my guesstimate is that about 25% of the fishermen from each circuit make their living from fishing income...remainder have family money or jobs that allow them enough time off to fish the tournaments...
my guesstimate on the current BASS elite series is possibly 50% derive their income from fishing whereas MLF pros is probably close to 100% who earn their living from fishing/sponsors/speaking engagements etc...

I think you're right I bet bass is 50%or above now with guides and additions but I bet the FLW costa is lower. I know bunches of guys that fish Costa and they're working stiffs like me, who donate nearly all available funds to fish.

I think you're probably way high on the Costas and Opens. Every tournament is loaded with really good locals that bail off in there for a chance at a big payday.

BASS will be higher % this year, hell there will be more talent in the opens than in the elite series for a few seasons until it all shakes out. I fished the Everstarts (former costas) as a non boater and I drew more than one who "thought" they were pros

Drew a guy in an open years back. We traveled 2.5 hours from takeoff to fish an area for 30 minutes. No bites for either of us and the guy gave up after that.

sounds exactly like my very first day as a co angler in BASS.

All have "Pro" ego's, about 40% have pro talent

I thought the jersey made you a pro. Seems everyone out there has a jersey.

Define "PRO". Tough to lay out percentagees unless that is defined. There are a lot of 'Pro's' who are all show. Lot of money and flashy gear but will backlash a winch.

how about this for a definition...."who earn their living from fishing/sponsors/speaking engagements etc"...

Yes sir thank you and I did fully read your OP. However based on what I understand even guys who fish Elite Series, BPT, and now FLW Pro Circuits have side gigs or businesses unrelated to the outdoors industry that maintain their steady cash flow. Their sole source of revenue generation is not derived from tournament placement, sponsorships, appearances, lectures, sponsorships, and endorsements.

If I was self employed, and wore a jersey?

AKA "Zip Code fishermen" or "Cherrypickers". Never stray more than a couple hundred miles from home but fish any and every tourney they can that has a potential for a good check

Had a similar experience with a wannabe "pro". I was fishing in a FLW Stren/Everstart/Rayovac/Costa as a co-angler when my boater hooked a decent fish on light line. He brought the fish to the boat even though it wasn't ready, and called for the net. Before I could even get the net in the water, he got broke off. Naturally, I got the blame, and he pouted and refused to fish the rest of the day

100%... Since the profession of bass fishing doesn't have one governing body that sets a true definition... Dan