Hi my name is Justin Schneider and I am intersted in becoming a Professional walleye angler. I am 16 years old and compete in local tournys and I fish every day everybody at school nows me as the fishing freak. Fishing and hunting take up most of my life and I am going to be a pro some day. I am going to participate in next years am. PWT but if any PROS have any comments or suggestoins that would help me acheive my goal it would be greatly appreciated. When I was growing up my heros unlike most people were Gary Roach Keith Kavajecz and my all time favorite Pete Harsh hes just my kind of man with the big ranger tiller boat. So please if you have anything that could help just email me at jschneids@charter.net or reply

Justin your story sounds very mych like mine growing up. I was known as the fishing/hockey kid. I missed most of the dances, proms, things like that due to being on the water all the time. I used to pull my boat to school to get a head start afterwards. My book bag was filled with fishing magazines and my reports were always fishing related. Anyway, I think you have a mind set and that is important. When you fish on the AM side next season watch and ask a lot of questions. Not only should you pay close attention to what they are doing on the water, but what they do off. Being able to support this habit can be tricky at times. You need to come up with a game plan and learn the marketing side of things. I was lucky, I had guy's like Scott and Marty Glorvigen to help me with the marketing aspects of fishing. Not to mention you "Foot, Mac and Billy O" for helping me on the water with different things. You need to get yourself into a group of guys who are willing to share ideas and knowledge with you. I remember back around your age hanging out with these guys and thinking to myself that some of them have forgotten more in there career than I will ever know. Don't let that be a factor. Follow your dreams because I am hear to tell you they do come true! I once wrote a report for my 5th grade teacher saying how I was going to play in the NHL and fish the Pro Walleye Trail someday. With a lot of hard work and focus they both have come true. Anyway Justin, I hope we are lucky enough to draw each other for partners. If so you can ask me questions until you are blue in the face! Good fishing and don't forget to shot the puck. Mike Peluso #82

Justin,
Your passion for fishing will get you to your goal! Fishing as a co-angler will give you many ideas to take home and practice with. Record your thoughts after each fishing day. I always think about the day, because I learn something new everyday and I want to retain good ideas. I suggest a file system. I have forgotten many great ideas and have had to relearn them.
Find a good local fisherman and ask him to mentor you. Agree to not share his info and you will be rewarded.
Enjoy your journey!
Doc Samson

It is a good thing you forgot those good ideas Bruce or we would never beat you. Sounds like you are headed in the right direction young man and at the right age also. Work hard pay, attention to details, never quit and do everything you can to eliminate mistakes before they happen. Sounds easy, it is'nt. Remember nothing of value is ever gained without overcoming adversity and a lot of hard work. Did I mention patience? Your fishing career will develop, but not at your timetable. Be patient, watch, listen and learn. By all means keep your head clear and you will do O.K.. If I can be of further assistance, E-mail me at Harsh@mainstreetcom.com. - Again be patient if you do, I will answer but am doing a lot of hunting. Good luck!Pete.

Justin.
Hope you dont mind me chiming in here along with the Pro's. I'll keep it brief. I like yourself, grew up in the Fishing/Hunting sports starting at an early age. I was checking muskrat traps in the winter and fishing off the local railroad bridge in the summer while my buddies were playing hockey and going to football practice. My fishing credentials are 45 years of practice and 22 years of guiding and chartering for Salmon, Steelhead, Bass and Walleyes.

I see two very important assests you have going for you right now, as far as your dreams of becomming a Pro fisherman goes. Your youthful enthusiasm and stamina. I wont even pretend to know about the marketing or shmuzzing that must go on behind the scenes with the varied manufacturers and suppliers, even though I'm sure this is a big part of the game. The Big Walleye Pro circuits came along to late in my life for me to persoanlly take the chance one takes when devoting a big part of ones life, money and commitment it takes to be successful on tour. And those 30 mile one way boat rides in 4 footers, will give you a swift reality check, if your not at the age where your body can cash the check your willigness has submitted. And starting young will both give you the true chance and sense to know if you truly want to pursue these dream, or fallow another without ruining anything you've already built. Good luck, and I'll be watching those leader boards for your name. Capt: Dan, Walleye Express Fishing Charters.

Justin, First just to let you know, some of the pro competitors I have fished against in the last five years, Ted Takasaki and John Campbell, worked for HewPack, Perry Good , worked for 3M, Keith Kav. was a programmer for IBM I believe, Gary Parson DDS. I could go on and on , So most of the fellows listed may not have all gone to college but some probably did and had good jobs to support there careers. Finish school, get good grades and get a marketing degree, its a tough road out there and your just getting started there will be alot of expenses so learn as a coangler, finish your education, list your goals and try to achieve each. Be patient in your pursuit.
Gluck and Good Fishing