Just watched the segment with Skeet, his wife and kids.  That has to be tough.  I'm not married, but I couldn't imagine being away from my wife, kids, and having that alienation that goes along with it.  

Like the host said, it's not like these guys are making 6 - 7 million doing this anyway.  Tough call if you ask me, especially if your married.

All I can say is that he's got a good wife.  I just finished reading Ike's book and strain that his fishing put on his marriage (ultimately ending it) nearly caused him to stop tournament fishing.

There was also a good feature on Steve Kennedy and his wife.  They're the exact opposite as they travel together.

Only mildly related... When the oil economy collapsed in Louisiana in the middle 80s (along with several other states), I came to NJ to work (like 1000s of others). I was here for almost a year without seeing my wife or my 2 year old daughter. When they finally moved here to stay, I promised myself, my family and God that I would starve to death before I would ever leave them again. Pro atheletes that must travel constantly make a huge life choice, I hope that they will realize that a healthy family is better than Bass angler of the year. JMHO

Ronnie

I can relate  :'(  my wife's job is MUCH harder than mine... especially when I am deployed for a year at a time...

AL

I can relate :'( my wife's job is MUCH harder than mine... especially when I am deployed for a year at a time...

AL

Im with you on this one

I just read the other day where Skeet makes over 500K per year. He could afford to take the family and still get the kids schooled if he wanted to. I am sure it takes it's toll, but I have given up a lot with my family over the years for a heck of a lot less than 500k.

You have to weigh you options I know if I was in his place it would be hard for me to uproot my kids.  We live with in 10 mins of my parents grandparents and my wifes mom.  My kids would be devestated if they didn't get to see them all the time.  I give these guys alot of props because unlike pro baseball, football, or basketball you don't get to spend 1/2 your season fishing near home and having a permenant place to work out of.  You are constantly on the move and staying in either campgrounds or cheap hotels.  That would be a tough way to grow up if you were a kid and a tough way to spend your time if you were the spouse.

I have a very close friend that lives alone, he's in his late 30's and lives in Las Vegas.  he is ridculously succesful, but is also one of the most miserable people I know.  He has no family that live close to him and because of his success has alienated many of his remaining family members.  It's really a sad situation.

I'd rather be poor and have my family close by.  

Back in 1990 I took a job that kept me away from home Monday through Friday. The money was fantastic, but I was miserable being away from my wife and kids. After five months, I got a different job so I could be home every day. I give these guys and their families alot of credit for making it work, it's not easy.

Falcon