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Pro Staff Question - How Do I Turn My Bass Fishing Passion Into A Pro Circuit Career
Charles "The Bass Doctor" Stuart's Answer
Hello David,
Being passionate about aspects of your life is important but not to the detriment of your health!
You had a tough life and you have held on to a dream that may now become reality however you must tread carefully, not unlike walking in a stream you need a large stick to test the water depth before you take the next step!
Fishing, like many other sports or hobbies has a weekend warrior league out of which many like yourself who are searching for something more from the sport.
I can relate to your passion as mine is similar about fishing.
I got to go fishing because my father liked to drink at a local bar close to the River Thames in England.
He did not know how to fish so he left me on the river bank while he was inside having a drink or ten!
I taught myself to fish and that love of the sport has never left me.
What you are going through personally is an inner torment of not having fulfilled that dream.
I suggest you start off slowly with these non boater tournaments on Lake Waconia and if you do well, then move up to the boater division and learn the tricks of the trade.
Read everything you can about the sport.
Including these great articles by myself and other pro staff members here at Bass on Hook.
Articles like: “A Simple Word of Advice” by Dennis Bryant, “Hook Placement” by Leo Watson, “Finding Your Way Home” by Tom Lester and all the other excellent articles in the Pro Tips section of this website.
Visit all the websites you can, take notes and carry your notes with you when you fish.
The Scary Reality Of Succeeding At Professional Bass Fishing
Now I am going to tell you a few things you probably don't want to hear, but you must listen and understand them if you truly want to continue.
It is NO picnic out there.
Catching fish on your own and then facing competition from some of the best anglers in your region is not an easy feat.
Chances are you will be beaten and beaten badly!
So you must be emotionally and physically ready for that and view the experience as a learning one.
If not, you may never be able to fish a tournament again because you will carry the defeat around like an open wound!
If you are fortunate enough to win or place well in a few local tournaments, put the money aside and buy your boat.
However, the insurance, maintenance and cost of fuel will become a great burden unless you have the financial backing to do so.
Should you make it to the majors (B.A.S.S., Everstart/FLW, etc) you will be facing the Tiger Woods, Mohammed Ali's and Michael Jordan's of the sport.
They will crush you like a bug on a windscreen unless you come to the tournament as prepared as they are for the one, two or three days of competition.
That work requires time on the water, map reading, weather predicting, fish finding and tackle maintainence and repair, as well as a good nights sleep, good food and an overall karma that you will need to face the 4 a.m. starts and the 8 p.m. finishes each practice and tournament day!
If you have what it takes David, sponsors will find you and your fishing will become your career for as long as you can hold a fishing pole.
If you do not have the golden touch, then walk away with the knowledge that you tried your very best and perhaps move on to teaching others what you know and have learned, perhaps write a book on your experiences or publish articles for fishing magazines.
Maybe you could teach fishing at seminars and exhibitions which will hopefully satisfy the longing that you have to be such an intimate part of fishing if the professional curcuit is not for you.
I wish you the very best of luck and good fortune.
Tight Lines!
Charles "The Bass Doctor" Stuart
BassonHook Pro Staff
