The license is just a permit fee paid to the govt for just about everything we do.

I dont make a living off of fishing. Or any money for that matter. I do pay what the govt collects from every purchase of all hunting, fishing and outdoor gear. And I actually pay for all that with my money.

I really wouldn't be interested in what he donates. BTW Fisherdad58, you didn't answer Doug R.'s question about how much you donate.

So, how much? Since you started this line I am interested in your contributions. Whether you make a living on fishing or not is inconsequential to me. I'd like a percentage and actual amounts listed. And if you could itemize, that would be nice.

Great, thanks!

What? Why would that be any of our business? Are you suggesting that question just out of curiosity, or because you think he "owes" something?

Lol so do you donate some of your paycheck back to your work because they provide you with a platform to make a living?

Ask him about how he went about gaining needed sponsorship to fish professionally. I believe he came up through the bass federation but after that did sponsors come to him or did he have to go out and basically apply for them like you would a job.

Apologies to ChasinBass... I must have struck a nerve with some here that caused a hijacking, but yes I would sincerely be interested in whether Mr. Palaniuk, or any of the pros that have made thousands or even millions of $$$ off of a sport played on public waters chasing after a public resource. Are any of them being responsible enough citizens to give back any portion of their good fortune. Surely there are some, hopefully many that have.

I'll try to answer some of you guys concerns here though

RayBob...I really don't care about his personal wealth or how much he might donate, but for myself it would be ridiculous to try and break it down over 40 years. My donations for the past 5 years, in form of tax paid to WSFR Programs is, just off the top of my head, $10/rod unless imported it's up to 9%, 10% on all other tackle, taxes on boating gear and so forth, with just what I've accumulated would be about $2000. That's just for fishing gear. We have all paid our share and I personally am glad to pay it if any portion of it gets put to use toward sustaining the resource that supports the sport.

M.Alexander...Again I don't really care the amount, but I would think any civic minded person would want to pitch in to help improve the resource that has given them their good fortune. If for no other reason but to perpetuate their livelihood. It doesn't matter if its time, money or whatever.

Jake...you bet I donated back to my employer for 35 years of service in the form of productivity and profits from my labor. That's the way it is when you work for a private company.
It doesn't matter to me how he got there. HeII I spent thousands in tuition fees to get my job and years working my way up the ladder and nobody else paid a dime for it.

I hope this helps make some sense of my point and I hope the question is asked of Mr Palaniuk or anybody that's making big money fishing.