This is what makes the MLF CUP events so much fun to watch imo. Same sized boats, basic electronics and dropped off at a surprise lake with no practice. True angling skills shown as the day unfolds.

@nybbhUSA

2 жыл бұрын

I agree, I get much more enjoyment from the cup events than any of the other bass fishing events. I believe you can learn more about their thought process breaking down a new body of water.

@dcrane4

2 жыл бұрын

Until they treat all events like the cup events, bass fishing tournaments will never be an equal playing field for everyone. Kids with a rich daddy have a greater advantage than other kids coming up. Period.

I've been saying the same thing for a long time, it's refreshing to see a tournament fisherman finally understanding how a lot of us live.

Todd. You woke up 20 thousand people. Love this man. Keep up the topics no one else will do.

I wish I could push the like button 387 times! Thanks Todd.

@toddcastledinefishing5924

3 жыл бұрын

You bet

Thanks for the shoutout Todd. I agree 💯% with every comment! Thanks for being so "real" brother! 🤘😎 - 613 BASS'N

@toddcastledinefishing5924

3 жыл бұрын

👍

I just recently turned 30 years old and for as long as I can remember I’ve always wanted a bass boat. I currently own and fish out of a 16ft tinboat and the older I get the more outrageous a 70 thousand dollar boat seems to me. Don’t get me wrong if I could I would but it seems all these boat manufacturers build boats that only get further and further out of reach for your average working guy.

@Old_Sailor85

3 жыл бұрын

...and a $60,000 truck to tow it.

@leaveorlibertyfishing7670

3 жыл бұрын

@@Old_Sailor85 and that lol

@gregred78

3 жыл бұрын

And the $15,000 trailer to haul it on. It all adds up. I realize that the trailer is included in the boat price but it's still way more than it should be.

AMEN BROTHER ! I do not like to fish even small local tournaments any more. I used to fish them all. Average working men can't compete with the $. Hunting has gone the same way with the prices of leasing land. Hardly any public areas.

@hbdejean6538

3 жыл бұрын

And even in hunting everyone has trail cameras texting pics of the deer to their cell phone…

Right on target with this, Todd. Even at the local club level, where there are many outstanding bass anglers, those who can afford cutting edge electronics will dominate many of the tourneys. The manufacturers already know when they will be introducing the next three generations of electronics that will make those who can afford it, winners.

This couldn’t have been said any better. This is why I love this channel, no bs. Nothing but the truth. I question as a young angler what it will be like in years to come.

@brettstottlemyre7175

3 жыл бұрын

Man this video is spot on!

@toddcastledinefishing5924

3 жыл бұрын

You’ll see only the well off in the game

@archangel19

3 жыл бұрын

Two additional graphs makes you an elitist??? Sounds like Toddy is scared of his sport growing

@mikelepori707

3 жыл бұрын

Great video! Back in the 80s and 90 was a different era and these days it’s absolutely crazy! An average person cannot afford a boat with prices going 70k upwards to 6 figures. It’s always been a sport for people that have money but there is such a gap now that average people aren’t able to compete because of the high cost. I agree with you completely and wish you the best! Love the honesty with this video! A lot of respect for you

@rickhensley2251

3 жыл бұрын

More and more people have the same opinion as you. If you don't have 5 graphs and the knowledge to use them you don't stand a chance in hell in competing.

Thanks for this, Todd!! Truth bomb here! My daughter is getting into high school tourneys and we couldn’t flip for a 85-90k boat - so we shared the dream and I got myself an old Champion (always wanted one growing up) and we are restoring it together on a budget. No GPS trolling motor and no 12 in screens or livescope…but my girl and I can read the water and catch fish!! She’s going to have tough competition with some public school kids (we homeschool) who are running 15k of electronics on sponsored 90k boats, but I truly believe she’ll be better off in the long run for it.

@scottvaughn9565

Жыл бұрын

Good thing is as a girl she'll get attention. Just make sure that attention has nothing to do with short shorts and click bait..

Excellent video man!

Spot on with this 1 Todd,even club and lil local tourneys have guys running multiple graphs,makes it extremely tough,but when you beat the guy with all the money it makes it feel even better,but it doesn't happen much

@jaredkemperfishing

3 жыл бұрын

I agree!

@jordaninlow4034

2 жыл бұрын

The last local tournament I went to, 70 dollar buy-in, supposed to be for weekend anglers, and there’s 5 wrapped boats and every piece of technology you can put on them, and then there’s me with 17 ft tin boat and one graph😂, still came in 3rd, should of won but had two come unbuttoned under some mats I was punching, I don’t even fish them anymore, because certain tournaments the graphs will help you win

I agree 100%. Coming from someone that’s fishing bfls. I just got rid of my 1997 stratos and upgraded to a trustworthy 2010 ranger. I can’t afford livescope and it’s hard to compete without it. I want it but part of me wants to learn how to catch them without technology. I feel I will be better on the long run.

@toddcastledinefishing5924

3 жыл бұрын

I still fall into that category, I want to learn the new stuff but I still take pride in just going out there and figuring them out. Its a double edged sword I feel if I go out there and spend all that time relearning some things I'm missing out on the old way. The old way is pretty reliable too.

@gtuck147

3 жыл бұрын

@@toddcastledinefishing5924 absolutely agree.

@willvanderhoeven8119

3 жыл бұрын

Yeah but it does seem like it’s becoming less about skill, grit, and instincts and becoming more about Money, devices/electronics. Really disappointing actually and a reason why I probably wouldn’t even dream in fishing and open until I’m better situated financially. :/

@scottvaughn9565

Жыл бұрын

Better yes, but successful? I dunno

Bass fishing has become an arms race

@billlorenz6623

3 жыл бұрын

That is so true!

I fish an old 94 Stratos and still use an X75 Lowrance. I just bought a couple gen 2 helix 7s and thats gonna be a huge upgrade for me. Im just a regular guy that likes to fish, no tournaments just my boys and me since my dad passed away almost 11 years ago. It's all about the tug for me and makin memories for my boys.

@robertstevens9261

3 жыл бұрын

I drive a 94 Ranger. It’s paid for and fishing just as good as the $70,000 overpriced boats out there

@toddcastledinefishing5924

3 жыл бұрын

Shoot I just crushed on fish at the beach front on vacation for about 2 hours straight giving the beach goers a show. Didn’t care what I caught just like tugging on them as well

Strip away electronics and have a series with no depth finders, just a topo map of the lake. I bet Rick Clunn , although hes 135 years old, would still be in the top 10 in AOY points every year..

@atthebrink74

3 жыл бұрын

I thought Rick was 137? Could be wrong…

@jaredkemperfishing

3 жыл бұрын

I've said the same thing. A series with limited electronics for depth and a GPS map to get u back in the fog or night time would be interesting for sure.

@joshviator636

3 жыл бұрын

@@atthebrink74 you're right ! i went back an looked ! 137

@BassholeByNatureFishing

3 жыл бұрын

@@atthebrink74 I’m pretty sure he turns 138 this year or 139 I lost count after year 125

@jimrichards1798

3 жыл бұрын

In the old days, Rick Clunn fished tournaments that he had the money to enter and to get to but not enough to get home from unless he cashed a tournament check. That’s when you know that you’re made of something entirely different from everyone else. ❤️

This is also bleeding over into the Kayak fishing industry where you have basically a single person bass boat (Kayak) without an outboard gas motor. Competing against someone in a rig like that where another's method of propulsion is physically paddling is a huge advantage. But again to your point it's about spending the money.

@colearmerbassin

3 жыл бұрын

I agree, I fish kayak tournaments and some of the rigs I see are insane. With that said, the guy that won AOY for our club last year (out of about 150 guys) is paddle only with no electronics at all, which gives me a little hope that sometimes the deficit can be overcome

@ldsudduthhanover

3 жыл бұрын

And then you have the $2,000 Torqueedo that is allowed in some tournaments that allows anglers to go faster and farther than the paddle guys, or the $1,000 Pedal Drive that does much the same thing. I know guys who work in the industry who would say this line of reasoning is crap, but it's true.

@shipesfarm

3 жыл бұрын

I just started kayak tournaments this year transitioning over from bass boat tournaments hoping that it would be more affordable and that I wouldn’t have to deal with all the electronics and have a more even playing field. Heck there are people at kayak tournaments that have more electronics on their yaks than I ever had on my bassboat. I don’t even get why you have a kayak tournament if your going to allow electric motors or peddle drives or electronics in general. Defeats the whole purpose of it being a kayak tournament in my opinion.

@ldsudduthhanover

3 жыл бұрын

@@shipesfarm exactly why I left the sport..I fish places now even kayaks can't get to. Just me, an UL or Light Action rod and a small tackle bag with lures. so much better.

Thanks, Todd. You've just reinforced the thoughts I've been having over the last few weeks. I don't fish tournaments of any sort and I have no desire to do so. I don't have any problem whatsoever with those that do. And I understand tournament fisherman feeling the need to have all the latest equipment to compete. But, you're right, it's getting to the point where not only are the boats and electronics so expensive, but all the equipment is following suit. Now, it's nothing to drop $150-$200 on single rod and reel combo, or $20+ on a spool of line. The cost has really gotten out of hand, and the tournament trail has become a test to see who has the fastest boat and the best and latest equipment.

@teresafarrell6457

Жыл бұрын

Very well put. 👍

Man bro, I love your videos. I left my plug in my boat, got detracted from a bad hub when I backed up the trailer to make it home. Tarped it an forgot about the plug. Rained an filled my 99 Charger 395TF completely full of water. Ruined my Dual Pro 3 bank charger. Toasted my 3 Optima blue tops. Still running 7 inch Lawrance's 24 Volt Motor Guide. No power poles, no spot lock. Haven't been fishing since my son committed suicide 5 years ago 😢

100% agreed. Man its gotten that way even in local Tournaments....... Some of these guy i fish against will have 4 graphs, etc. Its insane man. Getting to the point to where i dont wanna keep donating my money just to say "I fished a tournament".

@jhill43

3 жыл бұрын

Most of em don’t know how to work em anyway tho

@Basscater81

3 жыл бұрын

I saw a guy at the open on Lewisville with 4 12” graphs at the console, 3 at the bow. It’s getting ridiculous

@toddcastledinefishing5924

3 жыл бұрын

Your right most don’t know how, but they’ll pay to have someone show them since that’s a thing now. However it only takes one to know how and if he does that could be your tournament winner

Remember when we used to tie on a bullet weight and a worm and just fished.

So well said. I love all your videos but this one is absolutely the best and it seems like it’s truly from the heart. As someone else mentioned your videos are no BS and that’s why I respect the hell out of you. Keep up the good work

100% truth! I’m a shallow water bank beating, pitching, flipping, square billing, fluke dancing, buzz baiting, frog slinging, senco sinking, spinner baiting, only using graphs for contour lines old school guy. If I wanted to play video games I would buy a PlayStation. But seriously to each their own. I feel the same way. My son fished a lot of tournaments with me and he really wanted to give it a shot to do it for a living but with all the risk and cost I haven’t really pushed him just because of all this. I mean honestly Its a super expensive sport to compete in already and the odds of you actually coming out ahead financially every year is slim. I think it’s the most underpaid sport there is.. pay to play then spend fortune in boat, truck, gear, and if your not rich or backed by good sponsors it’s just impossible.

Truth!! I only fish local club tournaments with my dad. We have fished out of his 1999 boat that he bought new until this year. I look at the local guys that have money to buy everything they want (electronics) and I wonder if that makes them a better fisherman than me or not? I fish because I love it and I spend that time with my dad. ^Thanks for being honest and putting out good content.

@jeffreyloberg9179

3 жыл бұрын

Awesome article with soooooo much truth. Thank you for your input and your honesty on such a touchy subject. I think this was the best article in today's fishing that is the best and most honest to date ! Thanks again !!!!!!

@moncorp1

3 жыл бұрын

I see those clowns with $75,000 rigs (boat and electronics) in local tourney's and they still don't win because they still don't know how to fish. They end up beating banks just like they always did.

@fisherman7275

2 жыл бұрын

@@moncorp1 fishing local ones myself and yes they buy a new boat and all the toys. Worked my butt off to put equipment on my boat. Was still winning with old equipment, old trolling motor, etc. Now with the addition of new equipment and trolling motor my game became easier for me to fish without worrying about drifting off and positioning, able to see in live time on graphs, but I still have to catch the fish. But I worked to put my equipment on a 20yr old champion and now with the electronics and ability unfortunately it puts some at a disadvantage but then not always

Thank you so much for this video. Everything you said is right on the money. All these things are keeping me from my "dream". Just the travel and gas at the state level is pushing people away from competing, not even counting entry fees. I'm glad you have asked the question, "When is it going to stop?". Thanks again for your perspective

Man, I wish we could have some back and forth discussion. I did not come from money. I have a family with 4 kids. There is no way that I can have sponsors, fish full time, travel and take care of my family. So I put it off for 3 years, started a business that will allow me to afford to put food on the table, pay the bills and allow me to fish. We homeschool our kids and plan to take them on the road for a few events a year and I don’t plan on having any endemic sponsors that require me to be there for boat and tackle shows. Not to say I won’t be at some, but I won’t HAVE to be. There is always a way to pursue your dream. But you have to do it YOUR way. I know people who are incredibly talented, but only fish (and win) at the local level and never desire to go pro because they are choosing to prioritize their time and money a certain way. Other guys are going for broke, fishing on credit cards. That’s their priority. Make it or bust (definitely not the smartest, but you gotta admire the drive). There is a pretty big crop of guys like me who want to break the 15% sponsor game and who are their own sponsors so they can do it the way they need to. It’s not just about working harder and everyone’s path will be different. There are a lot of jobs that are harder than starting a company like mine. For me, it is about being an intelligent, intentional business person and becoming financially capable of doing what I love while honoring my family and raising my boys right.

@ricklovelace8919

3 жыл бұрын

Best, most well thought out response I've seen anywhere. Thank you for putting it out there!

You are the first Angler I EVER subscribed to because you kept it 💯! Thank you for discussing topics most are afraid to address in fashion as you did. Change will start with this vid. Thank you!!!!!

I came here to watch this video on recomendation from Randy B's channel. I'm so glad I did - You hit the nail right on the head. Change is inevitable but that doesn't always mean that is for the better. The price of everything that deals with fishing is out of reach - period. Excellent video.

Todd, thanks for having the balls to make this video. I agree with everything you said, and a LOT of people feel the same way. Liked, subscribed, and now a fan of yours!

Mr. Castledine, I’m a bit older than you, but I appreciate your ethics and manners on the water. Most people don’t understand why this is so important. Your views on electronics are 100% correct. I have a live scope, but where does all this end? The art of reading water ,birds, and seasonal patterns seems to be lost because everyone is staring at their screens. That’s not fishing. Thank you so much for doing it right and setting a good example for young Anglers.

You are never wrong when it is from the heart. Thanks for Keepin' it Real!

Fantastic Video Todd! In fact the best and most honest I've ever seen!! I have an 8 year old boat with No Livescope and don't fish weekend tournaments anymore just because I don't feel I can compete with the others. I think the fishing industry is about to price many of us out of the market!!

Good job Todd, you are genuine and transparent, without foaming at the mouth with angst or jealousy at those who might be able to afford it. For those who are "believers", we should be able to see it from a stewardship level, if we were honest. Some will put this stuff (fishing equipment) even in front of their families and pretend they don't, because there is an addiction to competition, I did it in the early 90's. Everyone has to wrestle with "where do I draw the line"? How many rods do I really need? How many lures do I really need? Do a really need that boat? Do I really need those electronics? Do I really need those batteries? Sometimes, we get caught up in the fishing hype and are too far in the forrest. I like what Jose Martinez said, "you can go buy a 65" Flat screen TV for $500 but a 9" Garmin is $1000!" This is sad and we are allowing ourselves to get fleeced because of pride.

@jimk4267

3 жыл бұрын

Well said

@toddcastledinefishing5924

3 жыл бұрын

VERY WELL SAID (Nailed what the video was over)

@bassingman9911

3 жыл бұрын

Perfectly stated brother.

@steveodonnell2921

2 жыл бұрын

What is the answer? We just keep letting it happen because we feel like as an individual we can't make a difference in the pricing so we buy it. I totally understand the sponsorship deal but man it's amazing to watch these pro's try to sell a lure for 15 bucks with a smile on their faces because they know we have to pay whatever it is. Sometimes I think the manufacturers just trow a big price on something knowing we can't do anything about it. Fishing is fun and everyone is getting screwed because it is

@scottvaughn9565

Жыл бұрын

Kinda nailed it but to what end? I've been poor since birth and know a thing or two but I'm not a gamer and gamers are taking over.

Hey Todd, like I commented before, the great days of fishing in the flasher era. Great video, I am going to make sure my Grandson watches. I can assure you none of us were born with that silver spoon. Thanks

Great video Todd. You have expressed my thoughts and feelings of what it's like to want to live the dream. Also the reality of why I won't be able to. I enjoy all of your videos. Keep the line wet!

I feel the same. I use to love watching tournaments. Seeing guys working top water or flipping and pitching docks and grass. Now it's just guys standing there looking at 3 screens dead sticking a drop shot. Yeah, that's fun to watch.

@jasonlitherland4270

2 жыл бұрын

They don’t even look up 😞

It’s just as bad in the High school divisions. Me and my best friend had a discussion about cost and limitations for fishing. My daughter and his son were teammates for the HS team this year. Cost is a huge thing. We were splitting everything down the middle and it was still expensive. We fish out of a 94 model Nitro, we’re staying in cheap motels. Cooking on the grill at the room. We still spent at least $300 each per weekend. Then you see people with wrapped boats with 5 graphs. They carry 50 gallons of fuel and run 70mph. right next to them there is a team in a 16 ft tracker. No way the kids in the smaller boat have as much of a chance. They can’t make the runs to better water. They can’t see those fish in deep water and watch them reacting toward their bait. That being said it truly is a pay to play sport. It is not about who is best and works hardest. Unfortunately that’s what this sport is. Pay to play.

@toddcastledinefishing5924

3 жыл бұрын

I think I made it because of when I started, don’t think I would have had the same outcome now.

Thanks Todd! I grew up playing golf and a couple of years ago I hurt my back and had surgery. Long story short I bought me a 04 ranger and started fishing thinking maybe I could do something not so hard on my back and realized how much money it took to go practice,buying equipment,boat repairs and the list goes on! I joined my local bass club and started fishing jackpots and got into bass nation tournaments and realized there is no way I can compete with electronics. It sadly took my joy out of the sport. I can’t afford to buy the high dollar stuff and pretty much quit. Thanks for telling the truth maybe it will help the unfortunate some day... that young boy who would just like a shot! God bless you bro ⚔️ Proverbs 27:17

Todd you and I are from the same hometown grew up fishing the same east Texas mud hole lol and we have a mutual friend who’s dad has been ate up with bass fishing as long as I can remember. And now that he is 70 years old he can finally afford to buy himself a new boat and to me that’s ridiculous the price of boats the price of equipment and the price of technology is crazy and it’s only getting more expensive. Me myself had to sell my boat when I was young in order to raise my family and it’s not until now when in 50 years old and my kids are grown that I can have a boat again not a new one but a nice one so I completely understand what you are saying. So just keep doing what your doing and keep shooting straight we all appreciate it

I have been waiting for a video like this and its finally here! So glad you made this video even though you hesitated doing so! Best part is, Randy Blaukat just did a shout out on this video you made and glad he is sharing it to others on his channel. I tip my hat to you man!

Todd, I appreciate you always being real. I enjoy watching and learning. I understand where your coming from for sure. My wife saved for 3 years just to buy a used boat off line that I can fish out of with my boys and have family time al together on. Your always going to have those with money that don’t understand. I’m fine with that and I’m happy for them but I enjoy what we have and I’m so grateful the Lord has blessed us so much. Always stay true to who you are. If have found out when I keep the Lord first in my life he help me stay to true to who I’m.

Thank you very well said.. Randy Blaukat recommend this. It seems like when the rich decided they didn't want us catching their fish all this started. But its worth considering how the technical age has diluted talent in other industries too.

Dude I been fishing started with my grandfather trout fishing. Now as a middle aged dude, i picked back up bass fishing 18 years ago. I love it as much as anyone and save all what i can for nice rods, reels,gear. I have yet to even get a boat, i have to fish from the bank unless i can get to fish with my buddy who has a triton. It sucks, but not having a boat doesn't make me not love bass fishing any less. Someday I will.. Mean while i have the bank and my legs. Honestly you know what i learned, that bank fishing bass really stick a lot of times really really close to shore like a foot away from shore that a lot of times it's an advantage to pull your line into shore from out deep, that is different from a boat. I have caught bass on a bank that boats have came by me and fished. Sometimes its the conditions and how you present it. Amen Todd..

Great video Todd, absolutely great! This ranks right up there with your co-angler series. After retiring from a 30+ year Law Enforcement career, I worked p/t at Bass Pro Shop for several years. I spent one year selling boats. I was shocked at the amount of money folks would go into debt for to fish local tournaments. I told several guys to put pencil to paper and do a profit vs loss analysis. Some would run a fully loaded Z-21 pro out on a 20 year note! It's their money, I agree but to sleep at night I had to at least try to counsel them. After one year in sales, I went back to the fishing dept.

Todd, u are a quality person with great ethics and u consider family and doing the right thing first.... it what sets guys like u, Hallman and Upshaw apart. We support u for who u are. Don’t change. Stay “Castledine Strong”.

@bassinpassion9313

2 жыл бұрын

Absolutely right.Hard to ban this stuff because of sponsorship money.I fish St.Clair and Detroit river.I have to get this stuff to have the same edge as other competitors.

Bro that’s the first time I’ve heard someone put into words how bass fishing is for the working man!! Thanks

@frankdemarte1819

3 жыл бұрын

Its for the upper class and kids born into money

@frankdemarte1819

3 жыл бұрын

Its not about talent anymore

I'm glad you made this video, thank you! I've always wondered how difficult it was to get started when you don't have the money to purchase a fast boat decked out with all the electronics, 50+ rods and reels, and at least 30 boxes full of tackle. I totally understand what you're talking about with the electronics and how some of the anglers make it sound like you have to have them on your boat. But its really sad because that's how the world is now days. You need some kind of electronic gadget to do anything now days. People are so dependent now days on staring at a little screen for anything and everything they do.

Todd, thanks for talking about this, everything you are saying is so true. It is amazing to see guys fishing small tournaments spending untold amounts of money to win $500 in a weekend event. I'm like you I worked for a living and bought what I could afford to compete. I don't feel that I'm at a disadvantage because I don't have those 4 graphs, live scope, 360 and all the other bells and whistles but it is really hurting the sport. It will very soon become a rich man's sport like auto racing and hunting. You talking about these type of topics is why I follow you, you are a down to earth guy like a lot of us and we can relate. Thanks again.

You're absolutely 💯 percent right. I have been saying this exact thing for a couple years now. Fishing knowledge and talent to read the situation and your surroundings is what should win tournaments not video game tactics and who has the most advanced equipment.

Man, I love to tournament fish, but I can't afford the boat so I get into the co angler side of things. Learned a lot doing it on Rayburn. If I was to get a boat there is no way I could afford all the extras that go with it. Growing up I was always taught that the graphs were used to find structure and depth changes or deep cover and the rod and reel was used to find the fish.

@atthebrink74

3 жыл бұрын

Save up a couple thousand if you can. I know that’s easier said than done. You can find you a boat, but be prepared to learn how to fix boats! It’s fun, you’ll learn stuff.

Sooo on point! Dude I just bought my first legit bass boat and the only real extras I bought was a 112 Ultrex and 2 Helix 12's. One up front and one at the console. I only have a CX19 with a 225 Yamaha and after it was all said and done, it cost me over $76,000!!!!

Love this, this is why I follow you Bradley, Andrew, FlukeMaster and a few other on KZread who give us the subscribers the honest truth about this whole bass fishing industry, people could go broke trying to keep up with all the electronics, rods, reels and baits I APPRECIATE YOU FOR THIS

Very well said it’s sad this industry is becoming an elitist sport.

@archangel19

3 жыл бұрын

Explain your definition of elitist in this sport?

@Mr.Higgs.

3 жыл бұрын

@@archangel19 I would consider being financially gifted to be the main point in being an elitists in almost any professional sport. Even down to MLB and PGA. If you don't have a natural ungodly gift or have some deep pockets for your hobby its a fucking grind every single day to just get by with trying to get better. If my dad had a bass boat since I was young I could truthfully say I wouldn't be grinding these smal tournaments right now.

@KayleeG0

3 жыл бұрын

@@archangel19 have you seen the price of a new 20ft boat with a 250 on it? Then add graphs at 5k apiece which in today’s standards you need at least 4. You have to be a millionaire to fish

@KayleeG0

3 жыл бұрын

@@archangel19 tournament fishing is super expensive just to keep up with everyone else. I get smoked in BFL’s everyone who wins has forward facing sonar

@archangel19

3 жыл бұрын

Two additional graphs and live sonar makes you an elitist in this sport??? Pros like Todd here is the reason why this sport is expensive. I don't hear anyone of them complaining to their boat sponsors about prices.....

This is the best tournament fishing related video I’ve seen! Thank you for making it.

@toddcastledinefishing5924

3 жыл бұрын

You bet

@kevinprattfishing809

3 жыл бұрын

@@toddcastledinefishing5924 I fished the invitationals from 1994-2000 chasing the “dream” and lost. I would love to have a conversation with you about how the sport has changed since then. If you guys think the opens are hard (and I know they are) the invitationals we’re dang near impossible to advance

Todd, I must say this was some real talk!!!!! This was one of the best discussions on Bass fishing I have heard. I appreciate you keeping it real. Much respect bro!!!! I subscribed to the channel after listen and looking at your other video keep it brother !!!

Great video, truth always wins, totally understand what your talking about, I was using 30 year old rods and reels, when they break I don't go out and spend $ 200 on a rod and reel . its way less. Love what you said why I watch your channel .

I'm where you started, old boat, old graphs, not the best gear. I can't compete with the money that's needed to finish in the money regularly. Well said.

Very well said. I'm 37yrs old and can't even afford a boat. Luckily I have a friend who has an ancient bass tracker we fish off of. I fish with a depth finder with 2d sonar and smack em, so I'm not a terrible fisherman. I said to myself a few years ago that making money fishing is an illusion. I do it because I love to fish. Be well all and tight lines

Kudos to you my friend. The fishing world needed to hear this. From someone of your caliber Very well said. You are my type of fishing folk. The sacrifice,determination,bank account and drive it requires to compete is beyond all other sports. IMO keep the awesome knowledge coming

This is very spot on. As a young guy that struggled to keep a boat running to fish college tournaments, to finally getting into a newer boat (2003). It’s becoming harder and harder to compete even at the local level not to mention wanting to make the jump to the boater side of BFL’s

Could not agree with you more. Great video. Glad someone has nads to say it and not worry about sponsor fall out

I seen a mount the other day where you can mount 3 12s on the console. Some people think more graphs equals more fish. You still have to have good instincts to consistently catch fish.

High props to you Todd. It was nice to hear about your background in fishing and how it relates to fishing now. I feel panoptics is the beginning of the end for true fishing, but I’m a bit older so I’m sure the younger Gen wont agree. Thanks again for your perspective. I have a new respect for you and the channel. Peace

Randy Blauket linked me to this video dude you nailed it the caring in your voice tells me it’s coming from the heart. Thanks

GREAT F***ING VIDEO. Somebody finally said it. Really the first time I thought about how the fisherman didn’t look up was, when watching your buddy Upshaw (now I love Andrew don’t get me wrong) on Hartwell during an Open in 2020. I actually said to a friend of mine at the time, look he’s not even looking up all he’s doing is looking at his graph and then making a cast. I said that doesn’t look like fun. Now I get the whole video fishing thing but it just seemed odd and frankly boring. I especially like your comments about Iaconelli. That ain’t a level playing field out there. Good for you Todd!

Imagine a tournament with a trolling motor and a flasher. Would that separate the men from the boys?

@billlorenz6623

3 жыл бұрын

Damn right. Those little rich pricks wouldnt know how to turn a flasher on let alone read it.

@jeremiahmueller3560

3 жыл бұрын

@@billlorenz6623 hahahahahahahaha I love it.

@jeremiahmueller3560

3 жыл бұрын

Haven't used a depth finder all year in a circuit I'm fishing with a 98 nitro with a 115 merc. Got 2nd in all 3 tournaments so far. My ol lady and I are in 1st place in points and loving whooping up on the big money spenders.

@johncoyote6755

3 жыл бұрын

@@jeremiahmueller3560 Amen. I fish as a co angler in a local club. We all weigh in for the same places, that being there is no separate field for boaters and co anglers. I’ve got 1st place in two derby’s this year. I’m 4th overall in points. These guys are invested $50,000 plus with these boats and trucks. Here is little ole me on the back of the boat, driving my Toyota corolla to every tourney. I’m out fishing the whole field half the time. They don’t know what to do! They can’t stand it and have even mentioned rule changes for next year to try and tame me! Lol!

@adventurefishing3190

3 жыл бұрын

No, just the lucky

There is so much gap. And your spot on with your perspective. I'm one of those guys that grew up, trying to use my ability, but cant compete with, the video fishing world...as I call it, and I love to bass fish. Thanks for your truth

I feel you Todd, 100%, I’m in that same boat right now, I got me an old ass boat my grandpa gave me an a old ass truck, want a newer boat so bad but it’s just too damn expensive. I got mad respect for the guys like yourself who made it from the dirt!! Keep grindin man!!

@atthebrink74

3 жыл бұрын

Keep on grinding in that old boat! Give it a little love, fix on it a bit. I call my old boat the “Ugly BASSTURD””

This has been going on since the first guy moved his trolling motor from the stern to the bow. But you said a mouthful when you said put pen to paper. I quit tournaments 17 or 18 years ago when I moneyed in just over 1/2 of the ones I fished, when I put pen to paper and figured out I was still in the hole I said screw this!

@stevevoelker2733

3 жыл бұрын

Right, 17 years ago. This is nothing new.

man let me say that even at the minor league level I fish you are just spittin truth. well done and well said.

Todd, I totally agree with your video. I fish in a local kayak club, and the costs associated are pretty insane, and not just the graphs. Propulsion is a big piece of the puzzle too.

Great video you hit the nail on the head. Whats scary is how much boat cost these day's a filly load boat for hundred thousand dollars plus. Something got to give the normal person can't afford it anymore. Thank for the video

Just bc you can find the fish doesn’t always mean you can catch them…. With or without electronics and also, you’d be surprised at how many people have these electronics and still have no clue as to how to run them.

A good dose of reality ever hurt anyone. You can’t spend the amount of money for entry fees, travel expenses and the costs for food and logging. Sponsors don’t seek people of till an angler shows high level consistency. It takes a ballzy guy to risk family money to take a chance on maybe getting some money back. I could not do this to my family.

@fishncoach8699

3 жыл бұрын

It's not even about skill as much anymore. You have to be a good fisherman but marketability is the main thing for sponsors... All these pros don't want to spend time on KZread. They don't have a choice

Thanks Todd!! I agree 100%! Here lately I’ve backed out of tournament fishing because I don’t like where the sport is headed. I love bass fishing but today’s electronics is making it too easy. JMHO

AMEN TODD!!!💯% CORRECT!! So glad that you made this video and shared your thoughts from your position in the sport!! I'm in my 50's and back when I was younger and had the dream they didn't have all of this extremely expensive technology and even then in order to try and pursue the dream you had to decide if you wanted to gamble with your families livelihood! Now that things have evolved to where they are I can't fathom how anyone with a family and a middle class income would even consider it unless you happen to win the BASS Nation event and have the luxury of the "Living the Dream" package. Kudos to you for telling it like it is!!!!

@russb296

3 жыл бұрын

From a CoAngler's perspective the new technology has put new meaning to being back ended.....🤣...to the point where I wouldn't be surprised if you see them drop the CoAngler side in more tournament series...

So much money in the industry now, time for tournament trails and companies to put it back into anglers pushing their products.

Check out Randy Blaukett’s KZread channel - intuitive angling. He talks about this exact same thing! He thinks this is ruining tournament fishing ...

@rogbass

3 жыл бұрын

Randy is a joke. He also said tourneys are in trouble as is the bass circuits. He was way wrong. Bass fishing is booming. Now the tourney directors need to change some rules to catch up. No. Randy is different. He believes the WHOLE industry is in trouble.

@brianabercrombie6999

3 жыл бұрын

But let’s be honest, everything is ruining fishing according to Randy....

@patrickkenna6387

3 жыл бұрын

@@rogbass Randy knows what he is talking about. Plenty of lakes are over fished and the stress on the fishery is hurting. Yes, the industry is booming, but you are canceling out a lot of guys that just cannot afford it.

@rogbass

3 жыл бұрын

@@patrickkenna6387 randy seems like a traditionalist when it comes to fishing which is great. He’s extremely knowledgeable. A great angler. But in order for bass circuits to continue to grow those in charge of them need to adapt to the tech. The water issues and they need to stand up and just do more to conserve this great sport. Lots and lots of money pouring into bass fishing. Time for the big boys in biz to give back a little. Yep it’s expensive to become a pro angler in tourneys. But other sports really are way over the top expensive in comparison. Yea you need a boat and gear. Lots boats don’t cost 60 grand. That’s an Image by the makers of the high end equipment saying. Hey folks you make it big this is what you’ll be driving. Typical adds. I’m golf does everyone rush out and buy the same cool golf cart tiger owns ? No. Or is the public not informed enough to realize a set of pga tuned clubs are about 10 grand for the full set. What I hear on this chat is guys who can’t afford a Ranger or a metanium reel etc etc etc. as you get better inevitably so will your gear and boats. Everyone has a justification cost limit. Everyone. Todd is right. The topic of the best electronics versus the affordable is drastic. It’s not up to garmin to reduce prices just because some guys can afford and some can’t. Lol. It’s up to BASS MLF ETC to implement new rules as to What electronics can and cannot be used. Or let everyone use same exact boats etc at the cost to tourney providers. All need to stop whining. And talk yo BASS OR MLF ETC. Time to adjust or don’t enter tourneys.

@theultimatesteelshooter8610

3 жыл бұрын

@@rogbass really? How much money have you mad3 during your bass fishing career?

Wow!!! Spot on! I can tell why Randy made a video about your video. I am just getting back to tournaments (haven't fished them since the mid 80's). I have been going through sever sticker shock. All I can say is thanks for keeping it real.

Came here from Randy's video. Always wondered how some of these pros make it and to hear your struggles... man that's rough. Great video. Couldn't compete in a local tournament since my boat wasn't new enough as well. Keep on fishing man! New fan here.

There are states looking at banning live scope. My state is definitely fixing to change the crappie limits if not just ban them. Remember Lowrance Hummingbird and Garmin sponsor big bass tournaments for a reason!!

@toddcastledinefishing5924

3 жыл бұрын

Thats why its not going anywhere anytime soon

@nope6770

3 жыл бұрын

Name one state that is looking to ban livescope. At most, states may adjust crappie limits. Bass...totally unaffected.

There's a lot of pro anglers out there, who need to watch this clip.

@toddcastledinefishing5924

3 жыл бұрын

Never gonna happen.🤣🤣

@archangel19

3 жыл бұрын

Seem shore bangers feels like they're getting cheated because of a few graphs

@gabreel8112

3 жыл бұрын

@@toddcastledinefishing5924 Randy Blaukat just did, he even made a video about it and totally agreed with you. That is why I made it to your video.

@jq614

3 жыл бұрын

@@gabreel8112 me too

@darrenmanicone6690

3 жыл бұрын

We as fans need to be more responsible and boo these computer pros out during weigh ins rather than cheering for them.

THANK YOU for this vid. I fish kayak tourneys because mostly i cant afford a competitive boat. But past couple years, now you are seeing hobie pro angler 14s ($5500) with front mounted trolling motors with spotlock ($1500 only need a 12v for kayak) and now I am seeing kayaks with livescope. So you are seeing guys with $10,000 kayak setups...and thats not even counting rods and reels and tackle. I was estatic when I could get a pro angler and be able to take 8-12 rods horizontally not sticking up in trees and stuff. But it's just for that kind of gear and money I could buy a decent aluminum bass boat... its crazy....it is making a gap. Kayak tourneys were for the anglers that couldnt afford 80k bass boats, but now the guys that can afford all the toys have a distinct advantage. I have to pedal....if I gotta move 5 miles, I'm tired. A guy with a trolling motor linked to his garmin gps that can just navigate to a plot point, and move quickly, and itsnt sweaty and dying when he gets there, and then has livescope to see 20ft brush piles and ledge fish, has a huge advantage than most the field. Now yak tourneys are also getting crazy expensive and having prizes of 20k and 50k and such. It's almost just like fishing a boat tourney.

Your realism, is amazing man. Keep doing you, you give people hope and the drive Alive

@toddcastledinefishing5924

2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

I've seen it at a local level. Even our 40$ entry fee tournaments are getting to the point that you have no shot if you don't have live scope. It's sad to see something you e worked so hard for become a real life video game.

Maybe they should do like the drag racing industry & start a tournament series with no electronics

@stevevoelker2733

3 жыл бұрын

There is darn close. MLF Cup events. Typically one graph in the back and one in the front. They have no idea where they are gonna fish and the boats are not even their own

One of the greatest videos I ever watched when it comes to fishing!!

One of the realest videos that I've ever seen regarding professional angling. Thanks for putting it out there.

and I also remember the worm bar in Academys as well when I was a kid. I was upset when they took them out

I agree with you 100percent your right and everyone knows your right I do

@toddcastledinefishing5924

3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

Just watched your Hartwell video the other night. I was recently a part of a huge tournament there and was blown away once I was told what people were doing! They would roll up to schoolers and next thing you know be 100’ in middle of channel. Everyone staring down, zero awareness where they were. They were following the schools. Your Hartwell video and this one are 👍. I don’t know how anyone could describe it more spot on

Might be the best and most real video ever done. Really hits home. Thanks for keeping it real and sharing the reality of the current state of our sport. Best of luck.

I'll keep my day job and fish for fun.

@billlorenz6623

3 жыл бұрын

Yep!

@MuahMan

3 жыл бұрын

Yes! I love fishing more than life itself, bass, northern pike, perch, walleye. I have ZERO desire to fish anything more than my annual lake tournament. I fish for fun, staring down at a graph all day and then yanking the fish straight in the boat is not my idea of fun. The calm water being broken by a 4LB largemouth eating my frog is. Listening to the loons is, watching the sunset is, listening to the crickets and bullfrogs is. The smell of the gas motor is. The smiles on my face and my brothers face and my kids faces is.

@sheaffergrubbs6056

2 жыл бұрын

@@billlorenz6623 work hard play hard....

I called a boat dealership about a boat and asked about changing the graphs on a boat I was interested in. The salesman’s response was and I quote “ I can run any graph I want for free and I prefer these.” Okay why am I paying what I am and you get them for free?!

@cooksoutdooradventures3908

3 жыл бұрын

My guess is as a salesman he was bullshittin you and being a salesman. Just saying whatever he had to say to get you to buy it

Well said Todd. I really liked your comments on instincts. If I have the water color, temp, contour map and sky conditions I feel like I can do something with that information. To catch fish. Thanks for all you give to us.

My good friend had a 16' Garwood w/75 hp Merc when we were young (teens, early 20's). No electronics, no downriggers, no trolling motor. That boat netted more walleye and boated more perch than I can count. No idea how many tons of fish that little boat brought in, but it was a lot. He upgraded to a 19' bowrider around 1995 and still fishes that boat. Well, at least he has a cheapo little "fish finder" now. He still catches plenty of fish. Boat is still rocking the original Evinrude... You don't need expensive gear to catch fish. It helps, but isn't necessary. We fish to eat, and have fun being outdoors (catch and release a lot of fish). Tournament fishing is a job.

Look at most pro’s boats - the cost of all their electronics literally cost more than many guy’s boats ...

@jamiejuicenewton3349

3 жыл бұрын

The secret is most "pros" piece their boats together then hope. Meaning, they have a delayed billing boat deal, may have a motor deal as well, get a trolling motor, other equipment, etc as sponsorship payment then rig all the parts in hopes they can sell it in a year for a profit to fund the upcoming season.

@bill-qv3er

3 жыл бұрын

Very true. I have a 1997 Basscat Pantera ll I paid 24K for brand new. My neighbor bought a new 21 ft. Skeeter and has 32K in electronics on it. And he is not a great fisherman. I guess he will look cool anyway!

No over-reaction there at all. It is expensive to go to the tournament route even in a kayak. And a kayak is what I do. At 70 years old I took a job 2 years ago just so I could afford to go Tournament Fishing next year and maybe the year after.

I’m glad someone that has been there at the highest level (Elites) tell it how it is!! Todd your the Man!! Hope you don’t get any backlash brother!! Thanks for your Honesty!!

Right on target, Todd. Spring is the only time an instinctual angler can compete in this new bass fishing world. I fished local team tourneys for 20 years back in the 80's & 90's. Learned a ton. But now, with such advanced electronics and man made brush piles, you'd be a fool to try to compete without those resources. The fire still burns, but now for crappies & bluegills.