mheichelbech Posted April 7, 2017 Posted April 7, 2017 I know quite a few millionaires...and while financially secure, none of them seem to be happy. My observation has been that many people whose obsession is on wealth or money, are never satisfied once they get it. In fact they are often more unhappy because it exposes other underlying issues that had previously been covered up by their quest to be rich. The people that I have met that are the happiest with a lot of money, are those that were fortunate enough to make it as a byproduct of doing something they love to do. Usually they have been able to make a business out of something they were already doing and liked to do. The financial success came from running the business well and managing their resources appropriately.
Super User fishballer06 Posted April 11, 2017 Super User Posted April 11, 2017 For those that are wondering what it costs to fish "pro", to enter the professional division of FLW requires a $7k deposit prior to the season, and then it's a $4900 entry fee per event. So you're looking at nearly $40k per year just for entry fee's. Add on top of that fuel to travel to/from all 8 tournaments, hotels for each practice/tournament, food, maintenance on truck/boat/trailer, and I'm sure there's other assorted costs along the way. So I'm sure it's easily $75k+ to fish one season on the FLW Tour, and that's not even considered the "premier" series right now.
RichF Posted April 11, 2017 Posted April 11, 2017 3 hours ago, fishballer06 said: For those that are wondering what it costs to fish "pro", to enter the professional division of FLW requires a $7k deposit prior to the season, and then it's a $4900 entry fee per event. So you're looking at nearly $40k per year just for entry fee's. Add on top of that fuel to travel to/from all 8 tournaments, hotels for each practice/tournament, food, maintenance on truck/boat/trailer, and I'm sure there's other assorted costs along the way. So I'm sure it's easily $75k+ to fish one season on the FLW Tour, and that's not even considered the "premier" series right now. Don't forget $35k for the truck to pull the $60k boat;) 1
Super User J Francho Posted April 11, 2017 Super User Posted April 11, 2017 Rich, you haven't been out pricing trucks lately, lol. Add $10K for a decently equipped work truck with a suitable drive train upgrade and towing package. 1
RichF Posted April 12, 2017 Posted April 12, 2017 18 hours ago, J Francho said: Rich, you haven't been out pricing trucks lately, lol. Add $10K for a decently equipped work truck with a suitable drive train upgrade and towing package. HA! you're absolutely right. I was thinking along the lines of a 2011 or 2012. BTW, that boat estimate is for used also;)
Super User J Francho Posted April 12, 2017 Super User Posted April 12, 2017 You can generally drop into a decent boat for around $60K. I think at the point that you are getting entry to national opens, and so forth, I would assume you are at least getting a pro deal (usually 30-60% off retail) on accessories like trolling motors, electronics, shallow water anchors, etc. I'd also assume you'd have a relationship with a marine dealer/installer. Developing those relationships early on is going to be really important. But yeah, price out a 2017 [insert major bass boat brand here] and you could be well out over $80k, fully optioned.
Hez Posted April 12, 2017 Posted April 12, 2017 18 hours ago, J Francho said: Rich, you haven't been out pricing trucks lately, lol. Add $10K for a decently equipped work truck with a suitable drive train upgrade and towing package. Especially the "battle wagons" the Pros all have now. Those are probably closer to $100k than $35k....and the price tag on the Ranger at the FLW weigh in....$108k...all decked out
Super User J Francho Posted April 12, 2017 Super User Posted April 12, 2017 I know if it were me, I'd prefer to be towing with a 3/4 ton heavy duty. My Bullet, while almost 22' long weighs much less than a similar Ranger. 2
RichF Posted April 12, 2017 Posted April 12, 2017 35 minutes ago, Hez said: Especially the "battle wagons" the Pros all have now. Those are probably closer to $100k than $35k....and the price tag on the Ranger at the FLW weigh in....$108k...all decked out Like Skeet's F-550 lol. That thing is absolutely ridiculous. $108k for a bass boat...that just turns my stomach. Hopefully it flies...literally. 1
Hez Posted April 12, 2017 Posted April 12, 2017 1 hour ago, RichF said: Like Skeet's F-550 lol. That thing is absolutely ridiculous. $108k for a bass boat...that just turns my stomach. Hopefully it flies...literally. I just found the pic I took of the price tag...my memory did not serve me right...it was actually $104k. Sorry about that. But...I don't think it flies...but I bet it goes really fast. 1
Super User J Francho Posted April 12, 2017 Super User Posted April 12, 2017 It's a 70 mph boat, if it's lucky. You can save $40K, and buy a hand made Bullet.
RichF Posted April 12, 2017 Posted April 12, 2017 35 minutes ago, Hez said: I just found the pic I took of the price tag...my memory did not serve me right...it was actually $104k. Sorry about that. But...I don't think it flies...but I bet it goes really fast. And I wasn't talking about speed...I meant it better fly...like fly fly. hahaha
Esoxfreak Posted April 12, 2017 Posted April 12, 2017 On 5/16/2016 at 7:12 PM, JoeLo_Bassfishing said: Hello to All, I am new to this forum and I just wanted to start out by asking what it really takes to become a bass professional. It has been my dream to become one and I know for sure I won't rest until I get there. I would love to work in the industry but all I really want to do is fish every day I possibly can. I am going to NY for the summer and my plans are going to be dormant until I move back to Florida, specifically South Florida. I know in order to start, I have to co-angle the main tournaments and then work up the chain. I know the process is extensive and long, which I am looking forward to. What do you do at the age of 21 in order to be financially satisfied and also fish as much as possible? I know that fishing isn't necessarily going to make me extremely rich but I also have aspirations to have a wrapped boat and truck, specifically by Bass Pro Shops. If anyone can give me advice for securing a job or gaining sponsorship with them please let me know. I think promoting companies by either writing/freelancing about different baits and tackle is an avenue that might work. Does anyone have any experience with this and give me advice within this spectrum. Using YouTube, Medium, or other major sites I feel I can gain me the success I need. If anyone can give me the essential advice I need it would be greatly appreciated. In my definition of "professional" it means that you can make a livable wage from fishing ONLY. Totally doable! But I read something recently how chances are greater of becoming a rockstar than a pro tournament angler. There are other ways to make money fishing, but they don't involve slinging overpriced baits on tv (helicopter lure anyone, you big sellout)and those tournament anglers grind it out. In southern fl you have a huge tourist market and a lot of those guys go there strictly to fish, I know I would. You got access to both salt and freshwater. You should start a guide service. Bear with me...especially if you are good with other humans.it's a great way to generate a bit of income but your chances are higher getting sponsors because they want to see that you are serious about their products, and use them( there is a well known cooler co. That straight up gives you their products,even the really good stuff just because they know you got potential customers on your boat everyday). You can also fill out pro forms at local tAckle shops...or after 2 years guiding you could buy your own shop(you would need more guides though lol). By guiding and owning a shop everybody that you want to know who you are will know you. Then you wrap your boat with YOUR NAME! Being known will help you become a pro too. And ditto everyone else about getting into the circuit. there are a lot of people who do make money off YouTube by signing up for Adsense but you need to be getting tens of thousands of views per video to make any money. Just video fishing trips, and all of it, even your failures we wanna see that too,if you do videos you have to keep our attentions too.dont be ashamed to promote yourself, too many people are afraid to put themselves out there for criticism sake but we all do things different. Do it how you do it and be proud of what you do. Watching a story of a guy who goes from just a guy to the cover of a fishing magazine would be kinda cool. I'd subscribe just to see if you could do it,even if it took years. good luck man On 5/16/2016 at 7:12 PM, JoeLo_Bassfishing said: Hello to All, I am new to this forum and I just wanted to start out by asking what it really takes to become a bass professional. It has been my dream to become one and I know for sure I won't rest until I get there. I would love to work in the industry but all I really want to do is fish every day I possibly can. I am going to NY for the summer and my plans are going to be dormant until I move back to Florida, specifically South Florida. I know in order to start, I have to co-angle the main tournaments and then work up the chain. I know the process is extensive and long, which I am looking forward to. What do you do at the age of 21 in order to be financially satisfied and also fish as much as possible? I know that fishing isn't necessarily going to make me extremely rich but I also have aspirations to have a wrapped boat and truck, specifically by Bass Pro Shops. If anyone can give me advice for securing a job or gaining sponsorship with them please let me know. I think promoting companies by either writing/freelancing about different baits and tackle is an avenue that might work. Does anyone have any experience with this and give me advice within this spectrum. Using YouTube, Medium, or other major sites I feel I can gain me the success I need. If anyone can give me the essential advice I need it would be greatly appreciated. In my definition of "professional" it means that you can make a livable wage from fishing ONLY. Totally doable! But I read something recently how chances are greater of becoming a rockstar than a pro tournament angler. There are other ways to make money fishing, but they don't involve slinging overpriced baits on tv (helicopter lure anyone, you big sellout)and those tournament anglers grind it out. In southern fl you have a huge tourist market and a lot of those guys go there strictly to fish, I know I would. You got access to both salt and freshwater. You should start a guide service. Bear with me...especially if you are good with other humans.it's a great way to generate a bit of income but your chances are higher getting sponsors because they want to see that you are serious about their products, and use them( there is a well known cooler co. That straight up gives you their products,even the really good stuff just because they know you got potential customers on your boat everyday). You can also fill out pro forms at local tAckle shops...or after 2 years guiding you could buy your own shop(you would need more guides though lol). By guiding and owning a shop everybody that you want to know who you are will know you. Then you wrap your boat with YOUR NAME! Being known will help you become a pro too. And ditto everyone else about getting into the circuit. there are a lot of people who do make money off YouTube by signing up for Adsense but you need to be getting tens of thousands of views per video to make any money. Just video fishing trips, and all of it, even your failures we wanna see that too,if you do videos you have to keep our attentions too.dont be ashamed to promote yourself, too many people are afraid to put themselves out there for criticism sake but we all do things different. Do it how you do it and be proud of what you do. Watching a story of a guy who goes from just a guy to the cover of a fishing magazine would be kinda cool. I'd subscribe just to see if you could do it,even if it took years. good luck man
Super User flyfisher Posted April 12, 2017 Super User Posted April 12, 2017 i wonder how the OP is doing....my first question after reading his initial post was why because you are in nY would your plans have to be dormant? I guess his plans only involve southern states and their tournaments.
Super User J Francho Posted April 12, 2017 Super User Posted April 12, 2017 There's one NY guy doing well in the Elites. Jamie Hartman. 1
Todd_Clark Posted April 12, 2017 Posted April 12, 2017 wanna know how to make a SMALL fortune fishing for a living? Start out with a LARGE fortune. 3 1
Global Moderator 12poundbass Posted April 13, 2017 Global Moderator Posted April 13, 2017 7 hours ago, Hez said: I just found the pic I took of the price tag...my memory did not serve me right...it was actually $104k. Sorry about that. But...I don't think it flies...but I bet it goes really fast. Since everyone has lost hope I'll lift your spirits....I'm a glass half full kinda guy just wait 15-20 years and you'll be able to pick it up used for around 80k! I can't believe nobody thought of that! ??? Update: just looked at my glass and it's now half empty when I realized the electronics would be extremely outdated after 20 years and with the cost of new now plus inflation you're looking at another 10k to update the electronics! ??? 1
NVD20 Posted October 19, 2017 Posted October 19, 2017 On 4/12/2017 at 7:56 PM, Todd_Clark said: wanna know how to make a SMALL fortune fishing for a living? Start out with a LARGE fortune. Hello, your statement is completely false most anglers that fish the elite series, either started out with nothing and used a primary job too support them while they figured out if fishing was right for them. Swindle and my dad, KVD, are a good example. 1
BassNJake Posted October 19, 2017 Posted October 19, 2017 Good article by Kevin short former Elite Series Pro on yearly costs http://bassblaster.rocks/bidness-expenses
BassNJake Posted October 19, 2017 Posted October 19, 2017 You can get a cheaper start fishing as a co angler in the BFL series run by FLW. $125 per tourney You can also fish BFL's on the Pro side for $250 per tourney The nice thing about these as they are regionally based so for me the 5 tourneys on the Volunteer trail are all within 2 hours or so from my house. There are probably local clubs and tourneys on your home lake as well. Start doing well locally and maybe you can get some type of local sponsorships ... marina, boat/car dealer, tackle store and then add sponsors as you move up the ladder. This will also appeal to the bigger sponsors as it shows experience in promoting products. 1
Global Moderator 12poundbass Posted October 19, 2017 Global Moderator Posted October 19, 2017 3 hours ago, NVD20 said: my dad, KVD, are a good example. Awe man you told everyone our secret. Lol ? j/k
NVD20 Posted October 19, 2017 Posted October 19, 2017 1 hour ago, 12poundbass said: Awe man you told everyone our secret. Lol ? j/k Had to be figured out at some point! 2
blongfishing Posted November 7, 2017 Posted November 7, 2017 Save every dime you can. Just remember, every time you go on vacation, drink on the weekends, or party, that money could be spent on fishing. If you go to YouTube and search ‘becoming a professional fishermen Brian Latimer’ you will find a video of how FLW Tour Brian Latimer did it with a job paying $30,000 a year. You just gotta have the drive and spend your time on fishing alone. 2
Lures'n'Liberty Posted November 14, 2017 Posted November 14, 2017 How to be a millionaire bass angler? I'm posting just to follow the thread, maybe someone will come in here with an idea I can take to the bank. In the meantime, I'll give you the same advice they give you in AA. Take it one day at a time, each day brings new challenges and you've got to work through every one to stay on top. If you want to win a million fishing, you're going to do it one tournament at a time. You might get lucky, but I wouldn't count on it. I've got a friend that won an $85,000 Ranger from Cabela's after the number on a tagged fish he caught in a tournament was pulled. It didn't make him a better fisherman, if anything it just meant he had to buy a bigger truck. If you want to be a millionaire, that's awesome, but you're probably going to have to get good at being a hundredaire first. With any luck, you can be a thousandaire in your early twenties. To be fair, however, at age 18 and with a 6% interest rate, if you put away $170 and some change every month until you're 65, you can retire with $1,000,000 in the bank and live pretty well off of the interest. My "guy" told me that's the sure fire way to become a millionaire, and he's made a lot of people really happy. I'd get a "guy" too, if I were you. As far as being a bass angler, well, I'm still trying to figure that one out myself, so I wish you the best of luck.
Pro Logcatcher Posted November 17, 2017 Posted November 17, 2017 Only way to make a million dollars bass fishing is to start with ten million! $$$
Recommended Posts