$18K on 20 Tournaments since 2012. That's starving to death range.

what is going on

We've reached the point of diminishing returns. Due solely to the collapse in U.S. energy prices. Low fuel prices only benefit our economy to a point. The pendulum then swings backward and negatively impacts every sector of our economy with ties to petroleum.

Pretty sure most here can figure out 'the rest of the story'.

As oil prices go, so do sponsorships. Add to that a Fed that is foaming at the mouth for enough positives to raise interest rates, and u have your answer. The underlying support isn't deep enough for all but the very, VERY best.

Bass needs to stop diluting the payouts and stop paying past 20 spots or so. Paying down to 50th is ridiculous.

Hate to see it but seriously

If I fish a hundred man tournament does
35th really deserve a check?

Don't they give participation ribbons for stuff like that
1:5 if not 1:4 is the real life payout

In tournament fishing someone has to lose, and that someone will be losing money. Can't continue to compete with out money.

Not sure what oil prices have to do with it. I think 20 tournaments, 5 in the money with 18th as best place has everything to do with it. Maybe he just isn't good enough to be a PRO.

There are a lot of check chasers in the Elite Series. If they dropped the payout to 1:5, there would probably only be 55-60 guys out there doing it.

That's what the number needs to be. 60 tops.

I think that's a good number too. Same primary sponsorship money going to fewer anglers would make it financially better for those 60, in addition to making those 60 positions more "elite". The competition to get in that 60 would be fierce and only the best would make it.

There's another one that will be backing out too if he doesn't cash a check this next tourney.

There is really nothing easy about making a living fishing as a tournament pro. Last year I cashed 5 checks, and with sponsorships, barely got by. I have always said there are two points in life that make sense to fish these. First, when you are very young, and can live on ramen noodles and sleep in the back of your truck 200 days out of the year. Second, when you have stashed your retirement, paid everything off, and financially well off.

You can make a good living fishing. But you will need to defy the odds.

As for the payouts, I see why they pay 50 spots. It takes several years to gain the experience on the lakes and put yourself in a position to win. Without that, it would be extremely difficult for a new guy to break into the tour.

I do it because I love fishing tournaments and fishing them at the top level is an experience I did not want to pass up. I will likely do it as long as I physically can, and as long as I continue to enjoy it.

I like watching these guys compete on tv but its not I job I would want, FLW just lost another one as well.

I don't like limiting it really... I mean if you qualify, and Kotex sponsors you to the point u can afford it... I'd rather see them out there... More people means more competition. When you have a really limited number it makes for its own competition, I like to keep the fresh blood in and make people have to do more.