re: How much skill do professional fishermen really have?

This reminds me of guys talking about how easy it must be to be a race car driver.
It's just going around in circles, right?

It looks that easy b/c they are so good and do it every day, all day.

It's not that easy for an average knucklehead who just dicks around in a few driving schools.

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It was more enjoyable around here in your absense....

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Sorry for bringing truth. Like I said, the best fishermen are probably still at the top. But, if you think those guys would be catching the same amount of big fish out of a 14' flatbottom boat, with a depthfinder from 1980, then you're fooling yourself. Why do people spend all that money on gear and technology if it's not helping?

I've got a friend who was catching bass since he could hold a rod. Won hundreds of tournaments, usually out of a ragged boat and junky equipment. No doubt the best bass fisherman I've ever known - he fished the 03 Classic through the Federation and didn't do much. He has schooled me countless times and would beat most people on here at their lake of choice, but could not compete on the pro level.

Some got it, most don't. Technology and equipment can only take you so far.

I think you're giving a technology a little more credit than it deserves. These guys fish massive lakes, and I tend to believe the expensive electronics you're seeing tell them "you were right" much more so than "go here." No fish finder, that I know of, can see further than about a cast away.

I've lurked itt long enough so I'll chime in here with knowledge obtained by having a good friend make it as a pro (already won a top level tour event), and through fishing with several top level guys while marshaling and through common friends. Feel free to ask anything I may not cover...

First, everyone is way over stating how much help these guys get from locals, guides, etc. Most don't even want it bc they know how much fishing changes day to day and don't want to be suckered into doing something that was working last week. Also, they are given polygraphs at events and asked about given previous knowledge before an event (some cant get it 2-4 weeks within tourney). I messed up one time while out to eat with a pro and started a story about how we had done fly fishing Eufala and he cut me off saying he couldn't discuss anything about Eufala bc they had a tour event there coming up.

2nd, The equipment helps just like in any other "sport". You aren't using the same clubs Tiger, Phil, etc are to play golf 4 times a year, but that doesn't mean if they let you could compete at Augusta. These guys are that good between the ears. They don't go fishing. They go trying to catch a fish on every single cast for 3.5 practice days and 4 tournament days in a row. Try being focused in on every cast for 7.5 days in a row 8-25 weeks a year....its grueling.

I'm probably like most on this board. I consider myself to be a good bass fisherman, win local tournaments, and try to catch as many fish as I can. These guys are a different animal. They are more motivated than most professional athletes. When athletes in other sports make the pros they get millions, these guys don't. They don't do it for the money. Most have another job that supports this throughout the fishing season.

Now obviously not all are like this but the ones who are competitive (top 80ish aoy) are.

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Whoever can hire the most scouts wins the most tournaments.

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Scouts is a big factor. You think KVD knew the tank ponds held big fish before he won the classic??? Hell yes he did. Probably had several guys scouting spots for him.

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They really do this? I thought they fished the body of water for a couple days before the tourney. Is it legal?

Anyway. Fishing is alot more than just using technology. I'd say it's a combination of knowledge and skill. Those guys know everything there is to know about bass and their habits. And their experience fishing so much sharpens their skills. Those guys can feel a bite that most of us won't and can set a hook like crazy. But like most other things, to become a "professional" you must dedicate most of your time to it.

Umm does schools of baitfish with fish in it count? Then yes

RAT i cancelled your tshirt order.

EVERYBODY LISTEN TO ME, i know the guys at the top are ten thousand times better, it was more of a question of how much does new technology help these guys win vs the same level competition. I worded it bad and it has taken off bad comments like donald trump on cnn news

This was a great thread