2 years now.The first year I co-angled and last year I went in as a boater.I have also fished several other tournaments.I am happy with my progress.One thing I have vowed is to not let tournament fishing take any of" the love for the fight" out of me.My first love is fishing and my competitive spirit make tournaments alot of fun.If I have fun I guess my goals were met.But really I would be lying if I said "I don't want to win".And I'm interested in how high I can climb. Cj
Hale reply :
Thanks avid!
cart7t reply :
I considered it way back in my youth. Money was the obstacle too big to overcome.
Unless you have an un-ordinarily God gifted talent towards catching fish under just about any condition and in a tournament competition setting you'd better be
Not married
Have a wife who worships the ground you walk on since the time away from home will tax any marriage.
Have some sort of job that allows you to come and go as you please and yet still pays you.
Win the lotto.
Have a wife who comes from money who fits description #2.
Not be planning on raising a family and spending time with them.
Have a family member with money who'll support you monetarily.
Banor reply :
QuoteI considered it way back in my youth. Money was the obstacle too big to overcome.Unless you have an un-ordinarily God gifted talent towards catching fish under just about any condition and in a tournament competition setting you'd better be
Not married
Have a wife who worships the ground you walk on since the time away from home will tax any marriage.
Have some sort of job that allows you to come and go as you please and yet still pays you.
Win the lotto.
Have a wife who comes from money who fits description #2.
Not be planning on raising a family and spending time with them.
Have a family member with money who'll support you monetarily.
In order to respond to this I would have to incriminate myself and there is a slight chance the wife could accidentally click on this forum.
B
squid reply :
MY HAND IS UP, BUT REALITY IT HAS TO GO BACK DOWN FOR NOW.. :'(
I AM QUALIFIED TO FISH THE STREN SERIES THIS YEAR, BUT WITH A NEW JOB, CAN'T COME UP WITH THE TIME NOR THE MONEY TO PARTAKE IN MY QUEST... :-/ :'( SO I WILL JUST HAVE TO DO THE TEAM TOURNAMENT TRAILS VERY STRONG THIS YEAR TO RECOUP SOME INCOME FOR NEXT YEAR.
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