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Have a specific Question?
You can send it to me via e-mail at:
lgaines314@earthlink.net
FYI
I just met some really nice people while fishing the Lake Sidney Lanier event. They run "The
Smokin' Fisherman," which is one of the better stocked tackle shops I've come across in my travels. They are
located at:
400 Cleveland Highway
Clermont, Georgia
(770) 983-2338
Give them a call or stop by they'll do everything in their power to get what you want and need.
Ask Stretch!
Letter from Josh:
My name is Josh Rosicka. I am 25 years old and have lived in the Florida
Panhandle all of my life. Fishing is what I love. It is my serenity. I would
like to get my foot in the door of professional fishing. I do not have the
means to start up any sort of fishing business on my own with no sponsors or
partners. Fishing is what I do. I do landscaping and irrigation to get by. I
want my occupation to be Fishing. I am well above average for most people
that call themselves "fishermen". I was hoping you could advise me in how to
get started. I reviewed your Resume and was very impressed, that is why I
turned to you for advise and help. Thank you for taking the time and
consideration for reading this and hope to hear from you soon.
Sincerely,
Joshua Rosicka
Reply to Josh:
Josh,
I hope this email finds you in good spirits and health. It's great to receive this type of email. I love
the sport more than I can describe. I hope I can give you the answer you need and not just what you want to hear.
The first thing you need to do is join a club, especially one that is affiliated with the Federations, that
way you'll see how competitive you are against the club's senior fishermen. You'll also get the opportunity to compete in
the Federation qualifying events. There are currently two Federations available, B.A.S.S. Federation Nation & FLW's The
Bass Federation, both are great programs and have great benefits for its membership. That's where you start and hopefully
things will build from there. I went a different route, because of my age, I competed in the Bassmaster Open Tournaments and
qualified for the Tour from there. It took me four years to reach the top 50 and I have to work to stay there. The money is
my main concern also, I've got great product sponsors and what they provide helps but the bottomline is being able to pay
bills. I'm always looking for a corporate sponsor to surface and help me financially but that may never happen. I continue
to focus on my youth initiatives each season and sponsor support whenever they come up. That's about all I can do. The best
advice I can give you about fishing for a living is to take your time, stay on the water as much as possible, don't become
a local legend (branch out to lakes and rivers in other states) and if possible keep you day job until something positive
happens for you. Be prepared to take what comes your way. Hit me up again, I'll give you as much advice as you're receptive
to. Take care!
Letter from Devon:
Hello, I'm Devon Banks a 4th grade teacher out of Michigan and my passion is Tournament Bass Fishing.
I would like to know how you got started as a pro. I am working hard to become a professional but would like some insight
in the right direction. I would appreciate any information. Please take a look at my web page and club website.
~Sincerely, Devon Banks
Reply to Devon:
Devon,
I hope this email finds you in good spirits and health. Sorry it took so
long to reply but I encountered a tire blow-out on the way to a Federation State Qualifier on Lake Harris and totaled my trailer
in the process. I've been pretty busy coordinating the purchase of my replacement trailer.
As for your question regarding becoming a pro, it looks like you're well on
your way. I served 26 years in the military to secure a living for my family and hit the water fishing national-level
tournaments immediately upon my retirement. I've been competing in Bassmaster events since 2001, so far I've done alright
for myself but could do so much better with the help of at least one corporate sponsor. I've got some great product
sponsors, which helps but doesn't pay the bills.
I think I can help you a little more if you ask more specific questions,
I'll give you whatever insight I possess. Eager to hear from you!
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