Being a tournament fisherman means a lot of things to different people. Some people equate it to a life of shooting TV shows in glamorous venues, having money stuffed into your pockets from sponsors, a year round suntan and a playboy’s life. Nothing could be further from the truth for 99% of serious tournament level anglers.
A good day on tour.
For tournament anglers, it is an everyday struggle to chase a dream which may never materialize. There is a full blown business behind the pure joy of the sport. A lucky tournament angler often makes a microscopic splash on the scene in the short term just to fade away after they run out of funds or quit due to lack of future success. Like any professional level sport, not everyone makes it. Even some of the most elite talents may not succeed for a variety of reasons.
One item the casual observer may not understand is the beating your body takes in tough conditions. Most anglers stay home when there is a 40 mph North wind with heavy rain. The constant beating which the body endures has lead to many early retirements of top notched anglers.
A few weeks back, we endured those conditions, with six foot waves breaking over the top of the Mercury motor into the back of the boat. A small craft advisory for boats less than 30 feet long was issued on the Bay of Green Bay by the National Weather Service. We ventured out in our 20 footer for an up close version of the Deadliest Catch. Yes, we paid to have this type of fun that most sportsmen would avoid like the plague. My partner was sidelined for nearly two days after the event.
No matter what your level of ability, you have to enjoy the sport if you want to become successful. Every professional level angler needs to cut their teeth without sponsorship, without teammates and with bedbug ridden- hotel rooms until they win consistently. Truth is, until you earn the confidence of sponsors, other established anglers, and financial backers….the only one you can count on is yourself.
If your dream is to become a professional level angler….I say follow your dream. Build a five year plan on how you plan to break into the tour. Have an exit strategy should your plans go off course. Be prepared for the daily rejection from potential sponsors and business partners. Remember, you are just one of a thousand other anglers asking for their support.
If you truly have passion for what you are doing, it will not seem like work, but rather a calling. Pursue your dreams, with the expectations of a highway full of speed bumps. I suggest having some aspirin handy, along with a bottle of champagne for your ultimate arrival. My champagne has yet to be uncorked, but my aspirin bottles have been refilled many times.
