Bass Fishing, Bass Lures, Bass Boats, Russ Bassdozer

Shop @ Bassdozer Store | Lures, Rods, Reels | Boats, Motors, Electronics | Expert Articles | Reports | States | News | Forums | Tournaments | Clubs | Federations | Guides | Links | Books | Magazines | Surf Fishing | About Us  | Terms of Use

So You Want to Turn Pro?
by Charles Stuart

Many people would like to compete on the tournament trails, and would do very well, even win large sums of money. What about you? The first thing you have to ask yourself is, "Do I have what it takes"? I will try to outline below some of the roadblocks and requirements to answer your questions.

To start with, you need angling know-how. A good understanding of the lifestyle and habitat of the fish you want to catch, including feeding and mating habits. Then, you have to think like a fish! These are just a few of the prerequisites you will need before "stepping up to the plate". I began fishing in London, England at the age of six on the banks of the river Thames. Ten years later, I was competing in local tournaments or matches against some of the best in the country. Using the oldest cliché of all "I was hooked". By the age of twenty, I was fishing in championship competition in different lakes, rivers and streams, all over Europe.

When I arrived in the United States thirteen years ago, I fished European style and kept catching these unusual fish called largemouth bass (they are not native to Europe, however some have been found in Italy and Spain). Five years ago I joined a local Long Island bass club and it was there that I laid down the foundation for what I do today. I began watching the club's senior members catch bass consistently. I learned and used their styles combining them with my own and formed a set of techniques that I use today.

Once you have established a track record in tournaments at a local level, sponsorship is a great way to start. When selecting a sponsor, use their product because if you like it and it works for you, you will have no trouble whatsoever promoting its benefits on the road. Remember if you have no confidence in a product, you will never successfully convince others to use it. Always contact the marketing division of the company and get a name to whom you can write a letter, attaching your resume and relevant information about your fishing capabilities.

Most sponsorship in the beginning will be in the form of product. Once you have established a professional track record, then dollars become part of the bargaining process. This can be a lump sum per annum, or a "salary" based on sales and seminar or trade show appearances. A fact worth remembering is that there is more sponsorship dollars in fishing today than golf and tennis combined!

While on the subject of dollars, this sport, like so many others is not inexpensive. A typical tour of four, one-week tournaments will cost you $2400.00 just to enter. Next comes food, lodging, fuel and equipment, plus "on the road" vehicle and vessel repairs. The amounts can vary, but a general rule of thumb is between $6000.00 and $8000.00 per annum for this one tournament trail. One-day tournaments are cheaper, but still require overnight accommodations, entry fees and all the other items previously mentioned. A weekend tournament (typically Saturday and Sunday) will average between $300.00 and $600.00 dependent upon location.

Travel and vacation time play an important role in your decision to turn pro. You will need a minimum 6 weeks vacation per year if you hold down a full time job. That can be tough and you will need an understanding boss. Virtually every weekend you will be on the water, fishing or practicing. I was once told while fishing with the legendary angler Woo Daves, "there is no substitute for time on the water". How right he was. When you begin fishing from the back of another angler's boat, you must have the basic skills to catch fish from various locations regardless of who is in control of the boat. The "back seat" angler who does his or her homework has won many tournaments.

As if all that was not enough, you should be prepared to address large crowds and speak to the press or television crews who will come to you for comment and information. The spectator and weekend angler is the bread and butter of this $70 billion per annum industry. Without him or her, there would be no tournaments, no new lures, rods, reels or equipment, simply because there would be no one to buy the goods or watch the shows on the weekend! Some of the touring anglers can sometimes become aloof when dealing with the public. Their success is usually short lived and they pay the price for forgetting their beginnings. When dealing with the press, they can be your best friend, or your worst enemy. Personally, I prefer the first of the two choices. Always make time for them, tell them what they need to know and make sure you use the name of your sponsors in your conversations with them.

Well if that has not scared you away from the tournament trail, then feel free to contact me for further information and hints on getting started.

Author Information.

Charles Stuart is a pro angler, journalist and NY State Guide who fishes the B.A.S.S., RED MAN, FOXWOODS and the ABC Tours in the Northeast. Born and educated in England, Charles fished professionally in England when he lived there. Charles has now lived on Long Island, NY for over 15 years. He's fished most lakes, rivers, streams and ponds on the island. He has fished from the Canadian border to Florida in search of largemouth and smallmouth bass.

One of Charle's objectives is to use the knowledge he has gained to teach young fishermen and women the joy of the sport and the art of "catching". Charles feels that, unlike other sports, all members of the family can enjoy fishing together. To Charles, fishing is a sport that does not place pressure on a child to succeed, thereby building the child's confidence and self-esteem.

Charles is sponsored by Bullet Weights, G.Loomis, Budz Fishin Wayz, Gamakatsu, Lake Hawk, Chevy Trucks, Hawg-ly Lures, Power Resources cranking & trolling motor batteries, Uncle Josh, Ike-Con Fishing Tackle, Snap-Set Spinnerbaits, Map-Trap, and Stamina Components.

You can email Charles at LIFisher@aol.com

 
 
Shop at Bassdozer's Store
Bassdozer Store
Men's Clothing at Basspro.com
Bass Pro Shops

May I ask you for a favor please? Please start here first whenever you shop online. Click on any store logo above or Amazon.com book below. Bassdozer gets a small sales commission if you begin shopping at these stores from here. You always get the same low price you would pay anyway. Thank you kindly for shopping at Bassdozer.


Kevin Vandam's Bass Strategies
Kevin Vandam


Secrets of a Champion
Kevin VanDam


Fishing on the Edge
Mike Iaconelli


Big Bass Zone
Bill Siemantel

Denny Brauer's Jig Fishing Secrets

Denny Brauer

Denny Brauer's Winning Tournament Tactics

Denny Bauer

Sowbelly
Monte Burke

Thank you for visiting. Please enjoy!
Bass fishing lures, bass boats
Worldwide Bass Fishing, Bass Lures, Bass Boats