THE BREAKDOWN: What it costs to be a Professional Bass Angler EP:1

The breakdown is a series where I'm going to share my expenses as a Professional Bass Angler. I think this is a side that people haven't talked about and I think I should be shared so that aspiring pro anglers have realistic expectations!

[@andrewbrowning-gm7nd]

Trade you any day of the week. Work 2 full time jobs I’ll be cleaning. Sewer lines today. You may not be getting rich but your living your dream, some things mean more than money.

[@UNKBISHOP]

Keep praying and pushing bro You got it!! It gets hard but you got it

[@bassdojo3925]

It is truly an honest assessment of the life of pro fishing. You came out slightly ahead, and many didn't! Keep on chugging... you'll make it. Need to get some good sponsors!!! Big fan!!!!

[@andrewjackson8401]

I appreciate the honesty.. people think its all fun and games but theres alot that goes into fishing and they dont realize alot coming out of your own pocket… head up keep on the grind we will be watching!!!!

[@stuchumney]

Extremely interesting stuff. Thanks for the pure transparency! Stuff I have always wondered. GREAT IDEA to publish these. Keep hammering and tight lines

[@jeffhayes8422]

Thank you for sharing this Jacob. Really cool seeing the numbers. Hope to see you raising one of those trophies very soon!

[@gwo8th211]

Facts are facts, Thanks, glad you are posting again.

[@Macdaddy8124U]

Good stuff Jacob! Keep up the good work! I think you should factor in the boat payment. Hope to see more of these videos ❤

[@garyphillips2650]

Keep catching them Bud! I think your breakdown is good enough it gives a good idea what it cost. Of course at tax time you will claim the boat and truck as a business expense, that's a no brainer.

[@cl2095]

Sponsors are huge. Thanks for the videos.

[@keithjohnson2720]

Good stuff....I like the break down....its tough...keep on keeping on

[@topo7777]

Interesting stuff. I'm looking forward to keeping up with these videos.

[@bradtribby5212]

Cool man. This is really interesting stuff. Pulling for you.

[@pauldudar6642]

Keep grinding , you’ll get there. Thanks for sharing

[@PhillipManningJohn]

Good breakdown! Keep them coming!

[@jsetser001]

Keep it up! Cool to see.

[@DuallDude]

Good to hear from you again. Keep making those cuts and I hope to see you fish on a Sunday

[@rickamatofishing]

Jacob...do what you gota do, you are your own Brand! Stay strong and tough Bro...keep moving forward.

[@billstopinski2568]

that was informative, its crazy how much fishing cost period. pulling for you, keep it in the green

[@ninjapatton]

Great video. Keep them coming.

[@ChadCoutts-pm7un]

Good stuff man thanks for sharing

[@jonathanadamgordon1]

This is a great video!

[@mikepadgett4647]

Keep your head up dude,keep plowing ,you obviously have the talent to compete at this level. Hopefully you stay positive and more people will jump on the fouts train. 🚂

[@SpookyRedz]

It’s honestly sad , especially when you have won at this level

[@rangerbull]

Keeping it real dude. Don’t know if your fishing out of pocket or have any sponsorship help. I understand that sponsorship comes in many forms and a lot of them don’t pay the bills.

[@notsogood6249]

I think that was a fair assessment of your expenses. I look for your name and the final results, after every Elite tournament. You will have to stay in the 10K winnings or higher to stay a float. Good luck on the rest of the season.

[@danlaur7973]

Use this as a case in point...there is no money in Bass fishing unless you win a tournament or have superior sponsors

[@ritchiehall2464]

Thanks for the breakdown vid! I’m a big fan of the Bass Elite tournaments. Just curious at the end of the year what if anything can be taken as a tax deduction? Business miles etc to maybe help offset costs, granted it would be at the end of the season.

[@scottehrlich6653]

Thank you for the transparency. I incorrectly assumed sponsorship picked up most anglers tabs or a significant offset. Good luck this year.

[@okfishin]

They still probably do

[@jackstein5486]

Pulling for you! If you had planned to grow your social media, you really needed to do some videos on your practices and during the event. I do realize that everything takes time and you have prioritized getting the highest finish. That said, your lack of social media for the last number of years is why you are in the sponsorless shape that you currently find yourself. The guys who hav e done well on KZbin are consistent with videos. Just saying, great finishes on the first 2 events, keep it going!

[@broadsworddefense9792]

Great explanation of what it cost to get into it.

[@frankelasavage2717]

Love what you're here, Jacob. I have a question about the tax side. When taxed for your winnings, do you pay taxes at the time you get the check from that state or, do you pay get taxed once from your state of residence? Again, thanks for putting out this type of content. Keep your head up and good luck to you this season!

[@terryorr3771]

Thanks for sharing. Very interesting! Bout time you made another video😂

[@butchfarmer9131]

it's amazing that he even broke even . I remember when BASS first started when Clunn was camping out in the woods and some were staying in Jco campers furnished to them for addvertising

[@donaldgregg7818]

Basically working at Walmart stocking shelves is probably more profitable and less stressful.

[@BassandFurious]

I talk about this in my livestreams all the time and people are blown away cuz the reality is, unless you winning or top 5 consistently, u are better off working at target and make $17/hour guaranteed 💯. Or just be best local angler you can be. And cleanup close to home

[@1stJohn215]

Jacob, NEVER regret being honest and above board! Especially when it’s your business! Facts and figures are used in every business. 😊In today’s world we can’t tell the truth without being attacked for going against what the public believes (the narrative). I started fishing as a hobby when I was 6 years old. I am retired now fishing is my only hobby! I have great respect for your willingness to tell the truth!

[@user-kl9ud7qt4v]

how about your rods and reels? i know many of the pros talk about having 20 plus that is definitely a expensive

[@bigwaterbassin4961]

You’re doing this correct. But add in your truck and boat expenses. Those are tools you have to have to complete the job. Period. So after two events you did well in you’re still in the red slightly. Keep this up. It’s extremely informative. Please don’t sugar coat any part of it, or exaggerate anything either. Just keep posting the honest data. If you keep this data honest and pure, this may be the spark ⚡️ that lights a fire within the industry. Good work 💪

[@rickhicks6545]

Great video lets people know this game isn’t cheap.

[@ppfoten211]

Quite a bit of those expenses will be deductible on your taxes, though that doesn't increase the size of the checks you can cash.

[@AndrewGarnerAdventures]

Question, is it worth it??

[@Fishing4-5]

Do the majority of pros( if you know) get their entry fees paid for as part of their sponsorship?

[@robertbain6388]

So, if you count the truck/boat expense of $1,500 per month ($18k/yr.), plus $4k for wraps, that’s $22k. Divide that by nine events is about $2,500 per event. Add in your $6,500 average event costs (entry fee, lodging, food, fuel, etc) and your at $9,000, so if you finish outside the top 10, you’re barely breaking even? What are you getting from sponsors? Do they pay you to use/endorse their products, or do they give you free tackle/gear?

[@milleda121]

Good job ... Interested in following... Good luck, fish clean, fish safe! 👍💪☝️

[@nedyarb2000]

How many nights were you at each place?

[@hydropro-tech7749]

Please keep doing this

[@TrevorGoochFishing]

i still think its funny how 20 years ago, guys got 120k for winning. now entry fees are triple and we win less money.

[@user-rh5vp5ik7b]

Glad you made some money. Keep it up. Lot of money spent to do something you love. Its worth it.

[@ksdesjardins7194]

Don’t forget insurance, boat and truck registration, vehicle and boat maintenance and i would love to see how many TOTAL hours you spend each week on and off the water. Your Per hour wage is awful gotta absolutely love it to keep up the grind! Good vid from one entrepreneur to another!

[@MidwestBassHunter]

It would be great if the fishing tournament industry could figure out a way to improve payouts so at least the guy in last place could break even. That being said, I have no idea on how to make that happen. Is bass fishing at its limits when it comes to tournaments generating revenue? Hard to say, thanks for sharing.

[@SpookyRedz]

I was routing for you at Fork

[@mikeharris130]

Two checks and good AOY for now. Keep it up. Perhaps talk to your accountant and capitalize your wraps, boat and truck?

[@saoulons]

That's a good rule of thumb to assume it costs ~$7k to fish an elite tournament between entry fees, food, lodging, tackle, etc. The top 50 make $10k and the top 10 make more. So if you finish top 50 but not top 10, you're keeping your head above water but barely. There is also the big cost of the boat, truck, rods, reels, electronics ,etc., which I hope is funded by sponsors because otherwise it's impossible to break even unless you finish in the top 10.

[@JA-xx2wf]

How much of that is paid by sponsors and how much of it will you get back as a tax write off? Interesting vid man thanks!

[@briantherion9145]

Dig it!

[@dominiclaviolette8979]

Complaining his a big Word in the social média world now. People forget freedom of speech Now. Keep up the good work

[@denniskiblerbassguy]

It’s crazy what a boat wrap cost and what sucks they say you have to have it correct.

[@steveringeisen9231]

Might want to spread the wrap over the entire season but you also have to factor in at least the boat payment as well. Tough road for sure even if you cash the 10k check at every event.

[@AndrewGarnerAdventures]

Is paying out of pocket for the wrap common at that level?

[@RayWhalen]

always use a CPA to do your taxes when self employed-the fee is tax deductable so actually it's free legal representation. I'm curious about the boat wrap-is it possible to get a sponsor to pay for that?

[@edwardcowan7012]

Look at per diam allowance as for as food and lodging. A good tax guy will make a big difference when you win big money.

[@christophershelton1735]

Really sounds like pro bass fishing is like gambling. It’s not like you get a salary. That’s scary.

[@BmpFishing]

Miss one check and it changes things real quick! The reality is that maybe one guy a year cashes in all 9

[@johnomeara6994]

At the elite level you would figure sponsors would help? Tackle?

[@lawrenceohair5347]

Jacob, didn't you have a pretty good idea what it costs to be a Professional Bass Angler before you started?

[@MattMillardOutdoors]

What’s the update on sponsor dollars for the year

[@jacobfoutzfishing]

Got another video in the works talking about that!

[@acme9538]

Interesting.

[@k.cosgrove5128]

Shouldnt his sponsor pay for his wrap? What does his sponsors cover? Anything?

[@1stJohn215]

Sponsors are spread thin among 2 big tours and numerous smaller ones. Sponsors are no longer dependable for money, unless you are in the top 10% of finishers.

[@k.cosgrove5128]

@1stJohn215 I wouldnt wrap my boat unless I was getting something out of the deal. Entry fees, equipment, something. Otherwise its free advertisement for them while you struggle to make ends meet.

[@jacobfoutzfishing]

Except we are required to wrap our boats.

[@k.cosgrove5128]

@@jacobfoutzfishing Wow! Really? The cards are really stacked against you guys. I hope you have a breakout season where you can get a sponsor that actually sponsors you. For the love of fishing and competition, right? Good luck! I really mean that. I hope you get that big break!

[@skeeter1302]

Looks like without sponsors Elite fishermen need to be in the top 50 to break even

[@stevencroft4850]

The big positive in all this is that you performed so well in each tournament. What you need to be successful is a big time 'paying' sponsor. Are there no business people out there who could help you get some decent sponsors?

[@AndrewGarnerAdventures]

How is it a profession??

[@nancyzipperer8819]

No fucking way. No 401k. No nothing. Thanks for the entertainment. Living the dream. I'm rooting for ya player

[@iluvjenni20]

I think you're a great Angler and I think a lot of people identify with you, someone needs to sponsor you, I think ppl wud buy from your sponsors to support you. I sure wud!

[@CadenAbbott-zg5wi]

I agree the payouts need to be better and there’s a lot of things that could change to accommodate the anglers more. But you can do some things to instead of hanging your head and crying about it. There’s guys out there living in their truck bed eating ramen noodles and hot dogs every night following the tour. Sounds like you need to do some grinding in the sponsorship world cause it ain’t all about fishing, one of the richest dudes in professional fishing hasn’t ever hoisted a blue trophy, that should tell you something.

[@NCshooter1213]

I do not understand how the majority of pro anglers do it. Let's face it. Most of the elites are truly unknown. There are a few standouts that make the money and the rest of the field donate. Seems like a really bad deal. Growing up, i always wanted to be a pro, but when i put pen to paper, i was shocked. You gotta have the new stuff. Seems like a super bad deal unless you have wealthy parents to help or you own a big business to support the habit. Serious Sponsers are few and far between. I wish you success buddy.

[@jacobfoutzfishing]

The rules absolutely do not say you have to have a new boat.

[@NCshooter1213]

​​@@jacobfoutzfishing maybe it's mlf that wants their anglers to have the new year's models. I just read it in the pdf rules on one of the tours. They ask that anglers use last year's or the current years models. Maybe I'm thinking about a Sponsers rules or something for a boat deal. So I just read the pdf again and it's a boat deal." Pros are usually required to showcase the latest products from boat sponsers"

[@devinwillis7787]

@@NCshooter1213 that is common for incentives from manufacturers. If you win in a bass cat you can get a bonus from bass cat and how new the boat is factors in to that

[@thereeldevin1875]

Thanks for the breakdown. Keep pushing and living the dream! I will say your math is a little off though. $20k in winnings and $16k in spending is not net positive. After taxes you’re -$2,500 for the 1st two tournaments. Hopefully sponsorships are paying entry fees or taxes. 🎣

[@sledfam3659]

Say you fish 10 tournament's a year at 8K=80k a year say 2 years and 150K for truck and boat puts you at 310k. A lot of mobile tool salesman invest 300K for tuck and inventory on initial investment. Point is, putting 310k out to chase your dream is scary but not uncommon. Making 3K on the first 2 is a great start. Not a good margin but FUN. Good luck.

[@michaelallen345]

Jacob. Talk with us, not at us. The whole “Some people will say”, or gonna say it if you don’t agree I don’t care isn’t a good watch, nor is it entertaining.

[@urbanfishingtv520]

Damn 3.5k entry fee. That’s crazy.

[@captainron3494]

listen you do u if your honest that's all u can do only thing is it's sad at the level you guys have to pay for anything sad but it is what it is

[@richardlay1492]

So did get sponsor money that should pay the boat no rap and rigs to go fishing ??

[@chaddrumm6809]

Bottom line is professional fishing isn’t just about the fishing. You have to market the SH#T outa our brand. Hopefully you’ll find your mojo to bring on more sponsorships and create your brand! I really wish for the majority of the elite pros just making it was enough, but obviously it’s a struggle bus for most!

[@rickvann3489]

NOW HEAR THIS! To All That Can Do Simple Mathmatics of the Addition family. Just having a basic boat and truck $100,000 properly equipped for tournament fishing. That's $1,600 month in payments for 60 months financing. Now you all decide if you can afford to Bass fish simple Math.

[@justn_kelly]

There should be no entry fees for elite series.

[@KI4ZDF-Steve]

Spent 16k and won 20k. Doesn’t matter whether you want to include the boat and truck payments or not. They have to be paid. Definitely not a good business plan .

[@macdaddyblues1]

I'm really shocked by the tackle, I always thought pros got a lot of that for free! wow

[@jacobfoutzfishing]

Some do. Unfortunately I do not.

[@BWOUTDOORS]

THAT IS JUST ABOUT RIGHT IN A PRO TOURNAMENT ,

[@wademitchell9940]

Hey you're out the money for the boat rap now so count it now.

[@codypridg9504]

You pay for the rap but do you grt sponsor money for having their brand on it?

[@LuckyLucky-bm1pg]

so you spent 16k to win 20k and only 4k in the end..

[@winstonrocco1981]

Fishing just ain’t a great career choice

[@butchfarmer9131]

It's all expence

[@aubytrice1868]

15 grand a year on boat payments is just insane lol

[@SpookyRedz]

I think this is worse than gambling , it’s almost like a donation , I think you need help or rich parents in order to do this at the Elite level , I know I could not afford to do it , how do you keep up with your bills at home also , to me this is not right , my wife if I said I’m doing this would divorce me just cause of the money pit

[@chapppy3782]

It's Crazy to think about how much money this costs. 100k boat, 60k+ truck, 50k in electronics, that's 210K right there, (this is all retail, I know they get some deals on stuff) Not including lodging food gas, licenses for every state, insurance tackle blah blah blah. You'd have to basically win 3 tournaments to just break even... even if you finished 9/9 in the top 10 after taxes you're only taking home around 90k, just doesn't seem worth it at all.

[@russellstewart5414]

@@chapppy3782probably make out pretty good in the sponsorship area but I believe you need to qualify higher to attract that type of money. The cost is tackle puzzles me , shouldn’t you already be loaded up on that and spread it out over all the tournaments you fish in , fees are the reason I stopped doing this 35 years ago

[@danthecraftman]

5k entry fee is bonkers...and all of this doesn't include a fully kitted boat and vehicle capable of towing it, not to mention dozens of top of the line rods and reels. Fishing = pay to win lmao

[@KevinSmith-dq9tz]

Entry fee : $5,000. 🤦‍♂️ That's rediculous !

[@eddiejones974]

That's crazy as a pro angler you should not pay an entry fee

[@Patriot-dt3wk]

I love to fish and do tournaments. However fishing will always be a hobby and never a job. A career in fishing tournaments is a losing proposition unless you are silver spooned or have a bunch of great sponsors. I will just go to work and fish when I can and not get burned out or go broke.

[@laurentp-l1674]

Can you call bass fishing a professional sport when you finish in the top 1/4 of the highest level of competition and if you calculate your expenses ( add boat and truck cost to is bill) you break even 🤔 ... Its a f@#$ing joke .... Wil be curious to see whith the sponsorship money if it make more sense... if you dont make real money out of it , its a hobby not a profession .... In my opinion to be considered a serious professional sport all Bassmaster elite anglers should be able to live (average salary) out of it regardless of their performances. Nice video !

[@gboston1970]

Without anglers banding together and demanding better payouts and trickle-down money from BASS and all the advertising $$$ they get. Fishermen will continue to be used as free commercial props.

[@rickwilliams6922]

If your going to do YT videos you have to have thick skin, make the video and dont worry about what guys with say! If their watching your videos to make a comment your making money.