What’s a pro?

[Fruition]

An associate of mine says he does not recognize his pro status. His enlightening articles have been published in major musky magazines, he is a lure designer and a partner in lure manufacturing co., fishes in tournaments, and has caught many large fish, but yet does not consider himself a pro. He says he does not recognize “Pro” as a status in the musky fishing world. He says there are only serious fishermen and casual fishermen. What do you guys think?
:P :7 :*

[Jim McCullough]

My own definition would be someone who derives income from the Muskie Industry. More so on the fishing end, but also lure, boat, and rod manufacturers and reps, etc...

[MRoberts]

My classification of a professional fisherman is someone who earns more money from fishing related industries than from another source of income. Now that can be, guiding, writing, tournaments, lures and videos, or any combination there of. The money isn’t really the issue, its more of a state of mind and a willingness to sacrifice for the sport.

I think it is much harder to be a true professional musky fisherman than other species. There just isn’t the money available.

Nail A Pig!

Mike

Let 'em go, Let 'em Grow

[Ballistic]

Mike and Jim have it. A Pro, short for Professional, makes his/her living in the fishing business.

[jerryb]

I think your associate has a great attitude, and I applaud it!

The so called "pro" label is misused,, and abused, too say the least!
The term professional dose mean to be paid or a means of livelihood. But it also means possessing great skill or experience in a field or activity. And in my humble opinion, of course,,, There are far to many "self appointed pros" that do not meet the latter definition. Just because someone wrote an article,,, or puts patches on there shirt,,, means,,, nothing!

I think that your friend recognizes that even though he catches more than his share, there is still far to much to learn, he recognizes that the learning never ceases,,,, We are all students and we should keep that in the fore front of our egos.

The weather and or the water conditions at the time we are on the water is our biggest foe, and they "never" remain the same, things are always changing, no one has experienced tomorrow.

[Marc Thorpe]

The definition of a PRO
Person who Remembers his Outtings!:+

Jim,where's the coffee,I need gut feeling!
marc

[Ballistic]

There is no such thing as a 'self appointed Pro'. If one makes one's living in the fishing business, and is successful at it, by default, one must qualify.

In any occupation, if one fails to acquire the necessary skills and be able to apply them successfully, one will not last long.

There are plenty of new attempts every year by 'new' anglers to make the grade, and some do. Those that don't are not necessarily poor anglers, they may just find what I have found over the years...this is a very tough business to break in to.

There are very few that actually make a career out of angling, and fewer yet that can do it in the Muskie world.

Writing an article doesn't make one a Pro, nor do the patches. However, the first article may be one of many to come. All of us that actually DO make our living in the fishing business had to start somewhere. Usually, that is with the first cast....

There is also, for some reason, a perception out there that this is an easy thing, being a 'Pro'. NOT!! There are the Sport shows, the Tournaments, the Seminars, the IN Stores, and the hours of guiding, writing; tons of travel. Long days and hard work. If I ever took the time to do an analysis of $$ earned VS hours worked...

[Muskie Fever]

Fruition,
Tough question, it has been said that there are far too many people out there that consider themselves PRO'S. I guide part time, only because it is hard to get yourself known in this business. If I had 100 or more clients a year, that would be great. You have to start somewhere. It is also hard to stop working and pay all the bills by just fishing. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it. You have to still work to pay the bills!! Every chance I get, I'm out on the water, whether it's with client's or out by myself to know what the fish are doing at that particular time of year. I fish as much as I can!!! I don't in any way consider myself a PRO, hopefully that will come later. I will however, try my hardest to put you on fish, and hopefully you will learn something from our day on the water! I learn something every time out on the water, and many times I can learn something new from a client! Don't get me wrong, there are many PRO'S in our business, I don't think I have to name them, we already know who they are.


Catch a PIG!!!
Muskie Fever Guide Service
Catch & release!

[Marc Thorpe]

Pro,has many different terms and meanings.
Pro can be promotional staff member in wich ones promotes a product or company to increase sales.

Pro can also be a professional anglers in wich this person travel across many states in quest of that ever so important win.

Like others have said,speaking,writting,shows,seminars and so on are all part of the bag.Leaving loved ones behind during your quest to establish or maitain your place is the drawback for most.

Personaly,dont know anyone who made it rich in the industry,some are well to do but its not fishing that made their comforts.Its other busness dealings that have helped finacialy make them sound.
Be yourself,thats the way you born.Popularity should increase by being genuine.
take care
marc

[HerbB]

Lots of definitions all right. My definition is anyone who is a better fisherman than me. Hmmmmm. Only problem is thats most everyone.....:)

[Jim McCullough]

Marc,

Head to the "Lobby" for some good brew. I just made some hazelnut with a hint of vanilla. The filled Bismarks are tasty too! ;)

[Marc Thorpe]

Jim,just grabbed a cup,scrumptious!

O,oh bring back that feeling,oh that gut feeling!
Oh,oh got to go!:+