Fishing and Billiards.

I didn't read all the threads, but my opinion is that professional pool is intertwined with a bunch of players/promoters/industry leaders/organizations all hell bent to stomp on each others nutsacks and grab what they can get while the gettin's not totally gone!!!

Fishin'........well, that's just a bunch of good 'ol boys!!!

Maniac
 
Fishing is a multibillion dollar industry. When Bassmasters has a tournament it brings in millions to the local economy. Just like many sports, the top 20 are the ones who really make big money on the bass trail. Kevin Van Dam, being the best bass fisherman ever, makes millions with winnings and endorsements. Without sponsors most wouldn't have the funds to even get started on tour. I have been a guide on Falcon lake, Toledo Bend and a striper guide on Smith lake and will start back full time next year, as I sold my house and am in the process of moving on the lake. I have rods and reels for different species, so, I have around 75 and a utility building for just fishing equipment.. Guides here get 350.00 a day and I know of one guide who does 300 trips a year and stays booked up. For you who have never tried fishing, there is no greater treatment for the mind, ask Shannon Dalton and Marge. My fishing ability could give my pool ability the 6 out.
 
Blue Hog ridr said:
Ok, we all read the threads re what is wrong with pool.

This past weekend, a wall Eye Tourney was held on a Lake, (Last Mountain Lake) approx a 45 minute drive from my city.

Professional anglers from all over Canada and the USA.

My friend, who is and his entire family are avid anglers are out camping at one of the parks where the derby originated the weekend before.

The anglers are already there a week ahead of time to get their hot spots marked and practice.

My friend is chatting with one of the anglers from the USA, sponsored in part by Berkley.

His boat is worth 75 K. His electronics are worth approx 100 K. Some of these guys have covered boat trailers pulled by semis.

He travels the fishing circuit. All his expenses are paid for. If he is in the top 20%, his wages are $250 K. If he makes it into the top 5%, his bonus doubles his wages.

Now, you know how fishermen like to embellish a tad on the fish stories but providing that this guy was telling the truth, its pretty amazing that Pro Anglers can get this type of sponsorship and we are lagging a bit in the billiard industry.

A lot of money in fishing equipment, boats, rods, reels lures and line.

Not trying to post a stupid thread and maybe the comparison between the two are way off base as far as sports are concerned, but just wondering as to why Pro Billiards can't seem to get a bit of the action re a decent cash flow.

Its most likely more difficult to get yourself some good sponsorship in fishing re numbers of anglers as opposed to Pro Players.

For every one of these guys, there are probably what ever number of struggling anglers out there as well, just as in the Billiard industry.

We have our top pros and the rest seem to struggle as well. I'm almost shocked and yet not at the numbers thrown out there.

Probably for the most part, just wanted to relate a little story to the members here.

I have a decent fishing boat, good electronics from my finder to trolling motor, yet most days couldn't land a fish if my life depended on it.

Apparently I need fishing lessons more than I need pool lessons.
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While there is a bunch of money in fishing both from a non pro expense to pro income with BASS being well know many may not realize that the winner take all Calcutta money in a major billfish tournament is way way into the 6 figures. SKA is another big buck tour.

Having said that, the bass fisherman that said he had $100k in electronics on his bass boat is full of crap. I owned a charter business, have a 200 ton Master commerci.al license and have had a series of offshore boats ranging from twin deisel fly bridge sport fish to big fast center consoles.

My last boat had a black box color bottom machine with dual transducer that read to 2,500 feet, gps, vhf, 8dB antenna, 36 mile open array color radar, interfaced auto pilot, fuel management system, high end stereo all of which was top of the line like Furuno NavNet & iCom and I had less than half that invested

So as a starter, I would discount whatever he said by at least half
 
Nostroke said:
I think the major thing is there's probably 200 times more equip/accessories sales for fishing than pool
Click to expand...

This is true. Almost anybody can load up on top of the line stuff,feel like a pro and pose. You cant do that in pool. The equivalent would be a Megabass set up. 1800$ for rod, reel, line, and buying a 10,000 Hercek. There is more branding in fishing too. People who don't fish wear fishing stuff. Kinda like Independent truck company. If someone was selling t-shirt's with Balabushka on em they would sell a few just cause. Hell,Tte 8 ball. Look how popular that is. All the same people you would meet at a pool hall, you would meet on a river.
 
backplaying said:
Fishing is a multibillion dollar industry. When Bassmasters has a tournament it brings in millions to the local economy. Just like many sports, the top 20 are the ones who really make big money on the bass trail. Kevin Van Dam, being the best bass fisherman ever, makes millions with winnings and endorsements. Without sponsors most wouldn't have the funds to even get started on tour. I have been a guide on Falcon lake, Toledo Bend and a striper guide on Smith lake and will start back full time next year, as I sold my house and am in the process of moving on the lake. I have rods and reels for different species, so, I have around 75 and a utility building for just fishing equipment.. Guides here get 350.00 a day and I know of one guide who does 300 trips a year and stays booked up. For you who have never tried fishing, there is no greater treatment for the mind, ask Shannon Dalton and Marge. My fishing ability could give my pool ability the 6 out.
Click to expand...


Billy,
Is that $350 a day, PER PERSON?

I've noticed that many competent pool players also fish extremely well. Coincidence or parallels?

JoeyA
 
Blue Hog ridr said:
Wow, just changing out line once a week. I know there must be a reason for doing this, maybe just for saltwater fishing. If this wasn't a pool forum I would be pressing you for more info.

Feel free to PM me if you want to pass on any valuable info my way.

Like I mentioned, just owning the proper equipment is a start. I'm on the water but still feel for the most part that I am just floating around.

There is a ton of great UTube info available but it just isn't the type of instructional material that will put fish on the end of your line.

PM this stuff if you don't mind. As in, where did you get your start etc. I want your fishing life story right from the start. Hahaha.
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Pareto's Principle... The 80 20 rule

20% of the fisherman catch 80% of the fish

If you study the feeding habits of fish like you would study pool it doesn't take long to get into the 20%

Water flow, water temperature, presence of bait, light levels, cloud cover, ambush cover, water clarity, species specific feeding patterns, etc... Are all definable and predictable.

Catching is a fun part of fishing but better yet is that fish don't live in ugly places... Always nice to spend a day on the water.
 
JoeyA said:
I've noticed that many competent pool players also fish extremely well. Coincidence or parallels?

JoeyA
Click to expand...

I fish extremely well, but competent at playing pool........not so much!!!

Maniac (I just flat-out suck at pool)
 
Fishin sure aint easy, theres lots to it. I'm still learning slow, but this year I finally caught my first trout!
 
It's simple math: millions more people fish than play pool. A couple of BassProShops locations probably sell more than the entire pool industry.

I play pool every day. I fish two days per week. But I've got a lot more invested in fishing than I ever will have in pool.

Grandpa wants to take the kids fishing? Great!

Grandpa wants to take the kids to the pool hall? Not on your life!
 
Amazing aint it that $100 of Owner hooks, custom poured plastics for the morning, evening and mid-day bite, drop shot rigs, titanium bullet weights, split shot, hydrocarbon leader, spinner baits of various color, weight and leaf designs, and blah, blah, blah....can fit in a small popcorn bag.


And then you fish 'old water' from the back of the boat.....


but still a lot of fun.


...we just gotta get Walmart to sponsor some Ricky-Bobby pool tournaments..
 
SmoothStroke said:
What it takes to be consistent and successful fishing.
Put aside the boat, tackle, fuel, electronics, lures, rods, reels, foul weather gear, hypothermic clothing, light clothing, bags, boots, lights, knives, hooks by the hundreds, tying materials, vice, change line every week on 10 or 20 reels . I can continue with 100 more items.
For ocean fishing you have to study the weather, what weather is coming and what weather has just passed (wind is a huge factor) the moon phase, water temperature, structure (find a rock pile, sandbar, wreck, in 500 sq miles or more where fish may be sitting on to ambush prey) Barometric pressure rising and falling, heavy barometer drop, slow drop..Bottomed out and rising. The type of bait in the area and where the above mentioned will push the bait. If you are lucky enough to guess right you may catch a fish.....with luck it will be the winning fish. You have to be a scientist.
I laugh when people say fishing is easy, sit and stare at a worm. I will take anyone and give them the key to my boat and say, take me to the fish if it's such a hanger.
I have 100K in rods, reels, lures and misc tackle.
Last year my winnings were 165 K
This year is not over and the best tourneys are coming as we speak. I have passed last years winnings as of present.
I am sure much is the same for the freshwater guys.
I still love pool
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Where are u from?Billfishing?
 
Fishing

How much you spend all depends on how involved you get into your "hobby" be it fishing, pool or whatever. Some guys want the best of everything and others are happy with just a few things. In freshwater bass fishing some guys are into fast boats, so money goes into props and jackplates. Other guys get into electronics, so they are upgrading them every year or two. Some others get into customizing reels, so they are always getting the newest gear. Many get into custom baits, making or buying them. Me I'm mostly into rods, building the newest coolest and lightest.
In pool you don't need to spend that type of money because your needs are less. Yes you can spend mucho bucks on cues and cases. In pool at most you need 3 cues and a case. When I had my Ranger boat and was fishing tournaments I was carrying 20+ rods. Heck I carry at least 6 rods in my Hobie kayak.
Most of expensive items in pool are from custom makers, where in fishing they are from major vendors. Which makes it easier for the corporations to sponsor events and people.

I wish pool could get to the level of bass fishing, maybe someday.
Good thread.

Stan
 
Nice to see a lot of fishermen responding to this thread. I see a lot of you are getting hard nipples too. Now then lets give Bill Dance a standing ovation.

Pocket Billiards doesn't stand a chance.

I wonder if our great white hope knows how to tie a fisherman's knot or just heft a sword?

Sent from my SCH-M828C using Tapatalk 2
 
I know how to tie a few good fisherman knots. That and a few good naval or survival knots.

I like the saying, If you can't tie a knot, tie a lot.

And I have seen people do exactly that. Tie a million granny knots when one specific knot would have done the trick.

Seen people tie a ton of granny knots mooring their boat when a cleat hitch or a bow line and a rolling hitch would have worked much nicer.

Funny to watch them undo them later.

For you who have never tried fishing, there is no greater treatment for the mind,
Click to expand...

I'll go with that one 100%. whether fishing from a boat or shore casting there is nothing better for your piece of mind or rejuvenating your body.

I love eating my catch, when I get ever so lucky and there is nothing more exciting when you can feel a nibble and you tease the bugger until you feel a bite and can set your hook. In the long run, catching and eating is a nice by product of a great day out regardless.

Since I bought the boat, it has done wonders for my wifes and my relationship. Its just one more common interest hobby that we got on to.
Oh, except for when she loses more lures in a day than most in a year. I guess thats what keeps the tackle shops in business. Almost keeping me broke. Funny that I now have to include a trip to the tackle shop as part of my daily routine and errands now.

We are planning a winter vacation this year. We haven't figured out where and I told her that I don't much care as long as there is a charter fishing boat available where ever that happens to be.

Here is a young lady that has apparently done this a couple of times.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jWB22PyTt0U
 
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Blue Hog ridr said:
Ok, we all read the threads re what is wrong with pool.

This past weekend, a wall Eye Tourney was held on a Lake, (Last Mountain Lake) approx a 45 minute drive from my city.

Professional anglers from all over Canada and the USA.

My friend, who is and his entire family are avid anglers are out camping at one of the parks where the derby originated the weekend before.

The anglers are already there a week ahead of time to get their hot spots marked and practice.

My friend is chatting with one of the anglers from the USA, sponsored in part by Berkley.

His boat is worth 75 K. His electronics are worth approx 100 K. Some of these guys have covered boat trailers pulled by semis.

He travels the fishing circuit. All his expenses are paid for. If he is in the top 20%, his wages are $250 K. If he makes it into the top 5%, his bonus doubles his wages.

Now, you know how fishermen like to embellish a tad on the fish stories but providing that this guy was telling the truth, its pretty amazing that Pro Anglers can get this type of sponsorship and we are lagging a bit in the billiard industry.

A lot of money in fishing equipment, boats, rods, reels lures and line.

Not trying to post a stupid thread and maybe the comparison between the two are way off base as far as sports are concerned, but just wondering as to why Pro Billiards can't seem to get a bit of the action re a decent cash flow.

Its most likely more difficult to get yourself some good sponsorship in fishing re numbers of anglers as opposed to Pro Players.

For every one of these guys, there are probably what ever number of struggling anglers out there as well, just as in the Billiard industry.

We have our top pros and the rest seem to struggle as well. I'm almost shocked and yet not at the numbers thrown out there.

Probably for the most part, just wanted to relate a little story to the members here.

I have a decent fishing boat, good electronics from my finder to trolling motor, yet most days couldn't land a fish if my life depended on it.

Apparently I need fishing lessons more than I need pool lessons.
Click to expand...

It is the same in the UK.

It is simple maths. The fishing industry has a very large and constantly refreshing client base that have a continued and ongoing requirement for their goods, therefore the industry has a market need to directly market to its own users.

People that fish (whether for pleasure or not) require:

  • bait
  • tackle
  • fishing fees
  • other consumables etc

You can easily spend a £100 on bait, fees, tackle and other crap for a weekends fishing. Multiply that by millions of pleasure anglers and you can see where it is going.

The pool industry only really has three direct sources of revenue:

  • equipment - which generally lasts for and is kept for years
  • table times
  • bar spend

So it seeks outside funding, such as gambling companies etc, which is a reduced market value as you are now talking about non-associated companies selling to a required demographic rather than to a specific captive market.

The biggest problem is that very little of the goods sold to pool players are consumable. Anyone buying a cue (usually) spends less than £100 and keeps it for years - and there is little else to sell him..
 
Maniac said:
I bet you were using a Bambu pole :thumbup:!!!

Maniac
Click to expand...

Haha, I may as well try one of those, cant do any worse. I got trout right in my back yard, but I dont catch much. They look at me, I look at them. They eat my bait, but don't like the hooks much!
 
14'5''

We had a cold front move in today, gonna try my luck tomorrow on the Reservoir. The boat weighs 185lbs, motor 148. Done scuba (Baja late 70's) and free diving my whole life growing up on a WI spring fed lake. Found many creative ways to catch em, but never did fish I always enjoyed going and gettin' em ''my way''....no rod or reel. Now that time has elapsed gonna try it with a pole. I figure in a year I'll have the experience needed to not starve :D....It's just as hard to catch fish in either POND :thumbup:

Ironically fish feed in the fall, and the suckers start biting in the winter at the Pool Room.
 

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