I would hang out with a different crowd .

On 3/6/2016 at 9:18 PM, slonezp said:

Leave the pot and broads alone

See what old age does to you? 

To answer the question; They didn't have those when I was a teen, so give me the above two choices.

As with most things in life, I'm sure tournament fishing is a lot of hard work, we just get to see the " fun" part of it!!

I enjoy fishing because it's an escape of sorts. If it became a job, I don't think I would enjoy it as much really!!

I'd fish for bass more often...  The amount of information on any and all topics regarding fishing is easily accessible via the internet (i.e. Bass Resource) is the greatest advantage you have Highschoolbassin.  Back in the day, it was waiting a month for the next issue of Outdoor Life, Field & Stream, or In-Fisherman to arrive, learn what you could and then have the opportunity to try it out with the limited time and equipment you had... Good times

Although I regret some of the choices I have made during the 60's, 70's and 80's that are unfortunately hampering my ability to communicate, learn and then retain that particular lesson for any length of time, I am still happy to be where I am at today, I probably shouldn't be here at all amongst the living but none the less I have found this sport to be that of an outlet, a happy place if you will, I would enjoy tournament fishing and the competition if I did but would keep it at a local level or amoung friends, the added pressure of having to perform on someone else's dime along with your investment I think would change the happy place, at least for me.

This is a very interesting topic on my part since I am only 22, but have been "seriously" and by that, I mean very serious fishing for the last 3-4 years. I fish as a boater in a local club, fish as a boater at the college level, and am going to start trying to fish more federation and BFL tourneys in the next few years/this year. I love fishing, every single aspect, especially on the tournament level. I played 5 sports growing up and tried to race dirt bikes and was relatively successful at most. I love competition and after a knee injury, fishing was something I could excel at. I, of course dream of fishing the classic, or forest wood cup, a BFL all american, a bass open, a costa tourney, college tournament, etc. You could say I'm obsessed with fishing but that would be an understatement. I've worked hard, reading, watching, and spending outrageous amounts of time on a boat or even fishing from shore when I have time. I can honestly say I have little interest in fishing a tour, even if I had the chance. Hell yea it would be awesome, and an incredible achievement but that lifestyle is not for me. 

Now if I could make that top 1% money, then I would change my mind, hahaha.

So to answer the question. I wouldn't change a thing, other than maybe wishing my parents lived in a better bass fishing state.

I needed to be born a few years later. Highschool and college fishing teams weren't a thing until a few years after I was out of school. I tried to start a fishing team in middle school but my school didn't think it was a good idea and there were no schools around us with a team either. Seems like that's the fastest way to the pros anymore. 

I'm told that if we were honest with ourselves and really thought about it, we'd all come up with a few things we'd do different. But regrets? Maybe, maybe not. 

I'd put more thought into teaching my kids and grandkids how to be a better son, daughter, husband, wife, friend and all around better person.

Being a professional tournament angler isn't one of them. 

 

Mike 

Thanks guys for all the replies! Has really opened up my way of thinking

On 3/6/2016 at 10:18 PM, slonezp said:

Leave the pot and broads alone

Maybe just the broads lol

On Tuesday, March 08, 2016 at 1:46 AM, Bluebasser86 said:

I needed to be born a few years later. Highschool and college fishing teams weren't a thing until a few years after I was out of school. I tried to start a fishing team in middle school but my school didn't think it was a good idea and there were no schools around us with a team either. Seems like that's the fastest way to the pros anymore. 

Exactly this. Id kill to be my youngest brothers age right now... 

14 hours ago, Lendiesel22 said:

Maybe just the broads lol

kinda what i was thinking....  my choice between those two, i'm taking the one that doesn't talk back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Another thing that I didn't see anyone touch on is the money it takes to fish on the top level. You're looking at a minimum of a 100,000 a year to fish the elite series. Entry fees are almost 50,000 a year. You add in gas travel breakdowns maintenance insurance hotel room and gear. You are at a minimum of a 100,000 a year probably closer to a 125,000. You make a check in every tournament you are looking at 80,000....

Thanks for all the replies guys! Sounds like a few of you had some rough years when you were young lol.

I would have found a college that offered bass fishing. Not sure there were any in '96. Probably should have skipped criminal justice and gone directly to gunsmithing, but I've used the criminal justice stuff and I'm not sure a gunsmithing college would have taught me the style I learned.

So, no regrets. only wishes for collegiate angling where/when I attended.

Josh