2 replies to this topic

[bass beast]

im from Del Rio fishing Lake Amistad I want to join the bass fishing industry to start a career and advice or help on how to begin.

[Sam]

Suggestions.

1. Welcome to the forum. Usually guys introduce themselves before posting questions so think about doing that so we can officially welcome you.
2. You need to present yourself as a professional. Hide any tatooes; wear a white shirt; conservative tie; dark slacks; no fancy jewelry; nice sports coat.
3. You need to read and write correctly. You need to be able to speak clearly and articulate properly. No slang, no slurred words, no cussing and a smile. You need a smile. Are your teeth OK?
4. A college degree is helpful. Marketing, management, accounting, biology, chemestry, engineering, etc. Remember, a college degree shows you are trainable and you have a basic knowledge of at least one subject. Businesses use the college degree as a filter so it is imperative for you to enter any industry to have a degree.
5. Start a career where you will have time to fish and finance yourself. If you win, you will start to attract sponsors. But don't think the sponsors will pay for everything. Some will give you a little money but they mostly give you product free or at a reduced cost. You will have to buy their boats and join their boating sales team.
6. Learn to travel by yourself all around the country staying in flea bag motels or a camper, if you have the resources to pay for a camper, insurance and fuel.
7. Realize that being a bass pro is a job. Not like going out every so often and fishing for fun. It is a job. A hard job. And you will have zero respect from the other pros until you prove yourself in many tournaments.
8. Join a B.A.S.S. bass club in your area and be top dog in the club. Fish the B.A.S.S. Western Opens and make it to the Classic as a boater.Same holds true for the FLW Tour. Both are great organizations.
9. If you are just starting out, read, read and read. Watch, watch and watch DVDs on specific baits and techniques. Go to the pros web sites and read what they have to say. See what the top fishermen in your bass club do and don't do.
10. Realize that the pros do things different with everyday baits. VanDam and Ike do certain things that they do not share with the public regarding their cranks and plastics. You will have to learn how to modify your baits, too.
11. Money. As stated above, have a cache of money. Travel, room, board, entry fees, equipment repairs, tackle, insurance and clothing mounts up very fast, like if you were married.
12. Do not get married unless she has money and will finance you. Otherwise you are in for a world of hurt as you hit the trail and leave her back home with a lot of time on her hands.

You need to learn a lot before venturing out to be a professional bass fisherman or joining the fishing industry. Get Ike's book, Fishing on the Edge and read his story. He also offers some great fishing tips.

May I also add that you plan your future over 2, 3, 5 and 10 years. Where do you want to be as a bass fisherman or work for a fishing industry company in these years? Remember, the pros and fishing executives have taken many years to get where they are and have paid their dues. The younger guys come and go on the tours, but the old pros just keep hanging around.

Good luck. Will be looking for your picture in Bass Times when the next Classic rolls around.

[Sam]

Let me add this:

Google B.A.S.S. and FLW and find a listing of their regions in your state.

Then, go to the regions and look up their clubs or call the region presidents to find out if there is a bass club in your area and if they are taking members.

Here are the two for Virginia to show you what I mean:

http://www.vabass.com/

http://www.vafederationnation.com/