So if you think being a pro angler is all about being paid to go fishing, think again. The economic realities are harsh. Don Barone brings this dark subject to light in his latest article: http://www.bassresource.com/fish-fishing/bass-fishing-money

Glenn, great information.

Once upon a time I traveled across the USA making speaches at conferences; presenting insurance topics to various groups; and having clients all over the place.

Then, one day, I realized that traveling was no longer fun.

Flying was a hassel; renting cars was always a pain; hotel or fast food not good; sleeping in a foreign bed or watching different TV stations was not fun; and then getting stranded at airports due to weather conditions finally made up my mind to stay home.

The financial pressure placed on pro bass fishermen is great but the travel can wear you down more than the expenses and the monetary rewards.

Like NASCAR crews, I am amazed at the bass pros for not only traveling all over the country to foreign bodies of water fished in all types of weather, but how the bass pros conduct themselves at the weighins with smiles on their faces and taking the time to talk to the fans and get photo shoots with all types and kinds of people.

Ike, VanDam, Duckett, Houston, Parker, Iviano, Brauer, Daves, Circle, Horton, Rowland, Menendez and others are outstanding ambassadors of our sport and when you think what they have to endure it really makes them special.

I enjoy bass fishing too much to be a pro. Salutes to all of the pros for what they do for the sport and us.

Great post Sam! Yes, some of the anglers put 40,000+ miles on their trucks each year. That's a lot of traveling!

Thanks for posting this Glenn.

It's a very moving story that hit a little to close to home for me being born and raised just outside of Washington DC.

Still the story captured the truth in what it means for the integrity of this sport and the hard work and dedication these guys and gals put fourth on a daily basis and not to mention how many others suffer in their family all so that he or she may have the chance to live the dream of being a true professional, fishing or otherwise.

To ALL of the people who work hard everyday and still find time to teach and guide us in our endeavors please accept a heartfelt THANK YOU for your support.