What does Pro really mean?

VJ · Post by VJ » Tue Apr 27, 2010 10:39 am

I have a question. What defines a Pro from an Am? Also if you fish Pro Teams how can one partner fish as Pro and the other sign up as a Am? I am new to Pro Ams and this just didn't make to much sense to me, so if someone could clarify it for me that would be great Thanks.

Steve · Post by **Steve** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 11:13 am

Best I can tell it means you have the money and the boat to enter as a Pro, and thats pretty much it.

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 11:23 am

you write a bigger check when you sign up.

2ndsuks · Post by **2ndsuks** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 11:23 am

Pro means you spend more money on your entry fee, you generally fish against a better group of anglers and the biggest thing is, you have no one to blame if you don't get um.

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 11:31 am

Doesn't the term "Pro" come from Proffesion???

I would say that a True "Pro", fishes for a living....

Pretty simple...

Guys that can stroke a check and fish what they want are not considered Pro's in my book. They can just afford to loose money at will, and wear pretty shirts...

whazup · Post by **whazup** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 11:32 am

So the only prerequisite is $$$$ ? That's disappointing. I figured they knew more than me...lol

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 11:32 am

bigbass111 wrote:Doesn't the term "Pro" come from Proffesion???

I would say that a True "Pro", fishes for a living....

Pretty simple...

Guys that can stroke a check and fish what they want are not considered Pro's in my book. They can just afford to loose money at will, and wear pretty shirts...

well you got pros... and you got "good" pros

bigbass111 · Post by **bigbass111** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 11:39 am

True, just like some doctors make more than others....It's the same way in every proffesion.

Some Good, Some Bad...

Some just look Good too....nothing else..

JustinD · Post by **JustinD** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 12:11 pm

Means more *** kissing and sponsor stroking....BT.

Oldschool · Post by **Oldschool** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 12:32 pm

Anyone can be a professional bass angler, however the amatuer is limited to how much money they can earn. There is no limit to the money a pro can loose.
The pro in pro-am gets to run the boat and fish from the pointed end.
Tom

N.A.R · Post by **N.A.R** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 1:19 pm

A pro is the guy in the boat with the balls to do what 90% of the other guys want to do.....
A pro is the reason why the am is on the water to fish that specific event
He is basically just the boat owner

fish_food · Post by **fish_food** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 1:33 pm

N.A.R wrote:A pro is the guy in the boat with the balls to do what 90% of the other guys want to do.....

Yes, it does take a certain amount of fortitude to wear all manner of silly patches on your "uniform" and to have the same treatment applied to your truck!

rickd · Post by **rickd** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 1:36 pm

I believe that if an armature wins too much money in a year they are pretty much forced to fish pro anymore right? I think the limit is something like 3-5K in a calendar year?

Mike Phua · Post by **Mike Phua** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 1:59 pm

What defines a Pro from an Am? Is this a serious question? Because the way you ask this and they way some of the clowns on here are answering the question (including my friends John aka some guy and Justin bigbass111) implies that both people competing are at the same level of experience in fishing.

This question comes up atleast once a year and you get the normal answer................"The entry Fee" yah guys thats all that's different. lol

All you guys should show up at the next Pro Am all the guys in the Pro division are amateurs with more money so it should be like taking candy from a baby!

upriverLMB · Post by **upriverLMB** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 2:01 pm

Any title that includes team is a joke to include Pro

jsoregon · Post by **jsoregon** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 2:09 pm

Pro's are people like Joe Uribe.

Amature's are people like Danny Uribe.

Super Heros...are people like Phua.

(just sturring the pot boys...lol!)

JustinD · Post by **JustinD** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 2:12 pm

I NEVER said anything about the entry fees or the prowless of a PRO....thats half the battle. The other half is the b.s. (IMHO) that comes along with sponsorship and PRO status. I mean if someone makes a good product and you use it and they supply you with it for free or a discounted price then why not plug them.....And trust me pro's blank as well as amatuers.

Mike Phua · Post by **Mike Phua** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 2:15 pm

I'd rather be a super hero than a Super Churro! lol MP

Phil · Post by **Phil** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 2:53 pm

fish_food wrote:
N.A.R wrote:A pro is the guy in the boat with the balls to do what 90% of the other guys want to do.....
Yes, it does take a certain amount of fortitude to wear all manner of silly patches on your "uniform" and to have the same treatment applied to your truck!

No, A Pro is the one who has the balls to take out a am in his boat, to have him trash it, eat and spill drink and cigarette ashes all over his boat, listen to him bitch all day about this and that; and not help pay him for the use of his boat at the end of the day ! (An not just his S&%T about it and keeps his cool, thats a professional Pro. He has respect for the conservation and other anglers around him.

My .02

VJ · Post by VJ » Tue Apr 27, 2010 3:05 pm

Ok well my point for writing this wasnt to get only the Ams opinions i was wondering how the Pro's Felt and my biggest concern is having Pro's sign up as Am and fish with other Pro's. This isnt fair to me or any other with a real Pro and Am. That what I meant when i said what defines a Pro in the Rules, or are there any rules?

Oh yea Phil dont speak for all Ams cuz i dont smoke, spill drinks or bitch all day. I try to fish to the best of my ability and learn as much as i can from the PRO in the front of the Boat.

Phil · Post by **Phil** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 3:12 pm

VJ wrote:Ok well my point for writing this wasnt to get only the Ams opinions i was wondering how the Pro's Felt and my biggest concern is having Pro's sign up as Am and fish with other Pro's. This isnt fair to me or any other with a real Pro and Am. That what I meant when i said what defines a Pro in the Rules, or are there any rules?

Oh yea Phil dont speak for all Ams cuz i dont smoke, spill drinks or bitch all day. I try to fish to the best of my ability and learn as much as i can from the PRO in the front of the Boat.

I'm sure you do and apologize to any am's that take it personal, just venting on my bad experiences of which have been every one. And, well ?

Thank you
Phil

blkdog812 · Post by **blkdog812** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 4:06 pm

pro is the one who can afford the money to spend on the boat, fuel, time and expenses to fish tournaments. whether they are a good fisherman or not.
am is the one who want to be a pro fisherman but cant afford the expenses of a pro, is too cheap to be a pro, or is starting out fishing tournaments.
just an observation and my .02 cents

TannerS · Post by **TannerS** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 4:35 pm

"Pro" means that you make like 5000 dollars a year or more.

VJ · Post by VJ » Tue Apr 27, 2010 4:39 pm

I dont agree completly blkdog not that i cant afford to be a pro, but i know i should not compete at that level wasting my time and the Ams time. Someone that signs up as a Pro should be able to find fish consistently and be a positive influence to the sport.

CN · Post by CN » Tue Apr 27, 2010 5:00 pm

I would say when it's your sole income and yes that would include sponser's.

leachman90 · Post by **leachman90** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 5:16 pm

Phil wrote:
VJ wrote:Ok well my point for writing this wasnt to get only the Ams opinions i was wondering how the Pro's Felt and my biggest concern is having Pro's sign up as Am and fish with other Pro's. This isnt fair to me or any other with a real Pro and Am. That what I meant when i said what defines a Pro in the Rules, or are there any rules?

Oh yea Phil dont speak for all Ams cuz i dont smoke, spill drinks or bitch all day. I try to fish to the best of my ability and learn as much as i can from the PRO in the front of the Boat.
I'm sure you do and apologize to any am's that take it personal, just venting on my bad experiences of which have been every one. And, well ?
Thank you
Phil

Thanks for the further responce Phil because your answer did hit a nerve with me. I guess there would be no need for us ams if ALL the "pros" could be trusted not too cheat? What other reason is there to have us in the boat? And to me there are def different levels of being a "pro" fisherman. You can look the FLW tour and see that there are guys that fish that tour just because they have the money to do so with what seems like no expectations of winning. Maybe to them it is just being out there with the guysthat makes it worth it to them.Then you have your "pro's" that want to take it to another level. That being either to a tour level,regional level or to some how make a part ime or full time living at it. These are the guys that are knocking down doors for support or other ways to stay on the water and better their craft. These guys eat,drink and sleep bass fishing every moment of the day. And trust me there are plenty of ams out there that could fish as a pro but for some reasons they choose to stay ams. Pat Wilson would be the 1st that comes to my mind. I love fishing as a am but I do plan on fishing the other end of the boat some day. The main regret I have is that I started this game very in my life. I have only been out here since 2004. And being poor I do not have boat yet. But hopefully after I win my 1st boat I won't have to wait too long to join some of you at th pointy end.

RougeBass · Post by **RougeBass** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 5:34 pm

My 2 cents is being a Pro is all about attitude. That is the bottom line. I have fished with the "Best in the West" and we have gotten spanked. And I fished with an AM who stepped up and fished as a Pro so his buddy could get into a tourny and cashed a check. When I get off the back deck at the end of the day regardless of what is in the live well, if I can say to myself I had a fun time and fished with a nice guy I know I drew a good Pro.

And Phil I think you are talking about very small percentage of AMs. And if everyone of your Pro/Ams has been that way I think you need to give them up. I really think you are out of line on that comment.

blkdog812 · Post by **blkdog812** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 5:40 pm

vj, there are so call pro's out there that are not good fisherman, yet they still sign up and fish the pro side. its their money so not let them fish.
the only one that will be hurt is those am's that draw them in a pro am and go for the boat rides. my .02 cents

fish_food · Post by **fish_food** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 5:46 pm

Phil wrote:
fish_food wrote:
N.A.R wrote:A pro is the guy in the boat with the balls to do what 90% of the other guys want to do.....
Yes, it does take a certain amount of fortitude to wear all manner of silly patches on your "uniform" and to have the same treatment applied to your truck!
No, A Pro is the one who has the balls to take out a am in his boat, to have him trash it, eat and spill drink and cigarette ashes all over his boat, listen to him bitch all day about this and that; and not help pay him for the use of his boat at the end of the day ! (An not just his S&%T about it and keeps his cool, thats a professional Pro. He has respect for the conservation and other anglers around him.

My .02

Yep--you not only have to endure all of the above you're also obligated to festoon patches all over yourself like a walking billboard. Do you prefer the all around practical utility of a jumpsuit or the minimalist beauty of a vest?

upriverLMB · Post by **upriverLMB** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 5:52 pm

ASD · Post by **ASD** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 5:54 pm

robertthornton · Post by **robertthornton** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 8:30 pm

bigbass111 wrote:Doesn't the term "Pro" come from Proffesion???

I would say that a True "Pro", fishes for a living....

Pretty simple...

Guys that can stroke a check and fish what they want are not considered Pro's in my book. They can just afford to loose money at will, and wear pretty shirts...

Hit that one on the head.

bss_hunter · Post by **bss_hunter** » Tue Apr 27, 2010 11:32 pm

Pro means guys like skeet, dobyns and vandam. sorry wannabe pros, but just because you have the money to buy a boat and an engine with a high number on it doesn't mean u could hang with those guys....lol

Hipster · Post by **Hipster** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 3:48 am

No, A Pro is the one who has the balls to take out a am in his boat, to have him trash it, eat and spill drink and cigarette ashes all over his boat, listen to him bitch all day about this and that; and not help pay him for the use of his boat at the end of the day ! (An not just his S&%T about it and keeps his cool, thats a professional Pro. He has respect for the conservation and other anglers around him.

My .02

Phil, aka Jigs if you are such a Pro how come I see you ask some of the dumbest fishing questions on here and that other forum. Your statement is way out of line. Yes I have fished both sides Pro and Am!!!

Take this for what it is worth!!

Hipster · Post by **Hipster** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 3:51 am

No, A Pro is the one who has the balls to take out a am in his boat, to have him trash it, eat and spill drink and cigarette ashes all over his boat, listen to him bitch all day about this and that; and not help pay him for the use of his boat at the end of the day ! (An not just his S&%T about it and keeps his cool, thats a professional Pro. He has respect for the conservation and other anglers around him.

My .02

Phil, aka Jigs if you are such a Pro how come I see you ask some of the dumbest fishing questions on here and that other forum. Your statement is way out of line. Yes I have fished both sides Pro and Am!!!

Take this for what it is worth!!

some guy · Post by **some guy** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 5:08 am

Mike Phua wrote:What defines a Pro from an Am? Is this a serious question? Because the way you ask this and they way some of the clowns on here are answering the question (including my friends John aka some guy and Justin bigbass111) implies that both people competing are at the same level of experience in fishing.

This question comes up atleast once a year and you get the normal answer................"The entry Fee" yah guys thats all that's different. lol All you guys should show up at the next Pro Am all the guys in the Pro division are amateurs with more money so it should be like taking candy from a baby!

yeah you are right Mike.. thats all it takes. I dont know the difference from the big guns and the peanut gallery.

See you at the next one. Have some popcorn ready.

Phil · Post by **Phil** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 5:36 am

Hipster wrote:
No, A Pro is the one who has the balls to take out a am in his boat, to have him trash it, eat and spill drink and cigarette ashes all over his boat, listen to him bitch all day about this and that; and not help pay him for the use of his boat at the end of the day ! (An not just his S&%T about it and keeps his cool, thats a professional Pro. He has respect for the conservation and other anglers around him.

My .02
Phil, aka Jigs if you are such a Pro how come I see you ask some of the dumbest fishing questions on here and that other forum. Your statement is way out of line. Yes I have fished both sides Pro and Am!!!

Take this for what it is worth!!

Hey Hippie, I am no Pro, never have claimed to be, the few times I have helped out a pro am tournament director, was so an am could fish, I was crapped on, my experience. Also, questions asked on this site and others is for information to pass along to less fortunate people that have no internet and want me to ask questions. For future reference, I will stop and let the likes of you and yours have it for themselves, I really don't need it.
Thank you and goodbye, have a nice day. Take it for what it is worth,

Guess it was my bad for even trying to comment on this site, won't make that mistake again for sure !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ash · Post by **ash** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 5:36 am

N.A.R wrote:A pro is the guy in the boat with the balls to do what 90% of the other guys want to do.....
A pro is the reason why the am is on the water to fish that specific event
He is basically just the boat owner

So having the "Balls" makes one a professional? I agree a professional is one that makes a living in that chosen profession. Business license, marketing, etc.... the pro the in the pro am really just = they are willing to risk more money on the pro side and at times get a greater return when they do cash a check. But really anyone with a boat and a blank check is a "Pro" in these pro ams.

Hipster · Post by **Hipster** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 6:40 am

Phil,

Back up take a deep breath and re-read your post, you insinuated that all am's stiff their pro, crap on thier boat etc. etc. etc. I simply replied back that seemed odd coming from you as you seem to post some weird stuff why this statement?

I thought you statement was out of line, and I stated that.
I did not attack you!!! GEEZ

Smitty · Post by **Smitty** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 7:31 am

If you cant qualify to fish Rookie Leagues or Future Pro then you must be a Pro. That should make it easy enough.

As far as the funny jerseys etc...some people have to wear them in order to receive free product, discounted product, entry fees, or in rare cases endorsement dollars. I see as many "sponsored am's
" at regional pro ams as "sponsored pro's". Isnt this just a reflection of a capitalistic society? I am sure some of you have nicer cars, better houses, nicer clothes etc...Well some fisherman have better sponsors, nicer boats, better gear whatever.

Get over the jealousy part about who has the money and who doesnt. Unless you were born into serious wealth, the guys that are paying there way worked hard and sacrificed alot in order to have the money to try and live the dream.

Most am's dont trash your stuff, dont stiff you for gas, and fish hard. Most pro's spend time prefishing, time working on their game (new techniques, baits, electronics, lake knowledge etc...)

In a time when the amount of participants sucks, we shouldnt be spending time bashing those that participate on either end of the boat, and figure out how to get more Am's moving to the front, and new entrants into the non pro ranks.

Maybe all the regional pro am's should just change the names to Draw Tournament with Boater and Non Boater divisions.

Sorry for the soap box speech but lets get over all this status crap and go fish.
Smitty

scott h · Post by **scott h** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 7:49 am

The true definition of a pro is one who is first of all professional on and off the water, Handles him or herself in a presentable manner and thinks things through, has ample time to spend in preparation for the tournnaments he or she commits to fish giving themselves and co angler partners the best possible chance to suceed.Fishing on the pro side is much more expensive but having the money is only one requirement in the big picture, Things that define a pro should be more like safety,boat handling skills,mechanical fishing skills, seasonal knowledge of the quarry being pursued, and ability to communicate effeciently.
The am side of things well there could be alot of reasons to fish on the am side finances are definately a factor, it is alot less expensive to fish am and you dont have to tow a boat basically you can show up and fish. When I fished on the am side it was to aquire knowledge and expand my diversity and learn as much as possible. Tight lines, Scott h.

rickd · Post by **rickd** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 7:54 am

Well said Smitty.

Mike Phua · Post by **Mike Phua** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 8:11 am

Making the decision to fish the Pro Divsion is a big step for many people. I know it was for me. I started in a bass club then fished as a Co angler then and at the same time made my way into Team Tournaments. As I hit a milestone or a goal in my fishing I steadily progressed to the next level. In 2006 is the first year I decided to start entering tournaments as a Pro. I felt that my ability to find fish and put together patterns was at a level above amateur level.

The transition from Am to Pro is a big one. Especially in a shared weight setting. There's alot of pressure on the Pro to produce or turn their "Pre-fish" into actual Weight. I know my first tournament I was a little nervous because I remember all the thoughts that would go through my mind when I drew a Pro who said he was on them only to come up empty handed. All you can do as an Am is smile and say hey man go get em tomorrow.

Aside from just being labeled a "Wanna Be Pro" here are some other responsibilities that lie on the Pro.

Finding out what the fish are actually doing. "What stage are they in?" What kind of structure are they on? How Deep are they? This is called establishing a Pattern. Something that can be duplicated all around the lake with the same consistency.

Boat positioning........this seems kind of elementary but trust me I've fished with plenty of people who don't have a clue what this means. Understanding how to approach an area, how to work it, and understanding whats really there is something that doesn't really come easy to some people.

Learning new water. Fishing a circuit with lakes on it that you've never been to before is a challenge in itself. My first trip to the Columbia River was disastrous. I finished in the bottom of the Pack. Everything looks the same. Pro's with more experience on river systems really shined in that tournament and that's something I'm working on.

Safety: As a Pro it is our responsibility to make sure we all get back in one piece to our families. Sounds easy? Nothing easy driving on Lake Mead in 8 footers. Let alone trying to fish in that mess is a whole other article.

So when are you ready to become a Pro? Some people do it after having several bad draws as an Am. Some people do it cause they have the money to do it and Some people worked their way up to it. I turned Pro when I was comfortable with my abilities to perform the above. I set goals in my fishing and as they were reached I set new ones. As a fisherman you should always be learning, especially after bad days and bad tournaments. We all have them but the key is to minimize those bad days and bad tournaments to a point where you achieve a little bit of success. I hope this point of View from a "Wanna Be Pro" helps understand what is required to do well from the pointy end. MP

kb · Post by kb » Wed Apr 28, 2010 8:11 am

Smitty that was a really good post!

I swear I have been sitting on my hands trying to not respond to this one but here goes......

VJ there are several opportunities coming up in the next few months with some great pro-ams on the schedule. If you really feel you aren't sure where your fishing skills will put you then jump in one of the pro-ams, maybe a shared weight event as an am, co, triple AAA or whatever they call them and come on out and fish.

Take the entire experience in and form your opinion. It may take more than one event, chances are you will want it to take more than one once your done. When you get to the event take the time at the pairings, boat ramp, hotel, tackle store etc and talk to so of the guys that you recognize, have seen in magazines, heard their name etc... Tell them you are there to fish as a co angler, ask them if they have any tips that may help ya, you will be suprised how many really great guys you will meet.

There have been so many articles and forum posts about what you should and shouldn't do in the boat that we really don't need to go into that. I am sorry that Jigs has drawn "that guy" but I consider myself lucky to not have had him in over 20 years and in fishing way more pro-ams than the majority of the guys that have quite a negative attitude about pro's on this post. I can count on one hand the number of times I have been stiffed on gas or ever had my boat trashed, so many times they leave the boat cleaner than when they get in it that morning.

It is a shame that a few of the guys on here have such an opinion of the pro's fishing in today's events. Yes some are sponsored, some are trying to be and some never will be, each and every one of them have made sacrafices to do this, it is their choice and no nobody is making them. Each and every one of us that bass fish has had their fish catching experience in tournaments or fun fishing improved by the baits and techniques that have come from the pro's boats over the years. Need some examples??? Flippin comes to mind, Bobby Garland and the gitzit and spider jig, split shotting, Senko's, the frog, drop shotting, punching and yea swimbaits. All of these have started so many improvements in rods, reels, hooks, line, weights etc...and all of them have come from the decks of boats from the pro's across the country, some regional and some the biggest names in the sport.

If you are a pro angler and you are still wearing a jumpsuit, or a vest filled with patches let me take the time to introduce you to the new sublaminate jerseys that you can wear to promote your sponsors and the companies products you use. Sorry guys but for some of us that do have a list of sponsors they are partners with us, there are many levels of support and yes there are some time consuming obligations at times to keep these relationships. It is part of the job but for most of you that want to claim it is all patches and promoting a product you don't use and BS......how do you know if you have never done it or had the sponsors......if you have maybe you did it wrong. With todays economy there are still anglers getting support and the road for new anglers is pretty rough but not impossible.

There are a few of us out here that make their living one way or another from the fishing industry here in CA but the number is pretty small actually.

VJ I hope you don't form your opinion from some of the guys here that have taken the liberty of bashing the professional anglers when I couldn't tell you the last time I saw them in the weigh in line.

Yes in some of the pro am events there are the "professional amatuers" that continue to fish the co-angler side. Are they better than alot of the other guys? you bet! Some of those guys have a traveling arrangement to split the costs with a pro, get to practice with them and learn...they have paid the dues usually in that traveling arrangement. Many of these guys have stepped up from the back seat as well over the years and are pretty tough to beat on the pointy end, how about guys like Justin Lucas, Zack Thompson, Cody Meyer and yea even that other Reese, Jimmy!!!!

I wish you could sit down with guys like Mike Reynolds, Bill Townsend, Big Jim Davis, Greg Guiterrez, RJ Bennett, Gary D, Zack Thompson, Brent Ehrler or even some of the guys that have paved the roads like Dee, Don Payne, Dave Nollar, Jim Lyons, Pat Clement, Pat Donoho or Mike Folkstad and ask "what does pro really mean". They would likely give you a different response than you have gotten so far.

Hope to see you next month at one of the pro-ams fishing on either side...............

kb

Greg H · Post by **Greg H** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 8:21 am

This is a loaded question for sure. I see few different types of professional anglers.

1. Those who fish full time and have no other employment
2. Those who fish part time and have other income
3. Those who fish just because they have the time and $

I would consider anyone who does more than just fish to be a professional angler. He or she would be fishing tournaments, preparing for those tournaments, working for sponsors, actively seeking new sponsors, educating other anglers, educating himself/herself in better ways to promote the products they represent, have a web page and always use the proper etiquette when on the water in a tournament or not.

To me being a professional angler is more about the business side of things than the fishing side. Conducting ones self in a professional manner. I would not consider those that fish just because they have the time and money to be a professional angler.

That's just my $.02 worth

I like MP's post you can tell he approaches things as a professional angler should!!!!

VJ · Post by VJ » Wed Apr 28, 2010 8:28 am

Thanks for all the Replies to this Forums I Love to see the involvement. Just so everyone knows i fished the Shasta Pro Am and loved it, the Pros I got paired up with were great and the Pro i signed up with is Great. I learned a lot, and who wouldn't pass up a chance to fish for 4 days. Hope everyone stays friends and good luck in the future.

Phil · Post by **Phil** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 8:38 am

Hipster wrote:Phil,

Back up take a deep breath and re-read your post, you insinuated that all am's stiff their pro, crap on thier boat etc. etc. etc. I simply replied back that seemed odd coming from you as you seem to post some weird stuff why this statement?

I thought you statement was out of line, and I stated that.
I did not attack you!!! GEEZ

Like I meant to say and only meant to say and it did not come out that way I suppose, It was only my experience twice, left a bad taste in my mouth. Sorry. And yes there is a ton of great AM's out there. (Including me haha) Thanks
Jigs

VJ · Post by VJ » Wed Apr 28, 2010 9:49 am

Thanks Scott, Smitty, Mike, And Kb great replies and anyone else that put some thought into it. See everyone at Clear Lake on the 13th to the 16th should be a great bag.

fish_food · Post by **fish_food** » Wed Apr 28, 2010 2:46 pm

kb wrote:If you are a pro angler and you are still wearing a jumpsuit, or a vest filled with patches let me take the time to introduce you to the new sublaminate jerseys that you can wear to promote your sponsors and the companies products you use.

Real pros don't need to wear ultra-modern dye sublimated jerseys. A patch-adorned jumpsuit or vest works just fine to distinguish the pros from weekend warriors.

You probably liked those silly epaulets that were so in fashion on fishing uniforms not so long ago! Jumpsuits, that's where its at.

bss_hunter · Post by **bss_hunter** » Thu Apr 29, 2010 7:17 am

Mike phua, my "wannabe pro" comment certainly wasn't aimed at u. I agree with what smitty said about pros having to sacrafice things to fish.

What I'm really trying to say is bass fishing will never reach the levels that other sports reach because in order to participate in a bass tournament u need money PERIOD. Am or boater it doesn't matter u both pay.

To me this makes it way less about ability and more about having the resources to compete.

Imagine if it was like that in the nba, you had to pay an entry fee for each game.....do u think guys would be playing at the same level they are today???? hell no

it'd be a bunch of rich white guys playing.....kinda like bass fishing lol

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