What the "PROS" don't tell you about the Fishing Industry
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- Опубліковано 26 лип 2024
- In this video I talk about my experience with the fishing industry as a professional angler on the Bassmaster Elite Series. I talk about my struggles and what life is like for me.
I remember having this conversation with you 4 years ago man down at 44 tackle when you first jumped on the Elite Series. It's always been about marketing and branding but I think the trick is the pros don't have a monopoly on it anymore so those dollars in sponsorships are spread out a lot more across the board. You'll make this thing happen you're a great fisherman and your brand of honesty goes a long way in the current environment filled by so much BS. Keep at it bro.
class act for the support to you and boggs
Absolutely agree! I don’t know Jason but this man is refreshing!
Mikey, your a stand up guy. See you and Boggs next year at Lanier.
Great words from a great fisherman!!
Good , words at the right time .
You just made the first move in building a brand.
This is what I came to say
I get your point @zaldaingerous but I think you missed Jacob's point. He doesn't want to be a salesman or social media guru. It sucks that you can't make a living as an angler at the biggest level in fishing. Hopefully, someday it will become a professional sport.
@@RedsFishinYOU HAVE to make your own brand.. that's just the way the sport has moved. Sponsors want you promoting and making content on your down time or time in between!!!! The more you put your face and your voice out there the more you begin the build your brand. And the sport has ALREADY went that way and they're DEFINITELY NOT GOING BACKWARDS!!!! You build your own brand you have a better chance of brands wanting to work with you!!!! The bottom line has to make sense for big brands to dance with you as an angler.. this is how you build your brand!! Like it or not but this is where the sport is now. Better to jump in all the way than halfway and hope it sways back the way it was! Not gonna happen... So Chris was right on point when he said he had made the first move building his OWN BRAND.. GOTTA BE ACTIVE ON SOCIALS!!
Don’t hold
Back like most of the pros. You have nothing to lose apparently. Tell the TRUTH about “living the dream”. Your brand will grow because of your honesty
Bass pro and battle born need people like him and you Chris hope he gets help from this. Just gained alot of respect or you Jacob
It's not EASY for anyone. I sold $200k of my 6th Sense Milliken rods on their site alone this year, and I can't even get a DISCOUNT from Shimano or Daiwa. That's just lazy, outdated marketing, which is prevalent in the industry.
But on your end, do you fault brands in the industry for spending their marketing budgets on guys that sell more product than others? If your job was an owner of a smaller company in the industry, and just like you as an angler, had to meet a bottom line to put food on the table for your family....would you spend your hard earned/limited money on Elite Series angler "A" that will sell you $450 worth of product in 2024, or would you spend it on Influencer angler "B" that would sell you $14,000 worth of product in 2024? A lot of what you said isn't wrong at all, just playing devils advocate. As someone that is on both sides of the fence, I know damn well Elite Series guys barely move the needle with sales. Whose fault is that? The angler doesn't have a large enough brand to promote the products to a large audience? B.A.S.S. doesn't do enough to promote the angler or give them coverage when they're using said products? The fact that the angler signed up to pay $45k plus travel expenses prior to making a cast, KNOWING they won't get any help financially OR from the industry media to grow their brand? All of the above..?
There's a lot that's wrong financially with the industry/marketing right now. A lot of that is because in the last 3 years the large majority of companies have sold to private equity corporate conglomerates. With that- anglers, marketing managers, and everyone else in the operations side of the company, becomes dollar signs on a spreadsheet to help meet a bottom line by a corporation that could give 2 shits about fishing. Worse yet (for these companies, not mine) we're about to see what happens when all those greedy PE's that saw the boom in the outdoor industry during COVID, are met with a recession. Going to be a lot more shaking up the next 3 years than the last 3.
Jacob, thank you for sharing this. A real life look into life as a Elite pro fisherman holds more value than you might think. All we see is brand new boats and brand new trucks. We don’t see the reality of it. The hard times. No sponsor money, no gas money, struggling just to break even. Thank you for your honesty. This video may be viewed by some as a venting session but in my eyes, you may have just saved many other aspiring professional fisherman from financial distress by sharing your experience.
When a quiet person speaks, listen. It takes someone like you to actually speak up!! Keep being yourself brother! The real will recognize and the fakes will hate and always be there!!!!!
Well said
Hard to believe people in the industry don’t want to hear the truth !!! Proud of you kid !!
I fished my first pro event in 1984 (BASS Invitational) and fished about 50 pro and AAA level events between 1984 and 2007. I never did it full time but managed to make 2 Classics and turned down an Elite invite. Fishing tournaments is a great hobby and a lousy business. 30 years ago you could fish the highest level if you had a decent job/business. The tournaments were $600, they had 6 a year and boats were under 20K. I had offers for memo boats when I was fishing Red Man and the BASS Federation on the weekends. I think it was a lot easier to get sponsors back than primarily because there were a lot of small companies in the industry. All the smaller lure, tackle and boat companies have been bought up by a couple big corporations and all there sponsorship deals go to a couple of the biggest names. I’ve seen to many guys end up broke and bitter. Look at it as a business and make the best decision for yourself, I would hate to see you end up hating fishing.
Think this kid really needs advice from someone like you kind of put everything in perspective
Freaking Nailed it. Irwin Jacobs and Boyd Duckett are 2 folks that have poisoned Derby fishing.... thats a dam_ shame.
"The Dream" of being a pro derby fisherman is nothing more than smoke/mirrors for guys like Irwin Jacobs and Boyd Duckett to make money off a Angler's "Hopes & Dreams"
I can only hope thats this young man can find peace one day.
Ed Cowan you’re a legend a real bass fisherman. Was an honor fishing on the NY state team with you in 09’. One of the good guys in this joke of a sport
I go back a tad farther fishing in Late 70’s in National Bass Association. 500 entry and 500 gas lodging and food. Still had bills at home so had to sites back to federation tournaments.
@@joelaurino1230 thanks, those Divisional’s were great events!
Hands down the most honest and humble video I’ve every seen in professional bass fishing and I watched a ton of fishing channels and pros channels. Excellent video Mr Jacob I appreciate your 100 percent honesty. Keep at it and good luck this next year!!
Honestly listening to this and hearing that sponsors pulled their support over it genuinely make me want to have a list of them so I can ensure me and my group of fishing buddies never support them. Nothing in this video was out of line. Shame on these companies
100%
Takes an incredible amount of courage and ethics to be honest to the public about your livelihood.
You are an upstanding guy and proud to know you.
Will always have our support.
Somebody sponsor this man!!!! Pay him I 100% understand and sympathize. I'm a fan already I subscribed. I've dreamed for 35 years to make the jump like you but never had the balls or finances. I feel you and support and will promote you I'm a instant fan.
I was going to pursue fishing back in the early 90’s, but when I sat down and put pen to paper I couldn’t justify the expenses. But I still to this day am a fishing fanatic, and for the life of me I can’t fathom how you guys make it in fishing today. After listening to this, many realize now that a lot of guys are probably drowning in debt and asking themselves if it’s really worth it anymore. Enjoyed what you had to say, hope everything works out for you!👍
Dude I feel the same way. I missed a lot in teenage years trying to make it. Then when I heard a pro say if you don’t have $150,000 to throw away the first year and $100,000 every year after that don’t even try it. Stepped away from the sport for the last ten years. Now I’m trying to come back to it.
You gained a fan with me man. I appreciate you keeping it real and can tell you really just want it to be about the fishing, not the influencer based stuff. Looking forward to seeing you grow in the sport.
Thanks for sharing man! The honesty is greatly apreciated and I hope you can create enough wake to help get the balance that the sport needs. Keep doing you, theres alot of us out there rooting for you!
Hang in there Jake. Just subscribed and look forward to following your career. Sponsors will come, but you're right, you have to be on social media and play that game these days. Stay strong.
This video is a must watch, it is so spot on. That is why I do it as a hobby, I love to compete, fyi if I did qualify to fish at that level, I would decline.
You will get more guys like me to watch real life story's. Great video
It's been this way for decades. Even back in the "pre-social media days" it was all about the right people. I had a friend that was a top Redman angler and won two Redman regionals. He never had a sniff at any sponsor money and very, very little product. He just didn't fit the model of what the industry wanted at the time and was totally ignored. After the second win he just went back to fishing for fun and never regretted it.
Know exactly what you are talking about. WOW! WHAT A SHAME!
This is an absolutely amazing video man. Wow. Brother I am rooting for you. This is an eye opener for me personally.
You gained a fan and my respect with me man. I appreciate you keeping it real and can tell you really just want it to be about the fishing, not the influences based stuff. Looking forward to seeing you grow in the sport. We all got your back. So it all make since.
Don’t get discouraged brother. Hold your head up.
Thank you for the honesty. Will be looking forward to future videos from you. Good luck.
Great video man, it sucks to hear how tough it is in this sport and industry. Being a “professional” level angler/athlete and can’t make a living at it while these other sports are complete opposite and make millions. Keep your head up and keep the truth coming man! Hopefully something will turn around for you because you are a great angler!
Hey brother, you're not alone. I've been there done that. I can hear and see the pain in you from the headache of pro Bass fishing. I'm older that you, but I went through the some of the same stuff as you not so many years ago. I was and like to still think that I'm a good Bass angler and I had a lot of friends and strangers alike tell me that I needed to go pro and that I could compete on the highest level. Well maybe?
It turned out local tourney's was about the limit for me back when I actually did enter Bass tourney's within the state I reside in. I do have some Bass fishing trophy's from tourney's,(great memories) but I never had 'won' enough money to even pay for a 6-pack, or a few gallons of fuel, plus it was way too stressful and basically a PITA more than just fishing for fun. When Bass tourney's become over bearing w/zero fun and it's costing you a lot more money than what you earn back then it's time to throw in the towel. Don't let having to be a 'Pro' Bass fisherman cost you the love of what Bass fishing is really all about.
Pay off your boat, truck and house. Then forget the Bass tourney's, but work a decent job w/ insurance and health care ect..Then save, save and save your money and keep Bass fishing and hunting in that spacial place in your heart before you loose it all, including your insanity.. It's not worth it. Remember this..."It's better to try and fail, than it is to not to try at all". So if you keep that in mind you'll always be a winner.
The very best of luck to you my friend.
You have a new fan and I'm always going to be pulling for you! Thanks for the honesty and you should be rewarded for it not punished.
Props on making this video. Appreciate the authenticity. Hope things turn around, keep the hammer down 👍🏻
Loved the video man, keep up the hard work. I love the video idea, i know for me I prefer the raw and uncut, " Day in the life" so to speak versus something that feels manufactured and produced. Hope everything works out for you in the end, love watching you fish the elites and hopefully you can look back oneday and see this is a starting point for things turning around dor you and your career.
It’s a business model I have thought about helping change for years. There is no reason our sport of Bass fishing can’t be represented like football but it requires change in an industry that doesn’t want to at the highest level because money rules all.
Great video! Appreciate your honesty and you pulling back the curtain on Pro fishing. Sounds brutal! I wish more pros would share the dark side of Pro fishing. Keep the videos coming. You'll get a following. Posting regular YT videos is super important.
Keep your head up. Make your videos and your channel and your brand will come. It’s tough to hear but I think the fishing industry has changed in a way that will eventually hurt itself. Keep grinding man. Don’t quit. Especially if your on your own and can take care of you and that’s the main concern for you … keep the grind going. You got this man!🔥🔥🔥
Keep chasing your dreams man, you are a heck of an angler. It’s sad the industry isn’t in a better place. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for putting this out there. I have been told by friends that fish professionally the tournament trails make it look glamourous to get the everyday fisherman to get involved chasing the dream. They need the dollars from all of us that love to fish to support those who have a name and sell products. I know and have fished with some very good fishermen, yet they just fish the local stuff and a big tournament every now and then because they love to fish. I did it in the 90's and early 2000's when it was about your ability and not how many followers on UA-cam or Twitter you had. Hang in there and let your ability do your talking. Praying some opportunities for support come your way...
Glad to hear someone tell the truth, been waiting for this type of video for a long time. So many "professional bass anglers" can never just answer a yes or no type question, because of sponsorship I guess?
Tackle tip videos, seasonal pattern videos, boat rigging/maintenance, electronics set up and on the water videos of your electronics and what you are seeing and looking for is what I like to watch.
GOOD LUCK IN 2024. New subscriber!
I relate 100% to what you're pointing out. My dream of fishing professionally was crushed over 25 years ago. I ended up in the marine repair business....and I get to witness SO MANY guys get their hearts broken. Even the most successful are only temporary. Hot for several years.....then it's all downhill from there. The sacrifice is rarely worth the long term outcome.
Comparable to a severe drug addiction.
Same story...I make $$ keeping them on the water...lol....(mechanic)
Buddy, Your honesty got a follow from me. Looking forward to see you work through the struggle. You got this far, and that's an accomplishment and we wanna know about it. From the start. Social media is hard but, just like fishing you'll get better at it and the easier it will be to talk. Talking from the heart will get you a following as alot of people wanna see the reality of it. From there, you will grow you brand, your way. This video alone popped up on my UA-cam feed so it's already an impact after a day.
Pulling for you man! The tools are here! Take advantage!
One last thing. This is the only sponsorship you need!
I really hope you make it. You seem like a good guy. Thanks for sharing. Good luck, I am pulling for you!
Shared this to pump up the following. Thanks for the raw cut. This is what people relate to that really really love fishing.
Straight truth and honesty. We need more of this in the world. You gained a supporter Jacob.
You just gained a subscriber in me! I appreciate you keeping it real. Keep your head up and keep pushing. Your hard work and fishing skills will pay off in the end. At least your not a slave to your sponsors and throwing out a bunch of BS just to sell their shitty product. I have noticed over the past few years that a lot of the big time UA-camrs pushing their sponsors products seem to always be fishing with something else on tournament day. Don’t think that goes unnoticed! The majority of us can see a sell out a mile away!!
I’ve been a fan since you beat me out of that Classic spot up in Bimidji in ‘17. Quiet killers are the best thing about sports in general, bass fishing is no different. You’re one of those guys.
When I realized you can’t just fish your way to the highest level, it lost its appeal. I’ll take a 9-5 being able to afford the boat I want and support my family how I see fit rather than risk my whole way of life on someone else’s view of your value.
$7k in sponsor dollars is unreal for an Elite series angler, I have no idea how you managed 2 years on that. A couple Ws would go a long way for the ‘24 season, I’m rooting for ya!
You've gained me as a fan and supporter just by being honest. I don't know anything about the bass fishing industry or any of the tournaments or anything like that. I enjoy fishing a tremendous amount and I go fishing as often as I can, but as far as the Elite series or anything like that, I have zero knowledge of that stuff. I've always been a huge fan of good values like honesty, integrity, honor, courage, and that kind of stuff. You, sir, have shown me that you have a deep dedication and drive to be an honest man and, for that, I applaud, commend, and congratulate you. If you are ever around the Lake Ouachita area in Arkansas, I would like to meet you and perhaps go fishing. I hope you achieve success in your chosen vocation. Hope you have a great day. 👍🇺🇸
Just liked and subscribed, shout-out to the UA-cam algorithm for sending this my way! Keep your chin up dude, I’m sure it’s super tough financially but you’re so talented I know you’ll break through and gain a bigger following. You don’t have to be some big personality like Swindle, just be yourself and make some cool content and it will build on its own. Definitely don’t give up though, you’ve put so much time in. Stay strong bro.
Thanks for the truth! I know it’s a rough road! Good luck and push the brands that support you and the sport!
You got a new subscriber and I’m gonna share everything you put out for us to help get your brand going my brother. I’m happy for you and have hella respect for you for the fight you’ve been fighting to make it to where you have. I know how hard it is to do this on a somewhat local level much less travel like you have. You’ve got a new fan in me. I do know a couple folks that have lots of contacts in the upper echelon of the fishing industry. Brother you’ve done what you was told would get you there and that big break just ain’t came your way yet but it’s coming. Someone is gonna see this and see the honesty in you and they’re gonna want that representing their brand. I feel like the stress and worry of the next check is holding you back on the water a lot. I wish you all the best.
Thank you for speaking the truth sir! Ive been thinking this stuff for several years now so glad to know im not crazy. Im not a pro its just from my observation throughout the years. Thank you for the truth and keep it coming! The world needs more truth tellers and less fakeness! God bless you sir!
This is as real as real can be.All these Youngsters need to hear this.Thanks for Your Honesty.
Wish the best of luck to ya man. I hope you can flip it around and continue to live your dream.
Jacob,
I am now a new subscriber and supporter and I hope everyone else here is too.
I’m a professional in another sport. You can do it man. Making this video is a monumental step in the right direction because you are being yourself. Unfortunately now days you need to market yourself and unfortunately social media is here to stay so I hope and pray that you can utilize this platform as a possible way to vent or relieve that inner quietness.
Best of luck bud!
Good video and thanks for sharing. Excellent!!! Subscribed! Looking forward to the new series!
Thank you for sharing this with everyone. Keep the faith and good luck whatever path you take.
Thanks Jacob for sharing your thoughts & opinions. A lot of people think the "professional" gets everything and glad to see how you pointed it out that you don't. It's a struggle. I watched & heard other anglers say how hard it is to be on the "Pro Circuit". Keep your head up and do what you have to do to keep yourself afloat!!!! Stay Safe & God Bless!!
Videos like this will give you a huge audience on UA-cam it actually caught my attention and got me to subscribe this is the stuff we all want to know about the industry thanks for sharing your experience and i wish u the best of luck in your future endeavors
Don’t watch pro fishing, just a big fisherman myself. With that said. I’ll root for you every week. Keep your head up buddy.
Thanks for the courage to speak your truth brother. Social media has had a major role in today's landscape but make no mistake, THIS very situation was brought up by many of the 1% anglers some 20 plus years ago. No major series wanted to deal with their concerns and it was addressed by the anglers when they left to form their own series. A while ago, you could be a top level angler with a side gig to pay the bills. Now, your side gig needs to be the primary and fishing becomes a benefit of the side gig. Best of luck man and remember, its a sport. Your future and mental health is more important than a sport.
I am a nobody. Just a husband, father, and a guy who loves fishing any chance I get to go. I do not make youtube content but I do watch several youtube influencers in the bassing industry. One thing that always bothers me is not knowing if I am being fed legit advice. I don't know the influencer's motivation for making the video.... Most probably just want the views and could care less about providing honest reliable content. So when I see people like you who are obviously being real and unfiltered, I find it to be a breath of fresh air! I just subscribed to your channel as a result. Looking forward to any future videos you put out because I think you will be someone I can trust. Rock on brother. Being raw and unfiltered is something everyone is missing these days. So when we see it, we like it. Who knows, this approach may be exactly what you needed to blow up your channel and get the sponsors you need!
Your honesty is worth the most Keep your head up brother no matter what happens!
Thanks for telling the truth and putting yourself out there. I am older now and moved on, but always wanted to fish professionally or make a living fishing. I appreciate every word you've said. It even tough just to fish weekends and try to have fund. God bless you sir.
Jacob's story needs to be told. The truth is the truth. I think a lot of Anglers are reclusive and don't want to be in the spotlight. It's probably why they like fishing in the first place. I hope for his sake that this new attention he has attracted propelles him to where he needs to be in this new media world. Good luck Jacob I'll be watchin'
Jacob you should go live and let us ask questions. I think it could be a real cool opportunity to give transparency to all of us. Todd Castledine does a great job at this.
Thanks from speaking from the heart and speaking how you feel. You didn't lose alot with the sponsor's that didn't stand behind you. Hopefully the right sponsor will see this and want someone that stands up and tells the truth. Good luck and prayers sent your way.
Man, I can relate to this. This has been weighing on my mind the past couple years too as to how I could afford to do it. Made a classic and nobody cares. I keep hoping the industry will change but it seems to be getting worse. It's not much but you gained a fan and a follower in me.
Tournaments don’t really advertise nearly as well as UA-cam. It’s a lot easier to reach more people through social media and you don’t have to drive hundreds of hours a year and spend thousands on gas and tournament entries
Just followed you on IG and subbed to your channel. Love your honesty man. From a average Joe fisherman and big fan of pro fishing, I never thought about what it's really like to make a living and raise a family being a Pro. I think most of us look at it from the outside and say "those guys have it made" I'm seeing that's a long way from the truth. I wish you the very best
You just got another fan.. I’m looking forward to watching you this coming season.. good luck brother -
Good stuff man. Thanks for being real! Good luck to you!
Jacob, just subscribed. You are so right about what you said. Especially what a PRO is. I never paid my boss to go to work for him. Had the NPFL in town recently, I wish them luck, but they kept referring to the anglers as pros. Well, there were a couple there, but most weren't. The best to you and I will follow your journey from now on.
Sponsorships have always been about selling product. Back in the day it was about actual face to face contact. Working trade shows, boat shows, doing seminars, etc. Now the sport has evolved with the social media aspect and that platform has replaced the seminar circuit. Honestly man this sport does need some raw truth. With the MLF drama people are loving truthful raw content right now. Unfortunately for a guy who doesn’t like talking to people, this has been and can be a rough road sir. Good luck to you. I respect the hell out of you for shooting it straight like this and getting out of you comfort zone with this stuff.
With this, you've gained a new supporter. Watched you before this video. But I appreciate your honesty and relatability.
Keep rolling bro!!! Always looked up to you throughout highschool in college. Subbing to your channel and looking forward to what’s to come. Just watching you fish chick is a video I’d click on every single time!
You definitely earned a sub. Genuinely humble and down to earth person. Can definitely tell you are passionate about what you do and I want to see you succeed man! You may look a bit uncomfortable being in front of a camera but I think as you find yourself getting more fans and support you’ll definitely get comfortable. Keep telling the truth because that’s the only way this industry will change because no one else has the balls to say it how it is. You found yourself a new fan in me!
Great video man. It was nice meeting you this summer after a small tournament on Chickamauga. You Lets us check out the boat and some smal talk.
Thanks for telling the truth.
Just gained a new fan. Keep at it man. You're too good to not be there. Sponcers will come man.
You hit the nail on the head when you said..being good at catching bass is not the main factor in being successful at bass fishing. Keep doing this on you tube and guys like me who understand what your saying will start supporting you on you tube.
Hey bro I appreciate everything you've said in these videos. Hang in there Blessings my brother👊🤙🎣🎣🎣
Most realist observation in the professional bass fishing industry I seen. To get to “pro,” level you have to fish great, once there you have to sell great now…. Make no sense. Thx jacob. Get em!!!!!!!
I’m glad you put this information out. I have always dreamed of being an elite pro. Now I wonder if it is really worth pursuing this dream. Wishing you the best in the future! Looking forward to seeing your raw unfiltered videos. It takes a brave man to stand up and speak the truth!!
Everything but professional team sports is this way. I’m confused that people are this shocked about all of it
Love this video and look forward to more “raw” content.
Best fishing video that I have even seen. Heartfelt truth about becoming a professional bass angler. I hope it changes, I really enjoy this sport.
Thanks brother for having the back bone enough to be all the way real. Not just saying that your "real" truth in action is powerful. Go get em buddy. Pullin for ya man.
Sounds like this video just earned you some subs. Love the honesty and best of luck to growing your brand as frustrating as it may be
Great content and transparency +1 subscriber from MA. Keep pushing and looking fwd to following your journey 🙏🏾
You just gained a new fan! Keeping it real and raw.
As a 71 year old fisherman I wish you nothing but the best.
Hopefully some major sponsors see this and step up for you. Also, maybe the folks putting on the major tourneys should rethink their rules to help folks in your position more. Good luck. John.
I enjoyed this kinda real talk. What goes on at the professional level, inside scoop kinda stuff, is interesting to me, and I bet a lot of people would say the same. FYI, that orange checkerboard flag is on point, GBO.
Honest video on the state of Pro Fishing. Now ( old man talking here ). You have listed the things you need to do. Write them on a board and start working on them. The future of Pro fishing is about social media and building a brand. The old days of just catching fish are over. Your video series sounds like a good idea. Try and get on as many Podcasts as possible. Every one will get you exposure. Be a little more posative in your presentations. Wishing you all the best. Will be following along.
Jacob, I respect your honesty. You can do anything that you put your heart into. Your on your way, this next season is going to have some Foutz on championship day!!
Good luck Jacob. It’s good to hear what the reality of it all is. Keep up the UA-cam. Keep it reel
New sub for you, Jacob. Thanks for putting yourself out there being brutally honest. Stay safe, and God bless.
Great perspective, several people rarely get to chase their dreams, and that means many can’t relate. Keep pursuing your dreams and goals! Don’t let the world around you dictate what your next steps are. Sometimes when you’re at rock bottom it’s the best place to build a foundation.
Best of luck!
Hang in there Jacob. As a kid I always wanted to be a pro bass fisherman as well. I knew it was tough but your story about how it really is needs to be told. I believe you 100% about how social media has changed the world and not all for the good!! I can see the passion in your face about how you feel about the sport but I can also see the frustration that comes from sometimes having your dream come true , but finding out that sometimes that dream is not what it seemed. Been there!!! I think and hope that you being up front , honest and raw that new sponsors will see that and say this is the kind of "salt of the earth" guy we need. A guy who just wants to fish and be the best at his game and is not all caught up in the BS. Good luck man!!
This is fantastic! Great job. Keep going.
Follow this dude!! If any 1 deserves a brand it's this dude!! The grind is serious!!
Thanks, Jacob. Really enjoyed the raw content and candor of this video. While I’ve never even sniffed your level of professional fishing, I cut my tournament bass fishing teeth against some of the very best back in the day. I think one of the biggest differences between then and now is the alarming *lack* of true grassroots tournament angling, and the ability to affordably move from regional “pro” to an actual professional at your level. The knowledge is available like never before, but the stepping stones have all but vanished for aspiring tournament anglers - sponsorships, affordable derbies that generate attention and help build branding, promotion and marketing to separate you from the rest of the crowd… far too many mouths to feed and not enough to go around. And that is a sad state of affairs. I truly hope you catch a break sooner than later, and that you can grow to love the sport again. It really is a magical, wonderful thing. Please try not to forget that. Best of luck.
Respect the honesty and being real for everyone that won’t stand up and say anything about it. Social media isn’t everything, but definitely has been sponsors crutches to make more $$$ from their anglers. Completely understand the frustration. Keep going bro, you’ll find those who are willing to support you for who you are and the value you bring to the sport.
You hit the nail on the head it’s all about the product every sport wants a you tube person to sell their products keep your head up and try to stay strong only the big brands are going to pay the angles who have several channels on the web it’s all about selling their product good luck. I just found your page and looking for more of your stories
I appreciate the honesty. I just subscribed. Keep it real Jacob.
Than you brother for telling it like it really is, from us outside looking in it doesn’t look like this. You just took your first step in making it happen for you. Wishing the best for you brother
Really enjoyed you laying it out there. You’re 100% correct. Future of professional bass fishing is in jeopardy. Changes must be made to circuit formats/ payouts etc…keep rolling videos out showing the actual tournament to tournament process. If anything you’re educating young anglers who need to know the reality what they are getting in to. Then it’s a choice from that point on. Thanks for an authentic video.
I’m in. I will watch all of your stuff if it will help a small amount to keep you in the game. Keep it coming
This video is probably the realest one I’ve seen from a professional. It honestly sucks that you just cant fish and make a living especially after all the work you put in that people dont see. But unfortunately you said it best social media has took over for better or worse, we must all adapt. Good luck brother and ill be following your success!
You just found your brand. Roll with it. Liked and Subscribed.
Just subscribed. Congratulations on following your dreams and good luck moving forward.
I'm a fan of you because you are a great angler! Grow this channel. Share your fishing expertise! You got my subscription!!