Yeah but that is nothing now with 40%tax... i have a decent sales job and i feel like i make nothing and i live inside my own means no car payment etc and still barley have anything left after paying my rent and bills@guyfoscone3193
If you’re are in debt to fish in my opinion you can’t afford it. Fishing professionally is a gamble unless you have loads of sponsors to pay your bills. I personally would not want put up my property, house, truck to gamble on catching enough fish to make a enough money to pay for everything.
Randy is only looking at the "headline" economic indicators, like many do. But the real dozen or so data points analysts look at are showing negative data which images the same data during recessions. Whether people want to believe it or not, we are actually in a recession already. Current administration will never admit that though.
@@Trump2024musthappenWearing a MAGA hat and breaking windows on Jan. 6 doesn’t count as 2 jobs… Believing Trump won is what qualifies you to have to need to work 2 jobs!!
I like Randy and agree with him on almost everything, but to state that every leading economic indicator is doing well right now, when so many are struggling to survive , is hard to square.
Ive followed him forever. I am just shocked he said this. hes a smart guy, i think he has the blinders on. Either that, or hes just as out of touch as he calls scopers. still will follow him, just dont agree. and thats FINE.
Randy sounds like a Democrat when he says inflation is down ... sorry, but that is not reality today. Interest rates are high. Who can afford to buy a house today? Randy, I listen to his fishing advice and tips, but I just have to filter out his politics and other personal opinions.
Randy is just stating facts. Guys that are in the position to spend that kind of money have brokerage accounts and are benefiting from the DOW being at a record high and the good economy. Until they raise the minimum wage and increase Union membership the working poor will continue to struggle.
If you think Trump is on your side…you’ve been hooked and reeled in. It’s the entire system pal…the system is geared towards a small minority. No change in DC will change that especially from a grifter that doesn’t pay his bills to hard working contractors/suppliers…negotiating bills by attempting to starve contractors/suppliers into a settlement. You need to read real facts about such bubba!! I don’t trust any political party except currently it’s to everyone’s children’s future to destroy Russia and China..you do want China to be put in its place..yes??
Stock market - Yes. Inflation - heck no. A pack of oscar meyer hot dogs costs $7 and your average #1 combo fast food is $15. But yeah, understand the message. With a $200k investment in a boat and tow vehicle it's insane. I'm running a 22 year boat I bought new before the prices jumped from $40k to $100k.
By any measurement known - buffet indicator, schiller index, interest rate inversion, the stock market is dramatically overpriced. They might keep the bubble going for 2 or 3 years but it is a bubble and it will pop.
People that have to worry about the price of groceries and gas don’t buy 100K boats and put up 5K entry fees. Guys that have benefited from the DOW doubling in the last 3 years do!
Randy doesn't understand economics. That lettuce got to the store "how"?...with gasoline or diesel! So is the lettuce the same price? Randy says "yes"....I say he's gotta be smokin' some gooood shit or is dumb af,OR....and this would encapsulate the above and excuse the redundancy but....he's a....he's.....a well he's a LIBTARD!!
He's been blinded by the Biden, this allllll makes sense now! "🎉Screw fish finders unless it's me using em" I swear I've wondered why you thought some of the ways you do n it all MAKES SENSE NOW!
@@FutureBassmaster4469 read my comment and realize Randy isn’t in the financial position that the price of gas and groceries effects his lifestyle. Like me he is old and likely owns his home as well so housing prices aren’t a factor either. For some people the economy is never going to be good.
I qualified for cabelas king cat tournament at Santee, we got invitations in mail and was stoked!! We had too pass, 5g entry fee, hotel, boat gas, ect ect was crazy high, we have never been so heartbreaken 💔 in our lifes!!! Thx Randy for covering this!!! FJB
@@BusterBibbit has some to do with greed, but Biden went to war against our energy industry and that’s what has caused inflation to go wild. Higher energy means higher price of good and it shows from the date Biden took office.
@@BusterBibb that is the biggest load of imaginary crap you'll learn about in economics 101. Capitalism naturally weeds such a thought out. You're too high priced?....buh bye....CLOSED!
@@NonTypicalRacing Capitalism? Capitalism by definition, does not include subsidies, bail outs or lobbying (legalized bribery). The government is systemically corrupt. This is misguided blame. The US government is Cronycapitalism, an economic system characterized by close, mutually advantageous relationships between business leaders and government officials. Example : AT&T lobbied hard for Trump's tax cuts and got $21 billion to "create tens of thousands of jobs." Then it cut 42,000 jobs, gave investors $44 billion in dividends and gave its ex-CEO a $64 million pension.
The economy is not as strong as you think Randy. 30-40% inflation in the last three years alone. Boats that cost more than I paid for my house 25 years ago. I remember the good old days. I remember the 300.00 Invitational entry fees. I fished a few of them in the 90's. Now 300.00 will barely fill your boat and truck with fuel for a weekend. Its time for a new grass roots organization to step up and fill the void. 25 years ago that was the BASS Federation. Then ESPN got involved, and big money got involved. And GREED became the driving force instead of the betterment of the sport. The day Ray Scott stepped down from BASS, everything began to change. I spent 5 years on the NC BASS Federation Board of Directors from 97-02. Do you remember the Casting Kids contests? Remember all the community involvement? We had clubs that would adopt boat ramps on the lakes and rivers we fished, and have cleanup days where we would go out and pick up trash and clean up boat ramps and recreation areas. Non of that happens any more.
@@NonTypicalRacingIt's not that we are liberal we just don't care for fascist....like Trump.and he's from New York too where all the media from both sides comes from? I'm surprised that all the Neo Cons have fallen for Trump.
@@kenlay6004 Trump is thee quintessential furthest thing from "fascist"! 😆 What slur audio clip did you listen to? Like "great people on both sides" and other great hits like "they're murderers, rapist, and thugs". That fascist remark, wheeew, lol...that's ALCOHOLIC koolaid, not just koolaid! Lmfao..."fascist". That's like calling Joe Biden "not a ped0phile".
Eggs are high because of the avian bird flu outbreak and 2022. Has nothing to do with the economy. Every leading economic indicator in this country is doing awesome.
@@randyblaukatintuitive inflationary spending is up that’s correct, but gdp is down again. Diesel demand is at 1999 levels, which mean at the peak season people aren’t traveling and spending money on long trip. That’s not an indicator of good economic times. Tracjer marine also laid off 25-30% of its work force. If you want to see how well the economy is doing look at boat sales. Love your fishing content but your incorrect on this issue
I just watched Derek Hudnall declaring he was retiring from the Elite Series because of financial hardship. They have sucked him dry and forced him to give up the profession he loves. He is a great guy and it is a shame it came to this. Best of luck Derek !!
@@colingordon5950 I believe you are partly correct. If I was spending more and getting more then we have a strong economy. If I’m spending more and getting the same or even less then we have inflation. Maybe you haven’t experienced this but I have.
Your spending alot of money because of CORPERATE greed my man, plain n simple! Record PROFFETS, now ask yourslelf why???? GREED my man, GREED!!! they've retooled their machines, along time ago, to give you less, AND in the name of covid!! THEIR IS NO OTHER REASON, TO CONTINUE, THIS FLEECING, OF AMERICANS, BUT PURE GREED!!! NOW YOU KNOW.
I enjoy your channel but I must disagree with you on a couple of things. The economy is TERRIBLE. Inflation is TERRIBLE. Stocks are only good for people who are doing insider trading. Average American families are struggling to put food on the table and gas in their cars because of the horrible economy. I pray for a change very soon.
@@tangocharlie3545only the extreme left thinks the economy is doing well. Independent, moderate, and conservative polling shows that the economy is in terrible shape. Biden just needs to pass one tax bill and it will crash. Using the stock market as a measuring tool is a bad idea especially with inflation involved. The 1970s tell that story.
Ironically Bassmaster Elite Pro Derek Hudnall, recently announced his retirement yesterday from the Elite Series due to financial constraints. He is currently ranked 55th out of 103 in the Angler of year standings.
@@renegade2325that happens all the time and it’s just a fact of life. If you can’t win enough to cover your expenses for the year , sooner or later you’ll be forced into realizing the fact that you’re not putting up good enough numbers to continue losing money. If you’re using family income to support your fishing career and you’re not making any money fishing then of course you need to get out. Don’t blame the economy, that’s stupid, look in the mirror. I see people complaining about the price of little things like gas and eggs, meanwhile they spend like a drunken sailor on cell phones or eating out at a restaurant with 3 kids, or any other crazy thing they want and refuse to work overtime or weekends , the economy is fine and if it’s not good for you personally it’s your own fault. Work harder smarter and don’t waste your money and you soon see the benefits
Bass boats have always been expensive. Granted, they're a whole more expensive now. Modern bass boats you see on tour have 60k worth of electronics in a $90k bass boat being towed by a $90k truck. Not mention the other $20k worth of rods, reels, and lures. That is before travel expenses are factored in. So yes, you're are correct sir! The economy is not great for the middle class and lower. Those elites are doing just fine, the rest of are seeing the possibility of even owning a bass boat slip further and further away.
Economy might be doing great...just not in the US...businesses closing down weekly, record homelessness, 60% living paycheck/paycheck, high inflation OBVIOUSLY...i agree with Randy on many things, but he's delusional if he thinks the US is in good shape...Record credit card debt is likely providing a false positive on the economy
I realize some peoples political agenda causes them to root for the United States to fail. However, leading economic indicators do not lie, and they were all trending upward right now in this country.
Randy, look at the credit card debt of the average American now compared to 5 years ago, look at the inflation rate, look at the interest rates. How can you possibly say the economy is in good shape? Wake up.
Forget professional fishing! I’m retired with my own boat. Between gas in the car to pull my boat to the lake, gas in the boat, insurance on the boat, ramp fees and tackle, I can’t afford to go fishing about once a week. There is no way I’m spending 5k to 6k for electronics. I have to fish the “old fashion way”.
@edwardcowan7012 you work for potato brain or something??? You're just relentless on this channel spewing fallacies....that NOBODY is buying I might add. Wanna go to an e-wager site? We send a claim to an independent 3rd party for review and they award an agreed amount to the winner. Get your credit card and meet me ed! Let's go, get that mouth of yours shut, corrected or broke. Only way you guys learn. Ready ed?
I consider myself upper middle class with 100,000 plus salary per year and I am not buried in debt and there is no way I could afford to buy a new boat , new truck , and live on the road 6 months out of the year first of all I would have to quit my job which I cant afford to do so I would never be able to do something like this so unless you are single , have mommy and daddy’s money don’t own a house etc. I don’t see any way you could do it , you would have a better chance of becoming a TH-cam star like Randy .
Your absolutely right. It's always been my dream to be a pro bass angler. I'm 33 with a wife and 3 kids. It's all can do to afford my 17ft tracker and keeping my rods and tackle up to fish local weekend tournaments 😂
The only "pro angler" I know was a 20 year old I know had to start guiding after a couple seasons on trails....his parents set him up with truck and boat but he had to find something to maintain the pro angler lifestyle....he does good in home state but not the rest of country. Granted he is a great guide and catches bigs but does scope. I personally don't care about fish that aren't in my state or how to catch them. Staying on top of your own fisheries is hard enough and a full time job!
Economy is bad it's forced me to quit a lot of things I love to do to put food on the table and pay my rent can't even go on vacation anymore it's so expensive times are rough
Randy. I work 60+hrs a week. My Wife works full time I also own a buisness. We don’t live beyond our means I still couldn’t afford to do be a Pro Angler Hell. I can’t even afford the God Damn Boat to use. I own a 18ft Lund with a 90hp. It’s Sickening
I suspected that many entering are families that own boat dealerships. They get to use the boats free and they right off the entry fees and losses as advertising business expenses. It's not about the average individual.. It's become a financial racket, The tournaments should adopt a rule that if you have family that runs a dealership/business associated with fishing that you are disqualified from entering the contest.This is not not an uncommon rule in contests. I have family that worked in the media and that made me disqualified from entering many contests. Tournaments should do the same. Businesses should not be entering the contests and individuals should not be competing against businesses.
Capitalism, my dude. In case you weren't aware, this system's foundation is two classes: Working class people, who create value, and Owning Class people, who own access to, and the means of Production, and skim some of the Value created by working class people to keep for themselves. I can't make this any clearer: The "leading economic indicators" that you refer to are for the OWNING CLASS, not the working class. If you dont OWN property or OWN a business, this economy has TANKED. Join a union folks, that's the only way things are going to change. The owning class has us by the short n curlies.
Bass and MLF have figured out that people will fish in tournaments no matter how expensive it is. Thay will justify it by saying " this is my destiny and I don't care about anything else"
Randy, I think you explained that very fairly and straight as it gets. Facts are facts. It has certainly gotten to the point that it causes me to lose all interests in a sport I have always loved and respected.
Spot on, I’m 32. Have dreamed of a pro career for 25+ years. BASS and ESPN sold me on the dream, which died a couple years ago. I make similar money fishing locally to what i would if I were a middle of the road pro. I’ve been hassled before by a former sponsor for not lying about the bait i was using (a competitor) At the time i was getting $200 per year in product and they expected total and complete loyalty at the expense of my credibility with my followers. It’s just not worth it any more to try to be a pro. If it fell in my lap via the All American or Nation Championship, then it’s meant to be. But invitationals and opens are both a sure bet for bankruptcy. In my opinion the qualifying tours should be no entry fee, no payout. Let companies compete and offer better contingencies, like $20k from phoenix to win, 5k from Mercury, 1 k minnkota, etc. to get on the qualifying tour you need to make it through BFLs (bass would have to add a grass roots tour). This would give a guy like me who works 40 hr weeks for 50k a year a shot
All sports have become a “elitist sport” I remember what my grandpa told me about professional sports 30 years ago, “son, this will all be a rich man’s game and you will probably never be able to afford to go to a game” So far it’s holding true, money ruined y’all in fishing, just like it did to the big four!
I'm 65,a disabled veteran and never was into electronics,I have a poor man's 14ft Lowes L1448M aluminum boat. No electronics, old school bass fishing, if I was a bass where would I want to be. I catch and snap shot and release. When I see TV screens on bass boats, I'm completely turned off and stopped watching pro tournament bass fishing all together. From pampers to,Playstation to FFS,good luck Randy,unfortunately electronics is the future and it's blown out of proportion with pro bass fishing. I'm a old school bass fishing guy
Thank you very much for bringing light to this. Two days ago I briefly argued with Brian Latimer about the content in his most recent video. His stance on why boats were so expensive is because people were installing more tech. I tried to point out the flaw in his logic stating that boats will hover on water someday and will be worth five million dollars, effectively putting them out of reach for all but one percent of the population. The true cause is inflation. The cost of commodities are continuously increasing while individual income has remained fairly stagnant over the past 50 years. Competition drives prices down. When the 10 “brands” you shop for are all owned by one major corporation, they can do as they please, usually to benefit stock holders. Listen to all the big words said in an earnings report. This is how they hide what they are doing from middle/lower class earners who don’t understand finance or economics. There are no smoke and mirrors. Just really educated individuals taking advantage of undereducated individuals. A good example for fisherman would be graphs. There are probably three to five major corporations making the chips for sonar… see where I’m going with it? Randy, you are using your platform for good and true content. I appreciate you and your time. I appreciate all of your tips and tricks. I am a better fisherman because of the content you produce. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Tournament bass fishing has always been somewhat of an elitist sport during my lifetime. I fished many local and a few 100+ boat tournaments in the '90's and it was obvious who had the cash and who didn't.
I fished with a top level guy before he turned pro and hes come out on how it was so hard on him..... i was a year younger and barely had enough money to fish as a co angler..... when he was driving a new truck and boat in his early 20s..... disconnect there..
It is curious that you throw out these opinions then ask for our feedback. I'll skip the low hanging fruit of the economy's ticking along (some old Indian Peote flash backs from the sweat lodge I'm guessing?) . Let's run down a few points. $1'500 entry fee in 1985 is $4'300 in today's dollars. The production's more sophisticated and expensive now. Can you even buy a boat today as stripped down as an '85? What was the HP rating? boat length? Today? 18 foot Ranger with a 150hp list for 48K with a better graph and trolling motor than back in the day. It doesn't matter because we don't see 18ft boats at the pro level do we? A member of the deadly sins group, Envy is never flattering to ones character and to bemoan the cost to be self employed as a bass fisherman because it's so much worse than any other small business leap is a bit insensitive 🤔. Average golf pro drops $5k per event and 20-30 events per year. About 1.1MM high school football players are hoping to get one of the 1'700 NFL positions. Man that sucks. No reasonable person can look at professional fishing as anything more than professional gamblers in ball caps and fancy bowling shirts in pickup trucks. ( A handful of people do well, the rest are plopping down money on the fishing version of a lottery ticket as their plan to carve out a living. It appears the fishing is what folks want to do, being a independent sales rep is what has to be done to pay the bills. (that would include social media in today's reality). Love the fishing vids but you seem to love the controversial commentary. Perhaps this will be a highly viewed. Well you pulled me into the fray. Be well
It's not just pro level events being dominated by people with money. Back in the day, club events and weeknight events could be won by people in any manner of boat, down to johnboats, because 2D sonar was attainable for most. Now, a few guys in $100K boats equipped with FFS win every time. Not fun.
I was inspired in the 80s. I just don't know anymore. It really doesn't make a lot of sense to own a boat these days. At the professional level, fishing out of identical boats might level the field.
I believe like you that this is all about money anymore and not talent, the industry has definitely made it hard for the everyday hard working person to move forward.
Whoooow. The economy is ready to crash. It is not doing good. Inflation has caused everything to be outlandish. Our stock market is for the first time threatened by the BRICs currency and stock market. You know I like to use other sports to compare the fishing community. Let's use auto racing. The cheapest form would be pure stock. Years ago, any individual could purchase a junk car, strip it down, get sponsors to cover a tire, fuel, or entry fees. Today's pure stock has a minimal cost of about $10000 to even take one lap at a track. Tracks are closing because of overhead cost to maintain the tracks. Payouts are based on spectators. After your entry fee,tire cost, fuel, and time. You can not replenish your cost. Even with high end sponsors. The economy is not strong. More of the population is living below poverty than ever before. A pro angler who has the skill can not participate in the tournaments. It is no longer about the best fisherman, It's now about the most wealthy. Fishing/racing makes many millionaire-moderately rich.
Look at the United States inflation compared to other industrialized countries in the world we are amongst the lowest inflation was caused by the global pandemic. It has nothing to do with domestic economic issues.
Randy…understand that people are gullible…it’s easy to pursued people that have come to buy into sensationalism of news…distorted events worded to create fear. You are 100% correct but you’re preaching to many that would rather be told than to find real news…God help us!!
You should start a tournament series of your own, set the rules the entry fees in the payouts properly. It would probably be a big success and possibly save a great sport. 😎
The dollars has lost about 24% of the purchasing power it had in the last few years thanks to the printing of all the money the fed printed. So it is really just cluster of many things. That could take years to get through, if people choose to fix it. 2 chronicles 7:14.
We've been doing fiat money since the Roman Empire,British Empire and now the American Empire, we just devalue the money by printing more of it to pay our bills. It's a tax on all of us?
@@NonTypicalRacing Don't expect the Republicans to fix it as a matter of fact they have continually been worse than the democrats look at those wars in Afganistan and Iraq talk about expensive probably about 10 trillion. At one time before 9/11 the FED was going to quit selling 30 year treasuries because our debt was lowered substantially because Newt and Bill Clinton worked together. GWB totally over reacted to the events so they could help the military defense companies....Now we are watching a real war where real freedom is at stake. If you don't think Russia wants to kill all the Ukrainians think again. Trump would surrender to his buddies in a minute and then take a bow.
Great segment! To me the only way a average guy could make the top level these days is by winning the Federation National Championship or BFL All American. There are a number of top pros that have launched their careers doing just that. If I hadn’t made any Classics in the past I would consider fishing one division of the EQ’s since a win gets you in. I fished the Invitationals briefly after winning the Federation Championship in 1991 and quickly recognized how unrealistic trying to make a living like that was. In 2005 when I won my second National Championship I turned down the Elite Invitation and a very lucrative sponsorship. I’m glad I did, I’m pulling a pension from the job I didn’t give up.
Everything is not just going up but it's going through the roof and on top of that it cost more and you get less. I'm doing good to just fun fish once in a while with a 19 year old boat. Traveling to fish is not an option right now. To me it doesn't seem to be the lack of work but the cost of everything is through the roof! It feels like the economy is on the brink of a real shit.
Money has killed so many sports… NASCAR, local dirt tracks, pro football and now College sports! Let me back up say…. “The love of money” has destroyed many sports!!
I don’t even understand how recreational anglers can afford to fish more than once a month. I don’t agree with you in the least bit about the economy being strong. The cost of everything is ridiculous. I don’t have any vehicle or boat payments and I still have a hard time getting to the lake like I’d like to.
@bommert3816 oh he sure the hell did. The comments are still on my que as they stay frequent, but I'm gone once they subside. That was the most idiotic thing I've heard someone say in a long time.
I cant afford to fish recreationally anymore. Most years i would have been out on my aluminum about 20 trips by now. Only been out 3 times this season(gas,tolls, food, intangibles). Its either go fishing or have food for the week. Isn’t happening anymore. AND, id have to argue the gas,economy and inflation with you.
You are exactly right-Terribly Expensive!!! It's shameful!!! For example was a fishing reel I had seen, had a sticker price of $750- Ridiculous because I can catch just as much fish on a $100 reel!!! Small kids seeing this, will be out of reach because they won't be able to afford it!!! Thank you for the Reality of this sport!!!
This was me. I grew up on a middle-class family and had the pro fisherman dream from a young age. My dream was crushed a long time ago, especially as my family grew over the years. I chose not to put my family thru a finical burden and me be absent all the time.
That is true, for example a College Football Player has the University Program that pays for everything, then if they are good enough they go to the NFL, where the given franchise then pays their salary and expenses. I'm not super knowledgeable, but I don't think Bass Fishing works like that. If I am wrong feel free to educate me if such a process exists.
How? Connections, non endemic sponsorship, you tube supplemental income, creative tax deductions with a great bookkeeper. With all respect Randy, the national economy is at this moment bleak. My retirement dollar is worth 82 cents after the past three years.
Economy is strong 🙄 words from every person in the older generation. Younger people cant buy homes, vehicles, food, let alone these damn boats and compete in fishing. Thank our government for making everything completely out of reach for the next generation!
Economy is good ??? Really?? Groceries are up, Gas is up, Mortgage rates way up, even fast food ! Not sure what planet you are referring to but it’s tough out here for the blue collar man on earth in the USA.
@bommert3816 Randy doesn't reach that deep, he listens to mainstream media...rendered absolutely obtuse and an echo chamber victim. Look at what happened to Bill Mahr last week with Megan Kelly...that's Randy right about now. I'll bet he's checking these comments every hour or so and mixing another drink, lol. What disasterously wrong thing to say, why even go there? Shut up n fish, like dribble the ball....nope....echo chamber politics comin' at ya! Thanx for showing your true self Randy. 🥔🧠
Randy…..mom and dad or friends of mom and dad. Same as Motorsports and other expensive sports. I raced first in the 70’s on street motorcycles and you could run with em. Technology was non-existent and the dollar was worth a huge amount more. First race car my brother an I built in our parents’ garage and we went out and won!!! Now, if you’re not the son of a wealthy or well-connected family you won’t crack the glass ceiling. It “appears” doable but the reality is it’s a pipe dream. Inflation and taxation has raped the middle class such that we have a lid on our ability to reach for the stars. And the organizations that run the sport absolutely refuse to make rules that would make the sport relatively affordable. They just refuse to do anything along those lines. Thank God we lived in a time when you could “make it” and achieve success while in a grass-roots effort. It’s a mirror image of society. Elitist socialist governments eliminate the middle class, by hook or by crook. So far, they’re winning…and the middle class will and continues to pay the majority of the taxes and continues to be crushed. Shame. Nice call out. Maybe a new organization that returns to affordable tournament formats, smaller boats? Kayaks?
I agree with you. Some of the guys that don't have much money in stuff like me where is the fishing world. Just because someone can't do $10,000 in just bait like others. I've seen people tearing it up on cheeper stuff.
I really don’t think pro bass fishing is for the middle class people. I’ve always made what I consider good money, between 60-100k a year. House payment and bills insurance and then kids . Now I’m 51 kids gone,house paid for, but I’m too old to pro bass fish. Too tired to run around the country after running around the country to get where I am. Don’t ask me how these young guys do it. Good credit, rich parents, maybe good investments and poring everything into it.
I’ve been waiting you for few months now and I agree with what you’ve said up until this point. But for you to say the economy is strong I’m going to have to ask are you that rich to not be able to look around below your level and see 80% of American citizens are damn near drowning trying to survive. For you to say the economy is strong and things are good, money is flowing you maybe setting on way too much money to notice normal Americans need help, they are in trouble and one major bill from disaster financially.
Jim Cramer of the fishing world.....as bad as "stop using braid to fluoro". Boat manufacturers jack their prices up cuz their costs are up, it's really that simple. That's inflation. Housing costs have doubled in the last 4 years, doubled.
Nobody should have to pay to compete on a pro sport. We just need a real tournament organization with integrity to come around. Bassmaster is junk. Your skills pay your way not you bank account. I find tournament fishing to be a bunch of pathetic dingleberrys trying to make a buck…it’s not even about the competition all you tourney guys care about is a payout. Everything is wrong with tournaments
People are spending more money because everything costs more that doesn’t mean it’s a strong economy. High Stocks because corporations buy back their own stocks don’t resemble the real market
I can't afford to drive an hr, practice for club and team tournaments. I parked it in 2022 when I learned that ffs is what I'd need to keep up with the college and highschool kids that can be there everyday in North Alabama. Even the Monday and Thursday nighters are out of my league, but if I had the money I'd commit.
The secret is to not get sucked in . And its easy to do if you let it . I only buy rods and reels that are on sale . I buy good but not great . No way am i paying 200$ for a spinning rod . I buy store brand baits . I buy used boats and maintain them .A 300$ depth finder will tell you what tou need to know . I fish all the time . Its not the tools , its the guy who uses them. A guy told me many years ago that all these tounements would ruin the sport . I rhought he was crazy . Was he ?
KVD said it best! "you can make a small fortune fishing tournaments, just start with a large fortune!"
gonna have to disagree with you on your opinion of the economy.
So are many of his now former viewers....what a dipchit.
PRO CIRCUITS ONLY HAVE THE RICHEST NOT THE BEST ANGLERS
It's turning in to Polo....
Exactly Some of us aren’t millionaires…
Only the “elite”
Best comment award! ❤
Well said
Randy...the bottom half of society is struggling in this economy.
Plenty of jobs out there, BK and Mcdonalds pay $15 hr to start.
@@guyfoscone3193bless your heart
Yeah but that is nothing now with 40%tax... i have a decent sales job and i feel like i make nothing and i live inside my own means no car payment etc and still barley have anything left after paying my rent and bills@guyfoscone3193
The middle half is struggling too.
@@guyfoscone3193😂😂😂😂😂😂lmfao
Personal debt is at all-time highs. That's one reason people can "afford" to do it.
If you’re are in debt to fish in my opinion you can’t afford it. Fishing professionally is a gamble unless you have loads of sponsors to pay your bills. I personally would not want put up my property, house, truck to gamble on catching enough fish to make a enough money to pay for everything.
Personal debt is always at all time highs means the consumerism economy is working as it should
Randy is only looking at the "headline" economic indicators, like many do. But the real dozen or so data points analysts look at are showing negative data which images the same data during recessions. Whether people want to believe it or not, we are actually in a recession already. Current administration will never admit that though.
In this great economy, I work 3 jobs to put food on the table, no time to fish.
Maybe you should have learned a skill.
@@guyfoscone3193- 20 years USMC - retired - then 20 years UPS - Looks like you will learn the hard way.
@@guyfoscone3193I have a skill and still gotta work 2 jobs . Don't be ignorant
@@Trump2024musthappen Bullshit- if you work 3 jobs and are struggling just doesn't add up. What is your skill? Maybe sell crack at night...🤣
@@Trump2024musthappenWearing a MAGA hat and breaking windows on Jan. 6 doesn’t count as 2 jobs… Believing Trump won is what qualifies you to have to need to work 2 jobs!!
I like Randy and agree with him on almost everything, but to state that every leading economic indicator is doing well right now, when so many are struggling to survive , is hard to square.
Ive followed him forever. I am just shocked he said this. hes a smart guy, i think he has the blinders on. Either that, or hes just as out of touch as he calls scopers. still will follow him, just dont agree. and thats FINE.
Randy sounds like a Democrat when he says inflation is down ... sorry, but that is not reality today. Interest rates are high. Who can afford to buy a house today? Randy, I listen to his fishing advice and tips, but I just have to filter out his politics and other personal opinions.
Randy is just stating facts. Guys that are in the position to spend that kind of money have brokerage accounts and are benefiting from the DOW being at a record high and the good economy. Until they raise the minimum wage and increase Union membership the working poor will continue to struggle.
@@SergiusPaulus-1he is a flaming liberal. No doubt
If you think Trump is on your side…you’ve been hooked and reeled in.
It’s the entire system pal…the system is geared towards a small minority. No change in DC will change that especially from a grifter that doesn’t pay his bills to hard working contractors/suppliers…negotiating bills by attempting to starve contractors/suppliers into a settlement.
You need to read real facts about such bubba!!
I don’t trust any political party except currently it’s to everyone’s children’s future to destroy Russia and China..you do want China to be put in its place..yes??
You lost me at "The economy is strong right now....."
It’s a fact, turn off Fox not News
@@edwardcowan7012three quarters of the public disagrees.
Depends on your socioeconomic class. Those bottom half isn't doing to well.
@@bommert38161/4 of the public is doing better than ever.
@@RobAnguianothe bottom half aren’t buying 100K boats and paying 5K entry fees.
Stock market - Yes. Inflation - heck no. A pack of oscar meyer hot dogs costs $7 and your average #1 combo fast food is $15. But yeah, understand the message. With a $200k investment in a boat and tow vehicle it's insane. I'm running a 22 year boat I bought new before the prices jumped from $40k to $100k.
By any measurement known - buffet indicator, schiller index, interest rate inversion, the stock market is dramatically overpriced. They might keep the bubble going for 2 or 3 years but it is a bubble and it will pop.
Forget baseball and football, professional bass fishing access is more like the sport of polo.
Go to a grocery store and gas pump and tell me how great it is
People that have to worry about the price of groceries and gas don’t buy 100K boats and put up 5K entry fees. Guys that have benefited from the DOW doubling in the last 3 years do!
my pain starts when I walk out the house door
Randy doesn't understand economics. That lettuce got to the store "how"?...with gasoline or diesel! So is the lettuce the same price? Randy says "yes"....I say he's gotta be smokin' some gooood shit or is dumb af,OR....and this would encapsulate the above and excuse the redundancy but....he's a....he's.....a well he's a LIBTARD!!
He's been blinded by the Biden, this allllll makes sense now! "🎉Screw fish finders unless it's me using em" I swear I've wondered why you thought some of the ways you do n it all MAKES SENSE NOW!
@@FutureBassmaster4469 read my comment and realize Randy isn’t in the financial position that the price of gas and groceries effects his lifestyle. Like me he is old and likely owns his home as well so housing prices aren’t a factor either. For some people the economy is never going to be good.
I qualified for cabelas king cat tournament at Santee, we got invitations in mail and was stoked!! We had too pass, 5g entry fee, hotel, boat gas, ect ect was crazy high, we have never been so heartbreaken 💔 in our lifes!!! Thx Randy for covering this!!! FJB
How can the economy be strong with gas prices,grocery prices and everything else at inflated prices. Better look again.
Again..producers and wholesalers mostly middlemen..saw the $$$ and “Greedflation” went rampant.
You do know what Greedflation is..correct?
@@BusterBibbit has some to do with greed, but Biden went to war against our energy industry and that’s what has caused inflation to go wild. Higher energy means higher price of good and it shows from the date Biden took office.
Ask Randy, he's got that legacy media mentality and just GUZZLES the talking point koolaid.
@@BusterBibb that is the biggest load of imaginary crap you'll learn about in economics 101. Capitalism naturally weeds such a thought out. You're too high priced?....buh bye....CLOSED!
@@NonTypicalRacing Capitalism? Capitalism by definition, does not include subsidies, bail outs or lobbying (legalized bribery). The government is systemically corrupt. This is misguided blame. The US government is Cronycapitalism, an economic system characterized by close, mutually advantageous relationships between business leaders and government officials. Example :
AT&T lobbied hard for Trump's tax cuts and got $21 billion to "create tens of thousands of jobs."
Then it cut 42,000 jobs, gave investors $44 billion in dividends and gave its ex-CEO a $64 million pension.
Most are working just to eat and have a place to live...fishing tournaments and bass boats are just a dream.
The economy is not as strong as you think Randy. 30-40% inflation in the last three years alone. Boats that cost more than I paid for my house 25 years ago. I remember the good old days. I remember the 300.00 Invitational entry fees. I fished a few of them in the 90's. Now 300.00 will barely fill your boat and truck with fuel for a weekend. Its time for a new grass roots organization to step up and fill the void. 25 years ago that was the BASS Federation. Then ESPN got involved, and big money got involved. And GREED became the driving force instead of the betterment of the sport. The day Ray Scott stepped down from BASS, everything began to change. I spent 5 years on the NC BASS Federation Board of Directors from 97-02. Do you remember the Casting Kids contests? Remember all the community involvement? We had clubs that would adopt boat ramps on the lakes and rivers we fished, and have cleanup days where we would go out and pick up trash and clean up boat ramps and recreation areas. Non of that happens any more.
What good economy?
In Randy's lib brain....its good! He's on the legacy media and NPR crap pretty hard!
@@NonTypicalRacingIt's not that we are liberal we just don't care for fascist....like Trump.and he's from New York too where all the media from both sides comes from? I'm surprised that all the Neo Cons have fallen for Trump.
@@kenlay6004 Trump is thee quintessential furthest thing from "fascist"! 😆 What slur audio clip did you listen to? Like "great people on both sides" and other great hits like "they're murderers, rapist, and thugs". That fascist remark, wheeew, lol...that's ALCOHOLIC koolaid, not just koolaid! Lmfao..."fascist". That's like calling Joe Biden "not a ped0phile".
I just spent 8$ for eggs. The economy is good ?
Eggs are high because of the avian bird flu outbreak and 2022. Has nothing to do with the economy. Every leading economic indicator in this country is doing awesome.
Randy you are totally brainwashed!
@@randyblaukatintuitive it's not just eggs. It cost 40 $ a day to feed my family of 3 and over 100 to fill my truck. 4 years ago it was half that
@@randyblaukatintuitive inflationary spending is up that’s correct, but gdp is down again. Diesel demand is at 1999 levels, which mean at the peak season people aren’t traveling and spending money on long trip. That’s not an indicator of good economic times. Tracjer marine also laid off 25-30% of its work force. If you want to see how well the economy is doing look at boat sales. Love your fishing content but your incorrect on this issue
@@jnorth5689 exactly that is because of supply chain interruptions from the pandemic that affects every country on a global scale
“Economy is strong”
Randy man… really?
Don’t say you’re out of touch without saying you’re out of touch!
I just watched Derek Hudnall declaring he was retiring from the Elite Series because of financial hardship. They have sucked him dry and forced him to give up the profession he loves. He is a great guy and it is a shame it came to this. Best of luck Derek !!
Nobody forced him to do anything he said it was his mediocre performances that caused him to retire
@@spencersmith6754 I wonder if he was using the FFS??
@@MrRGiller he said in his statement that it had nothing to do with ffs
A good economy. I disagree
From what I understand, he's a liberal.
@@MrRGillerthe only one who bass fishes lol
after hearing this guy spit that nonsense i cant take anything he says seriously,
Check the numbers-it is a good economy. We are getting gouged by the big corporations.
@bommert3816 yep, and I suspected it...unsubscribed now.
I don’t think the economy is strong. I think I’m spending a lot of money.
Then it’s strong if you are spending lol. That’s literally the definition of a strong economy.
That’s only one part. Economic growth is slow and gdp fell 1.5 points. Its an artificially propped up economy through inflation
@@colingordon5950spending a lot for very little. Inflated numbers doesn’t mean a strong economy.
@@colingordon5950 I believe you are partly correct. If I was spending more and getting more then we have a strong economy. If I’m spending more and getting the same or even less then we have inflation. Maybe you haven’t experienced this but I have.
Your spending alot of money because of CORPERATE greed my man, plain n simple! Record PROFFETS, now ask yourslelf why???? GREED my man, GREED!!! they've retooled their machines, along time ago, to give you less, AND in the name of covid!! THEIR IS NO OTHER REASON, TO CONTINUE, THIS FLEECING, OF AMERICANS, BUT PURE GREED!!! NOW YOU KNOW.
When Claude Fishburne wore the Team Grandma hat I thought he was the most honest pro alive.
I can barely afford to buy tackle to go fish on the weekend smh
I enjoy your channel but I must disagree with you on a couple of things. The economy is TERRIBLE. Inflation is TERRIBLE. Stocks are only good for people who are doing insider trading. Average American families are struggling to put food on the table and gas in their cars because of the horrible economy. I pray for a change very soon.
The stock market has ALWAYS been the baseline for measuring the economy. Its at a record high, along with job creation being at record levels.
@@randyblaukatintuitive I don’t know what world you live in, or what propaganda you are falling for, but that is simply not true sir.
@@tangocharlie3545only the extreme left thinks the economy is doing well. Independent, moderate, and conservative polling shows that the economy is in terrible shape. Biden just needs to pass one tax bill and it will crash. Using the stock market as a measuring tool is a bad idea especially with inflation involved. The 1970s tell that story.
@@randyblaukatintuitivea big percentage of new jobs are government jobs
@@randyblaukatintuitive job creation doesn't mean covid comeback.....Randy, you know that!
Estimated that due to true inflation, average families are spending $11,000 more per year than normal.
Economy is terrible.
And so is Randy's channel now after he showed a lil behind that mask.
Ironically Bassmaster Elite Pro Derek Hudnall, recently announced his retirement yesterday from the Elite Series due to financial constraints. He is currently ranked 55th out of 103 in the Angler of year standings.
I saw that too
Several left last year swell, every year a few end up getting out
@@renegade2325that happens all the time and it’s just a fact of life. If you can’t win enough to cover your expenses for the year , sooner or later you’ll be forced into realizing the fact that you’re not putting up good enough numbers to continue losing money. If you’re using family income to support your fishing career and you’re not making any money fishing then of course you need to get out. Don’t blame the economy, that’s stupid, look in the mirror. I see people complaining about the price of little things like gas and eggs, meanwhile they spend like a drunken sailor on cell phones or eating out at a restaurant with 3 kids, or any other crazy thing they want and refuse to work overtime or weekends , the economy is fine and if it’s not good for you personally it’s your own fault. Work harder smarter and don’t waste your money and you soon see the benefits
Bass boats have always been expensive. Granted, they're a whole more expensive now. Modern bass boats you see on tour have 60k worth of electronics in a $90k bass boat being towed by a $90k truck. Not mention the other $20k worth of rods, reels, and lures. That is before travel expenses are factored in. So yes, you're are correct sir!
The economy is not great for the middle class and lower. Those elites are doing just fine, the rest of are seeing the possibility of even owning a bass boat slip further and further away.
Amen
Economy might be doing great...just not in the US...businesses closing down weekly, record homelessness, 60% living paycheck/paycheck, high inflation OBVIOUSLY...i agree with Randy on many things, but he's delusional if he thinks the US is in good shape...Record credit card debt is likely providing a false positive on the economy
I realize some peoples political agenda causes them to root for the United States to fail. However, leading economic indicators do not lie, and they were all trending upward right now in this country.
Sorry I have to disagree, economy Sucks. Drill baby Drill. Mass Deportation. Ect. !!!!!! NEEDED
@@randyblaukatintuitive RANDY.....say that 1st part while staring at the mirror.
Randy, look at the credit card debt of the average American now compared to 5 years ago, look at the inflation rate, look at the interest rates. How can you possibly say the economy is in good shape? Wake up.
@@scottsilver5409 easy...legacy media told him so.
Forget professional fishing! I’m retired with my own boat. Between gas in the car to pull my boat to the lake, gas in the boat, insurance on the boat, ramp fees and tackle, I can’t afford to go fishing about once a week. There is no way I’m spending 5k to 6k for electronics. I have to fish the “old fashion way”.
Get a kayak it's allot cheaper lol that's what I'm doing
@@joelwolfe7579 yep, exactly what a retiree wants! Lol....nice band-aid to a shit economy.
Iam 68 fishing for 60 years. Retired and couldn't agree more. Iam old school live comfortable not extravagant but couldn't agree with you more.
@@brucerhodes5868Right there with you
It's definitely sad. Thank you for your perspective
Econmy is what 😂😂😂😂
And , thats why i have a tracker classic XL , but i don't tournament fish , just for fun.
It’s everything Randy. From baseball, showing animals, to Fishing. It’s unreal what it costs and the kids with no money are left out a lot.
Love Randy. However the economy is certainly not strong at right now.
BS
@@edwardcowan7012 BS as in you agree or disagree with my opinion on it?
@@dfghjjj90 you're way wrong about the economy, Randy is 100% right
@edwardcowan7012 you work for potato brain or something??? You're just relentless on this channel spewing fallacies....that NOBODY is buying I might add. Wanna go to an e-wager site? We send a claim to an independent 3rd party for review and they award an agreed amount to the winner. Get your credit card and meet me ed! Let's go, get that mouth of yours shut, corrected or broke. Only way you guys learn. Ready ed?
@@edwardcowan7012BS
It’s just like NASCAR now. Gotta be rich to have a seat
And be woke af.
I consider myself upper middle class with 100,000 plus salary per year and I am not buried in debt and there is no way I could afford to buy a new boat , new truck , and live on the road 6 months out of the year first of all I would have to quit my job which I cant afford to do so I would never be able to do something like this so unless you are single , have mommy and daddy’s money don’t own a house etc. I don’t see any way you could do it , you would have a better chance of becoming a TH-cam star like Randy .
Cost of living is HARD for many in the middle...certainly lower middle. Groceries, price at the pump, healthcare. God bless those who can I guess.
Your absolutely right. It's always been my dream to be a pro bass angler. I'm 33 with a wife and 3 kids. It's all can do to afford my 17ft tracker and keeping my rods and tackle up to fish local weekend tournaments 😂
The only "pro angler" I know was a 20 year old I know had to start guiding after a couple seasons on trails....his parents set him up with truck and boat but he had to find something to maintain the pro angler lifestyle....he does good in home state but not the rest of country. Granted he is a great guide and catches bigs but does scope. I personally don't care about fish that aren't in my state or how to catch them. Staying on top of your own fisheries is hard enough and a full time job!
Economy is bad it's forced me to quit a lot of things I love to do to put food on the table and pay my rent can't even go on vacation anymore it's so expensive times are rough
Randy. I work 60+hrs a week. My Wife works full time I also own a buisness. We don’t live beyond our means I still couldn’t afford to do be a Pro Angler Hell. I can’t even afford the God Damn Boat to use. I own a 18ft Lund with a 90hp. It’s Sickening
Build back better is waiting on permits Scott! Hang in there w/us.
The economy is great! Uuhhhh! Uuuhhhhh. WHAT?
the dollar is what is weak
He's a Biden loving Democrat
@@frez777 lol....and?
@@frez777 because the fed is stealing from us all every time they print money
I suspected that many entering are families that own boat dealerships. They get to use the boats free and they right off the entry fees and losses as advertising business expenses. It's not about the average individual.. It's become a financial racket, The tournaments should adopt a rule that if you have family that runs a dealership/business associated with fishing that you are disqualified from entering the contest.This is not not an uncommon rule in contests. I have family that worked in the media and that made me disqualified from entering many contests. Tournaments should do the same. Businesses should not be entering the contests and individuals should not be competing against businesses.
Capitalism, my dude. In case you weren't aware, this system's foundation is two classes: Working class people, who create value, and Owning Class people, who own access to, and the means of Production, and skim some of the Value created by working class people to keep for themselves. I can't make this any clearer: The "leading economic indicators" that you refer to are for the OWNING CLASS, not the working class. If you dont OWN property or OWN a business, this economy has TANKED. Join a union folks, that's the only way things are going to change. The owning class has us by the short n curlies.
All these younger Bass Masters have family with money
That's exactly right
Bass and MLF have figured out that people will fish in tournaments no matter how expensive it is. Thay will justify it by saying " this is my destiny and I don't care about anything else"
You’re right it’s for wealthy folks, no surprise lots of things are.
Randy, I think you explained that very fairly and straight as it gets. Facts are facts. It has certainly gotten to the point that it causes me to lose all interests in a sport I have always loved and respected.
Spot on, I’m 32. Have dreamed of a pro career for 25+ years. BASS and ESPN sold me on the dream, which died a couple years ago. I make similar money fishing locally to what i would if I were a middle of the road pro. I’ve been hassled before by a former sponsor for not lying about the bait i was using (a competitor) At the time i was getting $200 per year in product and they expected total and complete loyalty at the expense of my credibility with my followers. It’s just not worth it any more to try to be a pro. If it fell in my lap via the All American or Nation Championship, then it’s meant to be. But invitationals and opens are both a sure bet for bankruptcy. In my opinion the qualifying tours should be no entry fee, no payout. Let companies compete and offer better contingencies, like $20k from phoenix to win, 5k from Mercury, 1 k minnkota, etc. to get on the qualifying tour you need to make it through BFLs (bass would have to add a grass roots tour). This would give a guy like me who works 40 hr weeks for 50k a year a shot
All sports have become a “elitist sport” I remember what my grandpa told me about professional sports 30 years ago, “son, this will all be a rich man’s game and you will probably never be able to afford to go to a game”
So far it’s holding true, money ruined y’all in fishing, just like it did to the big four!
I'm 65,a disabled veteran and never was into electronics,I have a poor man's 14ft Lowes L1448M aluminum boat. No electronics, old school bass fishing, if I was a bass where would I want to be. I catch and snap shot and release. When I see TV screens on bass boats, I'm completely turned off and stopped watching pro tournament bass fishing all together. From pampers to,Playstation to FFS,good luck Randy,unfortunately electronics is the future and it's blown out of proportion with pro bass fishing. I'm a old school bass fishing guy
Thank you very much for bringing light to this. Two days ago I briefly argued with Brian Latimer about the content in his most recent video. His stance on why boats were so expensive is because people were installing more tech. I tried to point out the flaw in his logic stating that boats will hover on water someday and will be worth five million dollars, effectively putting them out of reach for all but one percent of the population. The true cause is inflation. The cost of commodities are continuously increasing while individual income has remained fairly stagnant over the past 50 years. Competition drives prices down. When the 10 “brands” you shop for are all owned by one major corporation, they can do as they please, usually to benefit stock holders. Listen to all the big words said in an earnings report. This is how they hide what they are doing from middle/lower class earners who don’t understand finance or economics. There are no smoke and mirrors. Just really educated individuals taking advantage of undereducated individuals. A good example for fisherman would be graphs. There are probably three to five major corporations making the chips for sonar… see where I’m going with it? Randy, you are using your platform for good and true content. I appreciate you and your time. I appreciate all of your tips and tricks. I am a better fisherman because of the content you produce. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Oh he brought "light" to it alright!....and darkness to his channel #'s....lol. "Everything woke turns to 💩." - a very wise man
We have to stop buying the dam $100000 boats!
Tournament bass fishing has always been somewhat of an elitist sport during my lifetime. I fished many local and a few 100+ boat tournaments in the '90's and it was obvious who had the cash and who didn't.
My economy will not even allow me to buy several bags of plastic baits without a loan nowadays not to mention fuel.
When the bassmaster classic started weren’t all the boats provided by Ranger to make it fair across the board? That would be a good solution
Forrest is dead...the boats are "different" and the company is WAY "different".
I fished with a top level guy before he turned pro and hes come out on how it was so hard on him..... i was a year younger and barely had enough money to fish as a co angler..... when he was driving a new truck and boat in his early 20s..... disconnect there..
It is curious that you throw out these opinions then ask for our feedback. I'll skip the low hanging fruit of the economy's ticking along (some old Indian Peote flash backs from the sweat lodge I'm guessing?) . Let's run down a few points. $1'500 entry fee in 1985 is $4'300 in today's dollars. The production's more sophisticated and expensive now. Can you even buy a boat today as stripped down as an '85? What was the HP rating? boat length? Today? 18 foot Ranger with a 150hp list for 48K with a better graph and trolling motor than back in the day. It doesn't matter because we don't see 18ft boats at the pro level do we? A member of the deadly sins group, Envy is never flattering to ones character and to bemoan the cost to be self employed as a bass fisherman because it's so much worse than any other small business leap is a bit insensitive 🤔. Average golf pro drops $5k per event and 20-30 events per year. About 1.1MM high school football players are hoping to get one of the 1'700 NFL positions. Man that sucks. No reasonable person can look at professional fishing as anything more than professional gamblers in ball caps and fancy bowling shirts in pickup trucks. ( A handful of people do well, the rest are plopping down money on the fishing version of a lottery ticket as their plan to carve out a living. It appears the fishing is what folks want to do, being a independent sales rep is what has to be done to pay the bills. (that would include social media in today's reality). Love the fishing vids but you seem to love the controversial commentary. Perhaps this will be a highly viewed. Well you pulled me into the fray. Be well
👏 👏 👏 right on! This 💩 outta Randy's mouth was the dumbest thing I've heard someone say in years, and these days....that's baaaad.
Thanks dad
It's not just pro level events being dominated by people with money. Back in the day, club events and weeknight events could be won by people in any manner of boat, down to johnboats, because 2D sonar was attainable for most. Now, a few guys in $100K boats equipped with FFS win every time. Not fun.
if the economy is good now i hate to see when its bad
You did see it bad in 2019 when we were losing 100,000 jobs a month and the stock market was tanking and the national debt was soaring
@randyblaukatintuitive orange man bad, right Randy? TDS is a real thing, they have stuff that can help you...its called non-msm info.
With the cost of everything , it’s become a rich man’s sport , or rich mom and dad
I was inspired in the 80s. I just don't know anymore. It really doesn't make a lot of sense to own a boat these days. At the professional level, fishing out of identical boats might level the field.
I believe like you that this is all about money anymore and not talent, the industry has definitely made it hard for the everyday hard working person to move forward.
Whoooow. The economy is ready to crash. It is not doing good. Inflation has caused everything to be outlandish. Our stock market is for the first time threatened by the BRICs currency and stock market.
You know I like to use other sports to compare the fishing community. Let's use auto racing. The cheapest form would be pure stock. Years ago, any individual could purchase a junk car, strip it down, get sponsors to cover a tire, fuel, or entry fees. Today's pure stock has a minimal cost of about $10000 to even take one lap at a track. Tracks are closing because of overhead cost to maintain the tracks. Payouts are based on spectators. After your entry fee,tire cost, fuel, and time. You can not replenish your cost. Even with high end sponsors.
The economy is not strong. More of the population is living below poverty than ever before. A pro angler who has the skill can not participate in the tournaments. It is no longer about the best fisherman, It's now about the most wealthy. Fishing/racing makes many millionaire-moderately rich.
Look at the United States inflation compared to other industrialized countries in the world we are amongst the lowest inflation was caused by the global pandemic. It has nothing to do with domestic economic issues.
Randy…understand that people are gullible…it’s easy to pursued people that have come to buy into sensationalism of news…distorted events worded to create fear.
You are 100% correct but you’re preaching to many that would rather be told than to find real news…God help us!!
Randy your head is in the sand!!
This guy is 100% correct...excellent analogy.
@@randyblaukatintuitive STOP! chaaaaange the channel Randy.
You should start a tournament series of your own, set the rules the entry fees in the payouts properly. It would probably be a big success and possibly save a great sport. 😎
Yes, it would!
100% agree !!!
The dollars has lost about 24% of the purchasing power it had in the last few years thanks to the printing of all the money the fed printed. So it is really just cluster of many things. That could take years to get through, if people choose to fix it. 2 chronicles 7:14.
Easy...you're gonna fry Randy's brain w/that.
We've been doing fiat money since the Roman Empire,British Empire and now the American Empire, we just devalue the money by printing more of it to pay our bills. It's a tax on all of us?
@@kenlay6004 and I doubt ole blue talking point Randy has any clue what fiat money is. That's a memory hole word since ukraine laundromat opened.
@@NonTypicalRacing Don't expect the Republicans to fix it as a matter of fact they have continually been worse than the democrats look at those wars in Afganistan and Iraq talk about expensive probably about 10 trillion. At one time before 9/11 the FED was going to quit selling 30 year treasuries because our debt was lowered substantially because Newt and Bill Clinton worked together. GWB totally over reacted to the events so they could help the military defense companies....Now we are watching a real war where real freedom is at stake. If you don't think Russia wants to kill all the Ukrainians think again. Trump would surrender to his buddies in a minute and then take a bow.
The “Elite series” and wrapped boats is what killed the sponsorship deals.
Great segment! To me the only way a average guy could make the top level these days is by winning the Federation National Championship or BFL All American. There are a number of top pros that have launched their careers doing just that. If I hadn’t made any Classics in the past I would consider fishing one division of the EQ’s since a win gets you in. I fished the Invitationals briefly after winning the Federation Championship in 1991 and quickly recognized how unrealistic trying to make a living like that was. In 2005 when I won my second National Championship I turned down the Elite Invitation and a very lucrative sponsorship. I’m glad I did, I’m pulling a pension from the job I didn’t give up.
Everything is not just going up but it's going through the roof and on top of that it cost more and you get less. I'm doing good to just fun fish once in a while with a 19 year old boat. Traveling to fish is not an option right now. To me it doesn't seem to be the lack of work but the cost of everything is through the roof! It feels like the economy is on the brink of a real shit.
Money has killed so many sports… NASCAR, local dirt tracks, pro football and now College sports! Let me back up say…. “The love of money” has destroyed many sports!!
The price for boats are crazy & its a shame. I want to fish not take out a mortgage payment
Max out those credit cards then declare bankruptcy !
I don’t even understand how recreational anglers can afford to fish more than once a month. I don’t agree with you in the least bit about the economy being strong. The cost of everything is ridiculous. I don’t have any vehicle or boat payments and I still have a hard time getting to the lake like I’d like to.
Yeah, he really alienated the majority of his audience with that stupid economy comment.
@bommert3816 oh he sure the hell did. The comments are still on my que as they stay frequent, but I'm gone once they subside. That was the most idiotic thing I've heard someone say in a long time.
I cant afford to fish recreationally anymore. Most years i would have been out on my aluminum about 20 trips by now. Only been out 3 times this season(gas,tolls, food, intangibles). Its either go fishing or have food for the week. Isn’t happening anymore. AND, id have to argue the gas,economy and inflation with you.
You are exactly right-Terribly Expensive!!! It's shameful!!! For example was a fishing reel I had seen, had a sticker price of $750- Ridiculous because I can catch just as much fish on a $100 reel!!! Small kids seeing this, will be out of reach because they won't be able to afford it!!! Thank you for the Reality of this sport!!!
This was me. I grew up on a middle-class family and had the pro fisherman dream from a young age. My dream was crushed a long time ago, especially as my family grew over the years. I chose not to put my family thru a finical burden and me be absent all the time.
That is true, for example a College Football Player has the University Program that pays for everything, then if they are good enough they go to the NFL, where the given franchise then pays their salary and expenses. I'm not super knowledgeable, but I don't think Bass Fishing works like that. If I am wrong feel free to educate me if such a process exists.
How? Connections, non endemic sponsorship, you tube supplemental income, creative tax deductions with a great bookkeeper. With all respect Randy, the national economy is at this moment bleak. My retirement dollar is worth 82 cents after the past three years.
Most people who think the economy is weak do so because of the news channels they watch instead of listening to actual economists.
@@randyblaukatintuitive Which economists?
Most people who think the economy is weak do so because they are struggling to survive.
@@lylebrandes64 Not like me. I just bought a new boat. But gas is expensive.
@@jaym8257crickets!!
Economy is strong 🙄 words from every person in the older generation. Younger people cant buy homes, vehicles, food, let alone these damn boats and compete in fishing. Thank our government for making everything completely out of reach for the next generation!
Economy is good ??? Really?? Groceries are up, Gas is up, Mortgage rates way up, even fast food ! Not sure what planet you are referring to but it’s tough out here for the blue collar man on earth in the USA.
Mortgage rates are up because the economy is strong
@@randyblaukatintuitiveyou’re in la la land Randy. Rates are up to combat inflation because the stock market is inflated!
Randy, please for the love of God take an economics class. You are totally clueless!
@bommert3816 Randy doesn't reach that deep, he listens to mainstream media...rendered absolutely obtuse and an echo chamber victim. Look at what happened to Bill Mahr last week with Megan Kelly...that's Randy right about now. I'll bet he's checking these comments every hour or so and mixing another drink, lol. What disasterously wrong thing to say, why even go there? Shut up n fish, like dribble the ball....nope....echo chamber politics comin' at ya! Thanx for showing your true self Randy. 🥔🧠
Randy…..mom and dad or friends of mom and dad. Same as Motorsports and other expensive sports. I raced first in the 70’s on street motorcycles and you could run with em. Technology was non-existent and the dollar was worth a huge amount more. First race car my brother an I built in our parents’ garage and we went out and won!!!
Now, if you’re not the son of a wealthy or well-connected family you won’t crack the glass ceiling. It “appears” doable but the reality is it’s a pipe dream. Inflation and taxation has raped the middle class such that we have a lid on our ability to reach for the stars. And the organizations that run the sport absolutely refuse to make rules that would make the sport relatively affordable. They just refuse to do anything along those lines. Thank God we lived in a time when you could “make it” and achieve success while in a grass-roots effort.
It’s a mirror image of society. Elitist socialist governments eliminate the middle class, by hook or by crook. So far, they’re winning…and the middle class will and continues to pay the majority of the taxes and continues to be crushed. Shame. Nice call out. Maybe a new organization that returns to affordable tournament formats, smaller boats? Kayaks?
...well said.
What if sponsors sponsor the tournament instead of the anglers? This way prize money comes from the sponsors and angler fees can be reduced.
This is the reason the sport will not grow. If the younger generation can't get into a boat and truck under $50k it will lose that generation.
It's plain and simple if you have money you can be a professional Angler you don't even have to be that good with all this technology like FFS
How does a 20 yr old kid afford to hit the bass tour he asks lol. From this great economy we are living in bro thats how.
They need a poor mans circuit
I agree with you. Some of the guys that don't have much money in stuff like me where is the fishing world. Just because someone can't do $10,000 in just bait like others. I've seen people tearing it up on cheeper stuff.
@jasonlopez4855 yup for sure
People have a lot of debt I doubt they own any of it.
The biggest debt burden in life is a home mortgage. How much were homes then and how much are they now?
Naw I think it's Joe Biden.
I really don’t think pro bass fishing is for the middle class people. I’ve always made what I consider good money, between 60-100k a year. House payment and bills insurance and then kids . Now I’m 51 kids gone,house paid for, but I’m too old to pro bass fish. Too tired to run around the country after running around the country to get where I am. Don’t ask me how these young guys do it. Good credit, rich parents, maybe good investments and poring everything into it.
Well the majority of people have definitely spoken about the economy! That is for sure!
Spot on brother!!!
I’ve been waiting you for few months now and I agree with what you’ve said up until this point. But for you to say the economy is strong I’m going to have to ask are you that rich to not be able to look around below your level and see 80% of American citizens are damn near drowning trying to survive. For you to say the economy is strong and things are good, money is flowing you maybe setting on way too much money to notice normal Americans need help, they are in trouble and one major bill from disaster financially.
Jim Cramer of the fishing world.....as bad as "stop using braid to fluoro". Boat manufacturers jack their prices up cuz their costs are up, it's really that simple. That's inflation. Housing costs have doubled in the last 4 years, doubled.
They do what you do Randy, podcasts, guiding, U Tube, etc
Nobody should have to pay to compete on a pro sport. We just need a real tournament organization with integrity to come around. Bassmaster is junk. Your skills pay your way not you bank account. I find tournament fishing to be a bunch of pathetic dingleberrys trying to make a buck…it’s not even about the competition all you tourney guys care about is a payout. Everything is wrong with tournaments
People are spending more money because everything costs more that doesn’t mean it’s a strong economy. High Stocks because corporations buy back their own stocks don’t resemble the real market
They do on the Larry "the hammer" O'Donnell show. Richard Maddow, Nora, Joe(killed his intern, allegedly)n Mika, Wolf, all the legacy 1's.
I can't afford to drive an hr, practice for club and team tournaments. I parked it in 2022 when I learned that ffs is what I'd need to keep up with the college and highschool kids that can be there everyday in North Alabama. Even the Monday and Thursday nighters are out of my league, but if I had the money I'd commit.
The secret is to not get sucked in . And its easy to do if you let it . I only buy rods and reels that are on sale . I buy good but not great . No way am i paying 200$ for a spinning rod . I buy store brand baits . I buy used boats and maintain them .A 300$ depth finder will tell you what tou need to know . I fish all the time . Its not the tools , its the guy who uses them.
A guy told me many years ago that all these tounements would ruin the sport . I rhought he was crazy . Was he ?