We Need To Talk About This Bassmaster Elite Series Pro Controversial Video

[@gregstabryla9945]

I'm perfectly happy with my kayak and a few rods. Simple, for me, is the key to serenity and peace on the water.

[@TheAverageFisherman99]

Likewise my friend. It's why I do it. Peace and serenity.

[@S2pidMedia]

I love my kayak. I usually only take 3 or 4 rods, even though I have 20 rods. The simplicity is just refreshing, and even though I love fishing tournaments, I love my kayak time even more.

[@arngreencare8955]

I usually bank fish, and would normally agree with you about peace, but I almost stepped on a copperhead last Saturday! There was a moment of stress that interrupted my peaceful setting...

[@c.shoefish]

I watched his videos today and he hit the nail on the head. This is a pure example of a situation when the juice isn't worth the squeeze. I've personally seen my good friend go through it and it damn near destroyed him, it led to financial ruin, it put a hurting on his family...the whole nine yards. He came to his senses and went back to fishing like a normal person, with a good, well paying job and he's finally back on track...and much happier. Good follow up video man.

[@garrettsmith6886]

Something my group has noticed is with a lot of these local trails they are just money grabs. 212 boat regional with $300 entry fees pays $2500 to first place and paying 12 spots. That’s $63,000 collected from anglers and paying out less than $8,000. Fishing local weekend derbies is the only way to make it not stressful and get out of bed.

[@christopher9076]

I'm glad you're doing a video about this. Hella Bass did one, and Jacob is going to be on Mercers podcast this week. He probably could use all of the support he can get.

[@factsoffishing]

Hey Randy, Jacob will be on Wednesdays podcast. It should be a interesting conversation 👊🏻

[@randyblaukatintuitive]

👍

[@FishingwithMikeyP]

Definitely gonna tune in to that one!

[@doster59]

What's interesting Randy, is that you echoed Jacob's message completely. Because he (like you) is so honest, he lost some of the few sponsors he had, which is ridiculous. Losing sponsors for telling the truth? That's a sad commentary on what the business of being a professional fisherman has become. Thank you for bringing Jacob's story to the forefront. I hope that you might reach out to help him with social media advice. I think he could be the reluctant influencer, which would be fun!

[@bassdojo]

He should tell us who the sponsors are, and we stop using them!!!

[@christopher9076]

@@bassdojo He did. It was in the video after the one Randy linked

[@chrishampton8842]

@@bassdojohe did, pro choice and whoever his rod and reel sponsor was both cut him

[@northeastbassfishing1501]

I watched Jacob’s video today and then his follow up. I think the saddest part of it was after the first video his boat dealership and tackle sponsorship dropped him! With a text message! It’s really disheartening to hear and see how far professional bass fishing has fallen in the past few years. I used to be a person who would record every tournament on TV and watch them intently. Now I find them nearly impossible to get through, and rarely watch an entire show. The reality that most of these guys are losing practically everything to pursue this career is sad. I’m glad you commented on Jacob’s story, I was hoping you would. 👍

[@harrylake9388]

I wish more people were like you Randy. I don’t know you but you seem like one of the most standup men on KZbin. I’m a fan for life.

[@mikeleistner1071]

People that don't fish and even people that do fish, local tournaments or not, still think these guys get "everything handed to them" boats, baits, rods, reels, cash, etc which is SO FAR from the truth. I'm glad he did his video and really glad you are making this one to show hard it is to truly "make it"

[@slabbusterrtr7690]

Nope most only get a small discount 10% 20%

[@S2pidMedia]

Nah. I know the money pit that bass fishing is. That's why I only fish a few tournaments a year. I don't have a huge tackle room, but I have enough of what I need to get me through a couple years of the realistic (not exorbitant) needs of each season. That's good enough for me.

[@jddarby007]

I was hoping you saw this video. Honestly professional fishing to me just seems to be only about moving product.

[@jimfromm3981]

Thanks for the courage to speak the truth. I know some young men who are fishing in college and expect to make a living tournament fishing. I do not wish them or their families a difficult future. I hope they find a good job and take their boss fishing.

[@danielmeganhauger2414]

I watched both the videos he put out and they absolutely made that guy feel absolutely worthless and it really struck a cord in me

[@davelivengood1306]

Randy is right, industry went way down in 2008..then death blow a few years later when Walmart dropped FLW and took all the team deals away (remember Frosted Flakes wrapped boats and BP Oil boats)

[@timlawrence7246]

Great video pointing out what most of us see, but the crinkling plastic bag and sounds in the background are amplified on my system making it pretty annoying

[@motherlodebassin5369]

You made my point that fishing isn’t a sport when you declared it gambling. It’s 80% luck and 20% skill

[@TheAverageFisherman99]

Depends on how you're doing it. I'm not a money fisherman, but it DOES take some skill to find fish unless you're using forward facing sonar. It takes skill to put together the weather, season, climate factors, etc and figure out what will probably work or not.

[@winstonrocco1981]

Not anymore ffs changed that

[@warrenwitkowski4696]

I think it's always been true about having a presence on social media financially outperforming successful anglers on the water. Look at what could be called "old school" social media. A lot of pros and other bass fishermen made their mark in television and magazines (way before computers and the internet) and were more popular than most pros who were successful on the tournament trail.

[@RedneckRick-vm5yp]

100% agree with you on everything discussed. I’m an old west coast pro back in the early 2000 fishing national guard FLW and multi U.S. Opens. I was just hitting my prime cashing checks and picking up sponsors, new truck and new boat and Blame,! Lost the use of my left hand due to wearing out my neck. After 5” steel plate 8 screws and 2 cadaver bones the doctors stated no more multiples days fishing ever again. It took 5 years just to be able to cast again, so in a heartbeat it can be all gone, your right buddy

[@powerbaitpaul]

Great insight Randy, I definitely feel like the Elite Series and MLF are nothing but a rich man's sport at this point

[@Nate_Higgins]

Here's the positive thing about this. The tournament angler can parlay that tournament fishing into a successful KZbin channel. That's the way to make it work. Take Stefan, for instance. Even if he's not winning all of the derbies, I'll still watch him because he shares great stuff and is a likable guy.

[@RickyCarter-ro8fr]

You got that right

[@squarebill]

Yeah and Randy's a good guy but he's not putting video's out for his health .Most everything is driven by $$ in one way or the other these days.

[@helotaxi]

@@squarebill gotta pay the bills. Either adapt to the current landscape, create the new landscape, or retire.

[@shanehamilton6708]

I’m 55 years old and have watched this industry closely since the 80’s and Randy is absolutely correct. The golden most profitable years ended in around 2008. I had the privilege to watch Randy and others pretty much dominate those years. I had the privileged of getting my butt handed to me by Randy and those guys a few times. With all the OG’s hanging up there hats its sad for me to watch but I don’t blame them at all. The industry is in the worst shape it’s ever been. I honestly believe greed amongst the industry giants have ruined this once great sport. Thank you Randy for being honest as always, God bless my friend

[@callaseter4811]

😢👍🏻🙏✝️💕

[@motorcycleislife8296]

Its always been like this, i can remember as a kid reading articles on how bad of an idea it is to become a professional fisherman.

[@butchfarmer9131]

I do agree we have way to many tournament . Since the covi -19 came about our lakes have been covered up with anglers . It is unbeliveable how many people have become bass anglers . This along with the other monster boat throwing 4 ft waves makes it so hard to fish that it is not nearly as enjoyable as it once was.

[@Yakman_J.Smallz]

I watched his videos and it's what the world has become not just fishing

[@helotaxi]

You hit the nail on the head at 14:15 ish. Professional (tournament) anglers simply aren't that valuable to companies anymore. Nothing to do with "watering down" the tournaments with there being so many different series and tournaments either. Back in the day, sponsors put their money into the tournament guys because that was the way they got their products in front of consumers. TV and magazines covered the tour and that was how anglers found out about new baits, techniques, tech, etc... Today, I'm probably the typical consumer that fishing sponsors are targeting. I don't follow tournament fishing hardly at all. I do watch a ton of KZbin fishing videos. Sponsors put their money where they're likely to get the highest ROI; anymore that isn't tournaments. The tournament organizers and the sponsors don't owe anyone a living other than themselves. And blaming all the tournament organizations for the glut of tournaments out there is silly and pretty elitist. The different series are out there simply because there is a massive demand from anglers to be able to fish tournaments. The organizations simply provide a supply for that demand. Being able to compete in a bass tournament isn't a meritocracy like all other professional sports are. You don't have to win the genetic lottery to have a seat at the table. You don't have to try out and make the team. Unlike other sports with professional leagues, if you have the money for the entry fees, you can live your fantasy of possibly winning a tournament. Also unlike other professional sports, there is no salary. You said tournament fishing is like gambling; blackjack or craps. I would disagree, and say that it's much more like poker. Luck is important. The fish, like the cards have to cooperate for you to really come out on top, but skill and knowledge can very much tip luck in your favor. Forward facing sonar hasn't changed that either. It's just another tool and another skill. All that said, it would be interesting to see what the balance sheets look like for the various tournament series out there and see where the money goes.

[@darjnz4406]

The part that kills me with all of the response videos is that most of the people responding have no idea about the level that Jacob is fishing at. All of these social media “pros” that have fished a few local and regional tournaments think they are fishing at the same level as Jacob. What percentage of people who have fished in tournaments get to fish Elite Series Tournaments? The sad part is that these mediocre amateur anglers masquerading as “Pros” on social media don’t even realize that they are the problem. It makes me wonder what percent of youtube viewers actually fish regularly? Or do most just watch youtube more than they actually fish? I mean it’s crazy that image/marketability is more valuable than true ability!

[@Hshshdfb]

We live in a capitalistic society hell bent on profit; seriously what's new to say? This has been the way with everything

[@gregstabryla9945]

I agree with you Randy. The sport has become so diluted and disperse it's a millionaire sport. People should stick with local and a bit beyond. If someone doesn't have at least 200K to toss around why? And to what point, other than ego. Our resources are taking the burnt of it.

[@helotaxi]

Saying's been around as long as I can remember: "How do you become a millionaire as a tournament bass angler? Start as a multi-millionaire!"

[@timmarkowicz779]

If you're a "silver spoon," you can spend daddy's money on all the latest and greatest gadgets to have an advantage in tournaments so you can win the money and never have to get a real job. Randy knows who these folks are.

[@allenhoward5382]

I totally agree social media electronics and an over abundance of fishing tournaments. Hell I fish 30 plus tournaments a year costing around 4 thousand plus gas accommodations and so fourth. BASS Nation, local clubs, Fishers of Men, BFL, and the list goes on. Just this past week our local club had our classic in KY and when we get there we had 6 other tournaments on the same lake from 20 boats to 50 each. You are right you do need to have some kind of side hustle for a steady income to have the kind of time you need for fishing and being gone for long periods of time. Even Bill Dance,Jimmy Huston, Rowland Martin all had other forms of income today people like Tim Horton Edwin Evers, Ott Defoe all have outside incomes funding their fishing endeavors. I mean we are in 80k boats with 30k worth of equipment to win 2k purses.

[@Bsfishing44]

Thanks for covering this randy

[@chrisrhame6364]

Thanks for sharing the message Randy. I watched Jacob’s email last night. Todd Castledine has been echoing this for a couple of years as well. He actually does a cost justification for the tournaments that he fishes. It is also a good watch. Thanks Randy.

[@ericabplanalp1084]

I liked this episode but it sounded like he was podcasting next to the Chicago Blackhawks practicing ! 😊

[@shawnc1115]

Absolutely agree 💯 with you on this Randy. I fished club tournaments in the early 90's, FLW, and State Team....it was a controlled system with all anglers focused on the Bassmaster series. Now we have way to many narcissistic Egos with money out there trying to restructure the system. We need a single top entity that all anglers can be united in fishing towards, like Bassmaster used to be. To many greedy hands in the pot is ruining the sport, and they are to greedy to care and change course. The Bassmaster organization needs to reorganize and bring everyone back together as it was in the earlier years. I have never seen so much controversy and division in the sport as I have recently.....it's sad.

[@ThomasHardenFishing]

I agree with you on the tournament organizations. BASS you had to qualify to fish, FLW you could pay to play. You should have to qualify to fish as a PRO.

[@astrophysicistguy]

It still amazes me how many people still don’t understand how tournament fishing works with the Internet and social media

[@i-m4-real753]

Only a good friend would tell someone the truth about the realities of pro Bass fishing. Thanks for being that type of friend Randy!

[@BackpackingAdventures]

The same can be said for many professions, not just fishing. Ultimately if you aren’t good enough to compete you move on to something differently. No profession owes anybody anything. You are either above average, average, or below average. This that are average or below need to find another way to make a living. It’s all part of being an adult. As for sponsors, you have to be an influencer and a leader to be worthy of a sponsorship. That the way business works. There are many, many, many better ways for a business to spend its marketing dollars that someone that is a “pro” in their field.

[@CaptYale68]

Mr. Blaukat, thanks so much for being so directly honest. After many years of following BassMasters I too had my fishing dreams of competing in the 80s/90s by going through the different tournament venues to make the Classic, only to come to the realization that this was going to be a cut throat venture which I didn’t have the fortitude to continue. My family and I suffered because of a hobby I grew up loving. Looking at the “Industry” of Bass fishing today is sickening to me to see what the anglers have become, which I would think is mostly from the enormous pressure that is placed on the 95% who aren’t making it. I live in central FLORIDA, a few homes down from where Jim Bitters used to live, and have seen over the years the pressures these lakes get and the impact that is place on our natural resources. If you live on lakes that surround the tournament waters and the tournament waters become off limits the contestants are obligated to take out guest to these surrounding lakes. I’ve had parades of wrapped boats come through our private parks looking for lake access. The mentality that the High Profile tournaments have created has trickled down to the smaller local tournaments which has created a very hostile environments with other anglers on a lake. Too bad and so sad for the love of a hobby I am so in love with.

[@jvfishingfever]

Great video Randy! I watched both his videos and it's really sad the way things have turned out in professional fishing!

[@rogerglasco5941]

Randy, you are absolutely right. Great informative video. I can think of about 6 anglers on you tube who are at the top of their game but 5 years from now they will be history. It is sad to say the least. BASS should be the only tournament out there. I have fished with a lot of other guys wanting to go PRO but couldn't afford it. Look at the boat repo's taking place. If you fish a local tournament just for the fun, that is okay. Keep your main job. Fishing for bass is fun. I don't fish tournaments and never will. I don't want the pressure. I bought a new Ranger boat that sits on the trailer in my garage and is ready to go when I want to go fishing. I have plenty of good tackle and a great wife that loves to fish with me. Yes, I am retired and enjoy every day. I live in south central Florida and there are a lot of lakes close to me. I watch your videos to learn about how to fish certain plugs and worms. How to tie the right knot and what lines to use. You made it when the times were right. Those days are gone. You must have saved your money because the utility bills and taxes don't stop. I wish you only the best in life.

[@honchoxba]

My comment is in two parts. The first, some anglers accept their Elite invite when they can't afford it....but it just sounds awesome. I've heard the comparison of buying a new nice house and what if you lose your job. The second, I know of two Elites who went polar opposite. One had Murphy's Law thrown at him every event. Qualified but had a shoestring budget. At peak he almost lost his boat to Lake Erie. The other, got in with family money and did absolutely horrible. Maybe one 50th place check out of 11 events. I think he got in only because a bunch of other guys said I wish but it's too expensive.

[@edwardcowan7012]

When they are trying to sell you a dream never forget that nightmares are dreams too.

[@henrybenak5803]

When I joined BASS in the late 60's,my life membership was $100. Back then any member could fish any BASS tournament. I think back then,the entry fee was $75. Now you have to fish these other tournaments to even fish the Elite series. It is all about the money. When a top line bass boat can cost over $ 100,000 is ridiculous.

[@glensims7959]

Let me just point out THIS....... Back in the 80's-90's- and early 2000's there was 2-4 Professional fishermen per STATE. Now there are 8-10 in every TOWN. There's only so much pie to go around guys.

[@Shaun_millertech]

Everyone needs to know several of his sponsors dropped him because of this video.

[@MrHabitat009]

Yup that’s why I will not be purchasing anymore ARK fishing rods.

[@DividedWeAllFall]

@@MrHabitat009 I just canceled a $620 order on some of their 2024 edition rods I pre-ordered. Totally unacceptable

[@Smallie888]

Lol

[@MrJohnB-qs6dp]

Very well spoken Randy!!! Matt Stefan had a great video before the 2023 Season on how much it would cost him to enter into the Invitationals or the Opens. A real eye opener!! Jacob hit the nail on the head!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!!!

[@steventakach8128]

You are absolutely right! 3 Different World Series Baseball Events…Game Over

[@bstan54]

It’s like all sports, just because you participate in a sport doesn’t mean everyone can become a pro. I played baseball and golf, but, I’m not professional material.

[@kevinaltman2810]

I don’t often agree with your videos, however, I completely agree with this. If you’re not a “pro” at social media you’re not making money with sponsors. The early 2000’s is why I started tournament fishing when I was a teen. The college and high school events dilute the sport even more.

[@terrytresemer2864]

I watched him yesterday & this morning. Just like Vegas, they count on you saying in the game! Me I liked being the big fish in the little pond. You got to keep it fun, if it's what you love.

[@Bassinomics]

I feel like this has been the case for at least the past 15yrs I’ve really been paying attention. Has always been about being a trust fund recipient or independently wealthy from owning businesses etc. now for the small group of guys winning regularly, winning a Classic or AOY. That’s what it is. Getting a 100k brand sponsor means you need to help that sponsor make many times that in profit via promotion and marketing value. Easier said than done in the fishing industry.

[@kickerwormz3262]

The last time I fished a tournament was in 2001. I made it to the B.A.S.S. California state finals for region 2. I fished Fresno Bass Club, open ABA, and now defunct Redman opens. We were very short staff at the time. My supervision wouldn't let me have the day off. The more staff you have off, the less safe it is in my particular profession. I worked so hard to get that far. After not being able to compete, I moved to So. Cal. I seriously considered joining a local club in the Riverside County area. I've poured worms since 1994. I continue to pour to this day. I decided not to fish tournaments anymore. He's right, it becomes a money pit. Not everyone can be a Vandam, Joe Montana, Kobe, or any other popular sportsman. Now, I can fish more, save money, no tournament stress, and concentrate on my family, career, and my small business. For me, yes i miss the competition. Now when i fish, I fish against mother nature and my fishing partner. I am catching more fish and bigger fish now. Tight lines!

[@anklespanker]

Good on you for spotlighting this video

[@KyleKarnes-nb1jl]

I’m sure this is why BRADLEY Hallman threw the towel in this week w a Bassmaster.

[@thomasmartin8202]

Oh? I'd not heard that. He won't fish the Elites next year?

[@tomearly111]

I like watching the bigger fishing tournament series but I have never had any desire to be a professional angler. I watch because I love fishing and you can learn a lot. I have been in a few local tournaments and that was fun but even those take away some of what I enjoy about fishing. Adding the kind of stress that it would take to make Bass fishing my source of income would ruin it for me.

[@stephenbeaver2035]

All Buisness is a gamble. It is a small business. 90 % of all small business in the US fail in the first 3 years. Nothing new about that. The 10% that make it. Typically make it big. The dreamers the gamblers are whast make this country great.

[@BassHead1322]

I think the odds in Vegas are better than pro tournament fishing. Put your entry fee on black and you’ll have better odds and win more consistently.

[@samsterling1462]

It isn't just professional fishing, it's most professional sports to some degree or another. I live and work in Springfield, MO, and my career has given me the opportunity to know several amateur level and minor league athletes. The AA affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals resides in Springfield, and I've heard horror stories from some of their players and staff about how unless you're a big time superstar, you're not making enough to live. There are guys who make the team right out of college who end up couch surfing until they either are signed by the organization, or quit baseball and find a steady paying job. And while it may still be the minor league, the work it takes to even get to that level of playing is rigorous and sacrificial. The BASS tour, being not a big market sport is probably even worse about it than the MLB and MiLB, but to one degree or another, if you pursue that lifestyle, you have to temper your expectations, and understand that in most competitive sports, a very very small percentage of people make a living from it.

[@Fishingwithfaithoutdoors23]

Thank you randy! That’s the best advice I’ve ever gotten from a professional bass fisherman. The cold hard truth! Wish more would talk like this. This is why I like watching tactical Bassein. They can give you pro tips and the best of the best of gear reviews with being mixed up in sponsorship and tournaments. Very true on the social media aspect of it. If a fishing company is going to sponsor a KZbinr or anyone like that then I believe they should fish at least 3-4 major tournaments a year because if KZbinrs like Tyler’s reel fishing and kickentheirbass TV , can get a few hundred dollars from mom and dad , buy a boat and KZbin gear and all the free time in the world and get big time sponsors like strike king and others and never fish a major tournament in their life , that’s a slap in the face to the ones that work hard to get to the top of tournament fishing. But it’s not going away, times have changed and social media has destroyed this nation as we knew it. God bless.

[@catchofthedave8681]

Did you watch the follow-up video??? Some of his sponsors DROPPED HIM FOR MAKING AN HONEST AND HEARTFELT VIDEO!!!!!! He should put the companies on blast who dropped him as a sponsor. We need to know who the companies are that dropped him for making an honest video so we know who not to support and who NOT to spend money with.

[@livingmissourisoutdoor6815]

What happened to “Team Chevy”, Kellogg, Poulan ext.? Has tournament fishing cornered itself into a box? TV will not carry the numbers for a long span, ESPN, ESPN2, Outdoor Channel, TNN and now Fox is giving it a go. Streaming is the only way Tournament coverage survives.

[@LaurenceHoneytoast]

Air it out for all of us to see people are gravitating towards honesty and relate-ability we are here for IT!

[@edwardwicht5271]

I don’t want to do anything that threatens the joy of catching bass. I never started tournament fishing because I thought it would change my focus from fishing to winning. That wouldn’t happen often, if ever. It was the right way to go for me. Time is just making it all the more true.

[@peterlong9629]

The bottom line, brand or no brand, once you get there, to the top tier, you have to catch them to stay there. If your catching and making cuts, your making more money. Winning pays well. Making it to championship sunday, puts a camera in your boat and a bigger paycheck. Catching bass is the key.

[@chrishampton8842]

For most even that may not be enough these days

[@somethin_cool493]

It's priceless when the fisherman realizes he's the sucker on the other end of the pole... $70k+ for a good boat, $5-10k for electronics, rod locker full of high price gear, not to mention all the tackle you think you need to catch fish. Truth is 99.9% of the pros are no better than the guy standing on the bank with his $30 Walmart special rod/reel combo and a handful of bargain price tackle. I've learned more fishing with my 14 year old son and my 13 year old nephew than I ever have from a "pro" gear pusher, and usually they didn't even know what they were doing right when they did it. Good observation and critical thinking skills can be game changing. That guy will be much better off when he realizes the only thing the fishing industry cares about is selling more gear to suckers like him. He should probably stop complaining or give up his career as a pro fisherman. You can't call yourself a pro and then tell everyone how bad it sucks to be one, without expecting some backlash from the sponsors. Honestly, what did he think was going to happen?

[@fishingthe262]

Jacob said in the video, he doesn’t want to do anything besides fish. He hates being on camera and he hates guiding. Why in the hell would a company partner with a guy that doesn’t want to sell?

[@jasonmitchell8211]

Castledine has been talking about this for years. The money is not good.

[@kevinwill8542]

u said it ,u catch fish,u do good,u dont catch fish,u do bad..all major sports leaques same way..u hit 300+ in baseball u get paid..u hit 200 back to minors... people who catch fish continue to make money and get better sponsors ...just the way it is...jmo..not disagreeing with u...scott martin great example...average angler now.great social media..

[@marksmith4539]

Bass Tournaments, The dumbest thing you could do to give away all your money. You want to make a $1 Million dollars fishing Bass tournaments, start with $2 Million. Jacob is an invert, just like myself. We don't have an outgoing personality and want to be in the spotlight and that is what is hurting his Sponsorships. Swindele's days are past him too, but why does he have so many sponsors? His outgoing personality and his Social Media presents. Just ask him, he will tell you that. Jacob would have to win Tournaments or finish in the top ten every tournament to make it and that isn't going to happen, He is going to have to get a job that pays for his living expenses AND his Tournament fishing hobby. it's either a job or a hobby. It all depends on how much you want to work, being a salesman.

[@glenncivale6824]

spot on truth Randy! In fact, I've been a non-pro tx angler for 44 years. It's the most beautiful destructive addiction ever! lol. Now that I'm approaching retirement years, if I could have that money pit in the bank, I'd be very comfortably retired now. Instead, I'm worried about how I can continue angling onward financially. I can't imagine ever going pro in this day and age. It is just a big illusion!

[@winstonrocco1981]

I too have more money than I care to say thrown down the hole.

[@lansemclain6175]

I want to be a professional fisherman. Just got my boat, learning the lake, and want to be a guide.

[@maxcole3930]

That makes sense, your supper bowl analogy I mean. There's definitely to many tournament organizations. I would feel bad about all anglers that would loose their spots as pro anglers but. There should be a single organization, truly only the best top guys should be qualifying & competing.

[@beloskhanania5645]

I'm not even a professional tournament angler and it's a money pit for me. Those damn snags I keep breaking off expensive lures. 😊

[@TheCarhartt1]

Right there with ya!

[@jasonperry5456]

I think he said a total of $7k over two years from sponsors. So $3500 per

[@waynecroslynfishing]

No offense brother but I work 60 hours a week doing concrete Monday thru Friday and fish every chance I get. I don't care how I get there but my dream is to fish the professional level. If you have a dream chase it no matter what

[@scottehrlich6653]

Perfect Randy! I feel for the kid. He needs to hire help with social media and continue to fish well. His comment about not wanting to guide or deal with people isn’t helping. It’s business for sponsors and they told him to get social media turned up. His video from a phone in the wind with train noise tells his current interest for this medium. Your Son’s interpretations through out your videos only tell us how wonderfully patient you’re as a father lol Over

[@ShaneJMcNair]

Randy, I agree , the young anglers need to be educated about the business side of the Professional Level Tournaments. It's not all about fishing anymore. You need the sponsorship dollars to be profitable. Then, with that comes the Tour Pro's responsibility of marketing his brand, so it's a WIN/WIN for both parties. Thank you for sharing...

[@timhall4154]

After i heard him say what he paid in entry fees , i almost choked …that’s crazy .!!!

[@CasualBassGuy]

I’ve got an idea. Don’t fish the Elite series, fish what you can afford and still enjoy fishing, maybe?

[@chrisrhame6364]

Love you comment on being young, with no kids, no girlfriend and being independently wealthy. One of those guys fishing the Opens this year put 700 hours on his engine. I think the time and resources to spend 250 days on the year is as big a reason for this sport getting younger as FFS.

[@gmanadventurer8892]

You can say what you want about the tournament scene and the industry, but there needs to be an Business 101 course for Professional Bass Fishermen. When you go down this path, you aren't an employee of the tournament trail, but an independent contractor. It's not simply about catching fish and winning money, it's alot to do about marketing and making strong business connections, skills that many people, both angler and non-angler just don't have. And like you mentioned, social media is now another piece to the puzzle, it can be a separate money stream or "the" money stream. Many pros I've heard say that their winnings are their "bonuses", they don't depend on them, it's all about sponsor money, but also every other stream of money they can attain.

[@Glock-1]

Those sponsors that dropped him after that video should be boycotted, it’s ridiculous that a man can’t tell the truth about his own career, he said that his boat sponsors and rod and reel sponsors all dropped him that’s ridiculous and he said he has to use his same boat for 2024 season

[@mistertwister1816]

The sponsors themselves are in a dog eat dog world. Who needs his negative attitude affecting their livelihood? They can clearly do better with someone who is less focused on self pity.

[@mitchbennett6019]

@@mistertwister1816telling the truth isn’t self pity… learn the difference

[@mistertwister1816]

@@mitchbennett6019 ​You're presenting a false choice. You can have both the truth and a better attitude, one without self pity, at the same time. You don't have to coat the truth in self pity, as they are entirely separate. If the truth leads to self pity, that's entirely the making of the author. The author presented his sponsors in a terrible light. Learn how to make a point without invoking false choices, as they show a flaw in your logic if you truly believe them.

[@chrishampton8842]

@@mistertwister1816how about his honesty? Sponsors don’t want that either apparently😂

[@chrishampton8842]

@@mistertwister1816😂

[@BassDudeFishn]

Dead on. For the average person to fish the Elite Series you have to have secondary source of income to survive. I have seen other pros have their own businesses so that they are able to fish in tournaments.

[@toddknox685]

Right on. I have noticed that the sport has diminished in interest for many people, especially me.

[@ratbird3290]

Real talk. People don’t like real talk, but Randy gives it to you straight. Got respect that and I don’t think he’s given the angry guy rant either.

[@donaldrogers3448]

I totally agree!! I am a retired public school teacher, and I WOULD NOT advise anyone to go into the education field today. Too little pay based on inflation, too many headaches!! Don

[@TomKirkman1]

Maybe sportfishing shouldn't be something you can.should make a living at. It didn't exist prior to the early 1970's and maybe it's time has come and gone. The technology is quickly outpacing nature's ability to stay one step ahead. Times have changed. Maybe tournament fishing has run its course. Maybe fishing should return to its roots - a pastime for enjoyment.

[@stldavid]

I did one year of tournaments in a local bass fishing club (80 members). It was a lot of money for me to just compete. Entry fees, lodging, GAS, tackle, membership fees, Fridays off of work for practice. It's too much and even if I won every time, I'd just about break even and trust me, I didn't win every time. I'm only a non-boater co-angler. It is fun to compete, but the $$ isn't worth it. I'll just keep fishing for fun and exploring new lakes. There are WAY too many tournaments so I try to fish lakes where tournaments don't really happen and coincidentally, fishing there is much better. Our keeper limit for the tournaments is 15". On the lakes I do fish tournaments, 14" bass are VERY common, so to catch a 15" fish, you have to catch a lot of 14". I really wish there'd be a huge wave of disinterest in fishing to release some of the pressure on the lakes. Or at least, not give out as many tournament permits.

[@dirkwhite9008]

I still love to compete but not in the bass boats anymore got rid of my boat and went to kayak fishing and love it. I don't have the expense and can still compete and have fun bass fishing.

[@KyleKarnes-nb1jl]

Gambling. You are correct. Good video Randy

[@jasonwilson343]

Randy!! Love your channel and wisdom I would never want to be a pro fisherman. I’ve got a great job 5 minutes from the shop and have caught some five pounders this year. Pro fishing sounds good but I’m fine with what I do.

[@ogles824]

I’m retired and have relegated myself to fishing the BFL’s and maybe one Toyota Series or Bassmaster Open a year. I also coach a high school team but I have sponsors to foot the bills for that. Fuel is by far my biggest expense and most of that goes in my tow vehicle not the boat. I remember back in the 80’s and 90’s when fuel hovered around $1.20 a gallon spending $500 a month just for that part alone. That was practicing once or twice a week and then fishing a tournament on the weekends. I don’t fish near that much anymore, can’t afford it. If I’m lucky I’ll hit the water twice a month, not twice a week.

[@centrebassoutdoors4791]

Would like to hear your take on Jacob losing a few sponsors because of his first video which he explains in his second video.

[@savage7477]

He’s absolutely correct!! Have a friend who went to MLF we talked after he did 2yrs. It’s not what he thought it was.

[@carolinagreenhead1]

I watched his video and as a spectator and fan I totally agree. There are so many circuits going now I can't keep up with it anymore. What's worse is this poor guy lost his sponsors because he told the truth of it and talked about the struggles of it. How sad is that?!?!?!

[@joncull2888]

Watch Jacobs interview on BTL prior to his rookie season. He knew what he needed to do and didnt do it. After winning the Carhart College Series you're given a head start into the opens. The entry fees are covered. You get tons of media exposure and doors opened just like Jacob said. Didnt he also take business and advertising in college? He failed to keep his foot on the gas pedal. He made it, took too long of a depth breath and didnt capitalize on his early success. He didnt do what he knew he needed to do now its others fault?

[@chrishampton8842]

He stated clearly he wasn’t a “on camera guy” or a people person so there’s that

[@SpookyRedz]

Hearing this I’m glad it never happened for me , I believe you completely MrRandy , and this is horrible for all PROS

[@vuau3734]

I love your channel and content. Please use a microphone for better sound.

[@1961fireguy]

Boyd blew it up! He will go down in history as the worst thing that happened to pro fishing.

[@VinnyM.92]

One of the best pieces of advice a professional fisherman ever gave me when I asked him how to become a pro fisherman was.. “Don’t.”

[@tonyvieson9194]

I may get some push back on this, but this is an observation I think few are seeing and it actually ties back to my computer gaming days. In a word, FREE Sponsorship. In the gaming world. I cannot tell you the level of competition that exist between gamers with regards to who makes the best components. As a result, displaying your computer rig and what it's built with is a badge of honor and as such. Strong competitive gamers don't get endorsements or free equipment to use one brand over the other. Because at the end of the day, a gamer is hardcore on what he is going to use and does all the advertisement a company needs or wants for free. Well what do you see in the BASS fishing world. Honestly, a lot of the same. Then there is forced advertisement as well. My club went to one of the BASS events in Tennessee a few years back. I believe Toyota was sponsoring the event. Several Anglers are not sponsored or own a Toyota. But because of advertisement rights. Before the boat was pulled around to the stage, each one was hooked up to a Toyota. The Youth Club I assist can't get certain sponsors because there considered a direct competitor of another sponsor. So that sponsor either won't sponsor them or will have a rule stating that there logo can not be on the same jersey as there competitor. Then there is the limit of sponsorship. If some local tackle shop is sponsoring you or providing you a discount back in your home town. You'd never know it, because what can and cannot be on the Jersey is set. If there are rules of who can and can't sponsor you. Why would my company sponsor you only to be denied the ability to display my sponsorship on your jersey or boat, but also display my competitors name because of some rule or advertising rights. When you are the talent essentially helping to sell there product. Why are they telling you what you can and can't do while also providing you no benefit. I have also heard of people paying to be a part of certain companies pro staff in order to get discounts. Now explain the logic there. I'm paying you to get a discount. Think of all the KZbin channels or amateur guys who aren't sponsored by Garmin, but they are going to point out. You can see on my live scope this pocket of fish right here. I'm throwing a KVD blah blah blah bait to try and get them to react using a Shimano blah blah blah combo. Are they sponsored by any of the companies they mentioned in the video, no. But each one just got a name drop. AKA, FREE ADVERTISING.

[@jamesmims5850]

My thing is there is no such thing as a professional angler. If you have to pay to play/ go to work you are not a pro. Pro gets paid to go play. It’s more like gambling for pro level fishing. That’s what I’m seeing.