Did you read??

[jrbass]

I'm going to do it. I am 18 years old after I get through with all of my schooling. I plan on going for the moon. I'm going to work a job and fish small tournaments till I can afford for one full year on the tour. Then I'm going to do it. That is if i'm good enough.I have brought home some money as a nonboater already.One more thing I am not going to get married.

[MarkW]

Yes, I am single---in my twenties I am not--LOL!!!! 36 to be exact. I do have a teenage son, not married,own my house,truck,boat etc. etc. and having him at his age has kept me from "taking the plunge" sort of speak. But, if you really wanted to do it, I would take the approach like it was a new career and a new business. Let's face it---it's their jobs, just like mine is now. I work everyday,buy work supplies,pay bills,go fish some local and some not so local tourney's, and I try to get by, just like everbody else. I think the guys in the article aren't living the glitz and glamour, but they are doing something they enjoy. I work everyday and make a decent living,try to get by just like them-----BUT don't enjoy it. I'd rather be on the road,fishing, traveling, etc. etc. Like Bill said, it's a way of life, just like we made our own life. Hopefully someday it will match the income of other professional sports---it will take a while to reach that.

[Viper201]

The absolute worst part of the professional side is all the countless hours spent on the interstate driving from one event to the next.Fishing hard for 8-12 hours a day for 6 days is bad enough and harder than most people realize but packing up and getting on the road afterwards and driving anywhere from 2-12 hours to the next event definetly takes a toll on you.Its a whole different world than what people think it is,everything bill said is 100% true.

[fishin350]

If the fishermen don't make any money how come everything is going thru the roof. Baits reels rods boats line

[mattplapp]

we're talking about the pros. And besides that, I'm not sure what items are going through the roof. New items that are improved and better quality are going to cost more, besides that not a whole lot has changed on tackle pricing versus other industry's.

Matt

[buzzking]

by your description, me and a couple guys I know are right in that 20s, single, unnattached category, but if Irwan or Jerry called me tommorrow and asked me to come live that life I would have to pass. I eat this fishing thing up as much as anyone here but let me give a little advise. Do not EVER turn your hobby into your job, unless you are willing to sacrifice every aspect of your life to your new hobby/job. by making your hobby your job, you no longer have time for a hobby, or any time to just get away, every lasting minute will be taken. Think Ill just keep fishing as my hobby, I like it to much to make it my job, my two cents