I fall into the category of "Pro Staff" and here is my $0.02

As Ken Said there are many levels of "pro staff" and also as he said keep in mind that the "pro" is for Promotional. Companies offer discounts on products or free stuff in return for advertising.

I personally 100% disagree that there is a shortage of companies who will be good sponsors, go on YouTube or go to an event and read Jerseys and see the 100's of different companies including a ton of non fishing related ones that contribute to our sport.

As far as "the top local guys cannot obtain legitimate sponsorships to be able to try to go pro", I would say more often then not guys aren't getting sponsors for winning local tournaments then trying to "Go Pro". Your missing a few steps there. The "Tour Pro" is on a National level. Next if the local angler is winning enough at the local level he should be able to save enough money to compete in the next level, which would be the BFL. Then he can continue to move up the chain towards being a full time pro.

Bottom line: A Tour Pro is the person who is not only a great fisherman, but has decided that he will make whatever sacrifices he has to in pursuit of his dream. Its a hard dream to follow and dreams don't always come true, its not for everyone. I don't think "Pro Staffers" are hurting the sport, by promoting products and bringing more people and revenue into the industry.
Start winning tournaments and you will start getting sponsors.

I think you said it

It is for the wealthy. Most of the rest are wasting their time and money. The wealthy just have more time and money to waste.

Funny, I can't name 10 weekend warriors who would care.

Some people look really stupid (in my opinion) and do not realize it, but at the end of the day that is their choice. Why ask why, drink Bud Dry

Basically yes.

IMO - the bass fishing/bass boat/engine/tackle industry including big tournament organizations are able to tap into a revenue stream fueled by male bass fisherman's psyche and their desire to live their dream to fish for living. Problem is for by far the most the dream can become a nightmare with the high costs unless they're wealthy. $100K boats plus a tow vehicle plus $100K/yr for expenses, etc. to fish pro & major qualifying circuits for the other guy's entry fees,

The industry is refocusing some of their revenue stream development by encouraging and tapping into that psyche by the industries involvement in tournament angling for the younger high school/college age anglers while at same time throwing major circuit co-anglers over the side. More young impressionable guys will become starry-eyed and go deep into debt and sacrifice some of their future to try and live the dream perpetuated by the industry.

Haha, how do you think junk fishing got started

Good article written by Bass Master Elite Pro and bait company owner John Crews on this very subject:

https://www.bassmaster.com/john-crews/different-perspective-sponsorships-part-1

Lotta solid points here

exactly

I recently got into the pro staff category and landed Whataburger. It was easy. I stopped in and purchased a burger and they gave me "free" ketchup. Since it was free, I am thinking they are my main sponsor right now.

I think I made the Senior Whataburger Pro Staff. Stop in there after coming off the lake and get a free drink with a sandwich purchase or free coffee with a breakfast order before going out.

I'm sponsored by Whataburger too, but wear their logo on me 24/7 as a fulltime "pro". OK some people call it my gut, but it is very obviously Whataburger sponsored.

Tim

So true... and many will have to learn that lesson with what used to be their own dime.

It is no longer a sport at the professional level, it is a business.