When I was younger, I wanted to be a professional bass fisherman on the Bassmaster Elite Series. I wanted nothing more than to fish for a living and be looked up to by many. I wanted brand deals, sponsorships, boats, trucks, and all the newest gear. I wanted all the glamour without knowing the all the hardships of the pro tour.
When people think of being a pro fisherman, they see everything I said earlier plus the bass. I hate to break it to you, but it's not all it's cracked up to be. There is a lot of work involved that you may not see. Communicating with sponsors, trying to get sponsors in the first place, early mornings, any number of things that can ruin your day on the water. It is not all sunshine and rainbows.
If you listen to any podcasts on pro fishing, you will know what I'm talking about. These pro anglers go through a lot to even get to the Elite Series and BPT. Many of these guys have to work second job to be able to do this.
I don't post this to try and kill your dreams of being a pro fisherman. Just know it is not everything it looks like on the outside. Sure there are many great parts of it. People get to know you, you get to FISH FOR A LIVING. If that's not awesome, I know what is. If anything, there are two sides to every coin.
This blog post is a bit shorter, but none the less, I hope you enjoyed it, and maybe even learned something. As always, Love the Adventure!
- Paul Hoffman