Go for it!

The kid is fearless, IMO. He's got to know how hard it is to be a success as a pro in any sport. He's bound and determined and prolly has the financial backing needed to do this chapter in his life. I hope he beats 'em all.

Good for you! Thats the way it should be.

I hope Cal Lane succeeds. Love to see anybody do well doing what they love

As a college fisherman, I will be the very first to tell you that college is not for everyone and college fishing is not for everyone. If he wants to go out and try his hand at it then I wish all the best to him. There is no reason at all why college should be pushed so hard as it is in this day and age. There are countless numbers of opportunities that he can capitalize on if for some reason this does not work out for him. I am sure he will get out there and grind and do just fine. You guys should be happy for this kid and his opportunity, not downing him because y'all did not have the same opportunity as a young man.

I think his name was Peyton Hibdon

I didn’t see anyone say you needed college to be a pro angler. But
1. It’s a whole lot easier to get college out of the way at 18-22 than later in life.
2. In the likely event fishing pro doesn’t work out, there’s a career plan in place.

If he can do It, that’s great. Wish I could have. I just wouldn’t recommend it as the only plan to my own child. Then again, I don’t have the money to float my kids til they’re 30 either where as this family can probably keep him going while he gets started.

Still think it’s smart to have a backup plan.

Also I only read to about the 30th comment so far so that was in reply to someone saying you don’t need college to be a pro angler.

I agree 100% and I went to college a very long time ago. Maybe he wasn't going to college anyway. Who knows and technically who cares. I am pulling for him

Believe it or not, there are bass fishing scholarships, and I'll bet with his pedigree, he could get a full ride some where.

I’m pulling for Cal big time! He’s been blessed with family that knows the ins and outs, the ups and downs and the good bad and ugly of fishing for a living. I think he’ll do just fine. Like someone else said, there’s a lot worse choices an 18-year-old can make. As a big bonus, it looks like his family is behind him all the way too. With that said, this choice may not work out as well for others and college may be the best route. I think it’s awesome when someone his age knows exactly what the want to do with their life. He has obviously been exposed to trials and tribulations of the sport and knows what it will take to make it. You only get one life, live it without regrets. That life requires a whole lot of commitment and sacrifice and from all appearances Cal knows what he’s getting into. This story hits home with me as my son, Pake also wants to fish for a living someday and has since he was 6 or 7 years old. He has not wavered one iota from what he wants to do and he’s just hardheaded, determined and I believe, gifted enough to do it. My son is only 16 now and a junior in high school and at this point, college looks like his best path for him. Everyone’s situation and station in life is different. I am 100 % behind Cal’s decision and wish him much success! I’ll definitely be following Cal’s journey and rooting for him all the way!

YEP

Probably only a few places nationally you could get a big scholarship for fishing, Bethel university would be one of them if it even exists

Wish daddy would’ve handed me the keys to a fancy bass boat and truck at 18 years old and said just go fishing son. Hell, we can call it a career. I don’t know about you guys, but I would’ve done it!!
Not reality for 99% of people though. Simple as that.

Why would you not go for it if you have the opportunity? It’s his dream so I hope he kills it and wins. I’ll be following his career. So many people go the college route and find typical careers because it’s safe. Then wind up with regrets in life because they didn’t take risk and be bold when they were younger and had less responsibility. Respect towards cal for knowing what he wants to do and going all in for it

Amen, rooting for him as well. He’s blessed to have someone with the knowledge AND deep pockets to boot. Why wouldn’t you take the shot?!