I hope I don't get Black Balled (Electronics and $$$$$$)

Рет қаралды 56,568

3 жыл бұрын

I know what everyone is gonna say and I get it all these electronics are great, if you got the money. Here's the deal not everyone has the money and it sure is making it harder and harder for the kid fishing off the bank to try and chase a dream. In this video I try and give a different perspective on why there is a big pushback on electronics and fishing. I'm not saying we should ban electronics, but maybe you can sympathize with some of the guys trying to make it and the struggle that comes with it.

Пікірлер: 1 400

@789Derek 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@RyanBokros 3 жыл бұрын

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..

@catchofthedave8681 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@randyblaukatintuitive 3 жыл бұрын

Excellent video man!

@davidlanphere5817 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@craigpeters3165 3 жыл бұрын

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

@codyhooser3333 Жыл бұрын

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 😢

@georgeibison3274 3 жыл бұрын

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

@rogbass 3 жыл бұрын

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

@gtuck147 3 жыл бұрын

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

@t.a.4702 3 жыл бұрын

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..

@mfalleur233 2 жыл бұрын

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

@martyepperly5803 3 жыл бұрын

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. 👍

@wendellhoffpauir6585 3 жыл бұрын

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…

@fishingnsckenny3041 3 жыл бұрын

Well said Todd I still fish out of 1993 boat unless I got a deal on fish finders or any equipment I didn’t buy it I quit trying to keep up with the pros. I saw a video a boat maker said he’s seen new boats rigged with $25,000.00 worth electronics. Thanks for talking about it I hit the nail on the head👍

@kennymcarthur2610 3 жыл бұрын

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

@toddduncan4071 3 жыл бұрын

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

@bdigrino6809 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@johnr6144 3 жыл бұрын

I hear you loud and clear and agree with you 200%. I quit tournament fishing and gave up on my dream 20 years ago because of the boat gra phs and all the equipment needed. I know of at least five times my boat broke down I had big bags but couldn't weigh in due to the fact I could not meet the check-in time

@basstex6703 11 ай бұрын

Todd You are right on. All equipment is getting too expensive. Now, that said I have and use foward facing but nostly crappie fishing. Another thing is Pro's fishing opens, BFL's etc.

@hancockcompound 2 жыл бұрын

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.

@codymuncy250 3 жыл бұрын

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

@basswhisperer4803 2 жыл бұрын

I totally understand and get it. I was in a local tournament this past weekend and one of the teams that I'm good friends with, they don't even have any electronics on their boat what so ever and came in 3rd place out of 33 boats. Then we came in 23rd place with electronics. Not top of the line electronics, but they were there for us to use. Unfortunately I can't afford a boat right now, so I Co-Angle. And there are times I wish I was on the front of the boat making that 1st cast to the perfect spot. So for me, I have to go off of intuition, knowledge of my surroundings and knowing what to throw off the back of the boat. And sometimes works out better for me, because I'm more focused on where and what to throw for my next cast. I think knowing the water, surroundings and conditions are Totally a key factor, compared to electronics. They are nice to have, but 3rd place is definitely better than 23rd.

@ducksinmyhearttaylor3957 2 жыл бұрын

Love your videos Castle. You are in the same boat as so many of us. I still catch ‘em out of a 17’ aluminum boat. I just fish what looks fishy. You just need a depth finder and a 2D scan. Most of these guys with all these electronics that have not even learned how to catch bass off a pond or marina dock will never be able to utilize those toys that we would all love to have. I like to fish of my gut and my past experiences. Just go fishing!! Every day is a new day and these lakes are so pressured just like our bays are on the coast. Wake up and look at the wind and water level and color and go from there

@jcfish6702 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@emmettfitzhume7424 3 жыл бұрын

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

@timothygregg9553 2 жыл бұрын

Currently running a 2021 Z19 with a 10" Garmin at the seat and 12" Garmin up front with livescope a Force and that fish noise (forget what its called) maker. I have yet began to get good at using all this and on more than a few occasions I've been out done by the guy on a john boat. My set up was 61k before rods reels baits etc. Time on the water costs fuel and time from work and family. I agree it cost so much money to get on the water. If the guy I invite on my boat knows how to use my rig I am glad to share it with them and try to learn from them from the back of my own rig. I am very blessed to have my rig and still can't pay to hit the road for these events even if I was putting the fish in the boat. There is a lot of cost getting into the Elite and its not a dream many catch. If you like to fish do what you can to get on the water. Its worth it but don't break the bank on a boat.

@Old_Sailor85 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@atthebrink74 3 жыл бұрын

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

@toddcastledinefishing5924 3 жыл бұрын

You bet

@613BASS_N 3 жыл бұрын

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

@toddcastledinefishing5924 3 жыл бұрын

👍

@scottymorgan8777 2 жыл бұрын

Todd you are right. It took me a lifetime to be able to even buy a new boat. I would love to have all of this equipment, but there is just no way I can sink that much more of my money into it. It has to end. Its just crazy.

@genechandler81 3 жыл бұрын

Great video Todd i am in that boat i have a 1983 17ft champion but have the passion but it is very hard to compete

@nathanellis914 3 жыл бұрын

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

@petecorey1122 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@DROPTINE 2 жыл бұрын

WOW Awesome video Thanks for your time and Input! I agree 100%!

@toddcastledinefishing5924 2 жыл бұрын

You bet

@marcc9171 3 жыл бұрын

I came here to watch this because of Randy Blaukat's channel. Great Video!

@scottclark1168 3 жыл бұрын

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

@leaveorlibertyfishing7670 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.

@Old_Sailor85 3 жыл бұрын

You said it. To much money. There will never be a major tourney without electronics. I'm over 60 and just bought my first sounder (SI and DI) other than a depth flasher on bigger boats. Looking forward to learning how to use it.

@doggmansnapperdude3405 2 жыл бұрын

Ever since I was a kid back in the 80s I envisioned bass fisherman or any fisherman in general wearing glasses that show the outlines of the big bass they were looking for exactly where they were like an overlay.

@paulroach8626 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@boomerhulsey6751 3 жыл бұрын

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

@mikekeller8660 3 жыл бұрын

Totally agree. It's all about money, advertising, and sales & marketing. These younger guys don't want to have to rely on instinct and experience.

@clarkrodgers739 2 жыл бұрын

I’ve heard some of these points made about bowhunting. With gadgets, scents, mechanical broadheads. There’s a lot of money in the archery industry. I appreciate you speaking your mind. Remember Rick Clunn said he only needed one setup to fish most baits?

@FuzzyJDunlop 3 жыл бұрын

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

@vrt1032 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@luckylucky9006 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you for keeping it all the way real. I am 44 and want to tourney fish. And I can't find a club but I am in a new city & state to me also not having my own car. That isn't gonna stop me..

@nicknewmannewman4010 Жыл бұрын

You are spot on I see it here all the time even in local tournaments and lot of the guys have quit fishing them because of it

@landondarjean983 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@fishcacher7438 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@tommybrown3786 2 жыл бұрын

Dude. You are real as it gets. I feel like you were talking about me. I went thru a tough divorce. I had to sell my boat. Now I fish kayak tournaments. Started out thinking it was a pretty even playing field...at first. It was. Then live scope came around the people with money have kayaks that are set up like a small bass boat. Two or three graphs, trolling motor, torqeedo on the back, power pole, etc.etc... It's a money game for the most part. I want to get back fishing big tournaments again, but man. It would cost a fortune to compete nowadays in a glass boat. I miss those instinct fisherman and watching them. Now they won't make a cast unless their electronics basically tell them to and It's crazy how these young guys have eighty thousand dollar boats. I started out in a 17ft sprint. Idk man. Anyways. Thanks again for being real and speaking the truth. Good luck in all you do brother.

@robertkaiser8905 3 жыл бұрын

Todd enjoyed the video. I’m 61 and been Bass fishing for at least 45 of them growing up in flat bottom with a 7.5 Mercury thinking I had it all. Then I got a flasher and really thought they should be illegal lol. I’m done with Tournaments die to the BS with clubs and the way everything is ran. I to have a Livescope that was on a boat I boat and it’s a game changer for those who have the money. I think I’m goi g back to an old Champion and giving up these 80k boats that everyone has. I’ve always said BASS anglers do not get paid for as hard as the sport is and there’s no reason for it.

@mattorschell275 3 жыл бұрын

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

@chrischambers8326 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@123balsa 3 жыл бұрын

Your not over reacting. Your spot on. Even back in the day before all the fancy electronics, professional fishing was a rich mans game. Back then there were many stories of guys just praying to make a check so they could get gas to get back home.

@mikebrown1741 3 жыл бұрын

First time visiting your channel. Instantly subscribed. Came over here from randy blaukett. It's ok to talk about black magic, it's everywhere too. But it will get you black balled for sure.

@olivergrigull5647 3 жыл бұрын

Bass fishing has become an arms race

@billlorenz6623 3 жыл бұрын

That is so true!

@ksloan8189 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@FanOfLiberty1776 Жыл бұрын

I respect your thoughts and appreciate you speaking out. I agree. I’m subscribing 👍

@jimliechty2983 3 жыл бұрын

Great job Todd .... been a fan for a long time, and you are spot on. There is no doubt that we need, Garmin, Lowrance, and Hummingbird's money in the industry.... not even a question. We need them to sell product.With that in mind, I think it needs to be on board for the BPT, the BASS Elites, and the Tackle Warehouse Tours. Because most of their revenue is downstream from there, I think it needs to be allowed during practice times to assist in locating fish, during the Toyota circuit and the BASS Opens ..... off the boats during the derby. Allowing it for practice is a big benefit, and should generate the necessary sales needed for those companies to keep their money in .... from there down to every other tournament circuit, they can make up their own mind based on the economics ....supply and demand/ enough anglers or not . At this point ....I think that is a congenial way forward. From now on ....lift your livewell lids, and check for graphs and kill switch!

@gabelane9285 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@jonahlawrence6204 3 жыл бұрын

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

@toddcastledinefishing5924 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks

@russb296 3 жыл бұрын

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...

@bobbybarreraz8690 3 жыл бұрын

Man you are spot on I agree 100%. My buddies and I have been saying for years that it was turning into a rich man’s sport. I still have an 06 boat that I fish out of and I was just able to get a livescope myself. Very good video keep making the videos that are real.

@theultimatesteelshooter8610 3 жыл бұрын

Check out Randy Blaukett’s KZfaq 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?

@whiskeybranch 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@colinmattson7959 2 жыл бұрын

This is what Like about you Mr.Todd the pure rough honesty. Keep the great videos coming

@larrytidwell4866 3 жыл бұрын

GOOD STUFF....You hit the nail on the head with this one. Everything you said is true

@kevinwhiteman667 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@johnhodson5120 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@lyndeen 3 жыл бұрын

Good stuff. Came here from Randy Blauket.

@drjohnnyo 3 жыл бұрын

Great points Todd. The one thing I would add is that many other youth sports are getting ridiculously expensive. Travel baseball, AAU basketball...kids and parents feel they have to pay for these opportunities in order keep their kids competitive...but it's nuts. Now that I'm older, I just really appreciate time on the water with my son...with our $500 aluminum boat with a 1971 Evinrude outboard...whether we catch anything or not. Good luck to you!

@texascreekcowboy1587 3 жыл бұрын

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

@macking4942 3 жыл бұрын

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

@johncoyote6755 3 жыл бұрын

I agree with what you’re saying. It’s gotten crazy for sure. While it doesn’t really have to do with your video because you’re talking about being at the highest level but I would encourage guys who love fishing to look into tiny boats. I’m 30 and I don’t make a whole lot of money. Recently I got my first boat. 1236 tracker with a deck, trolling motor and 9.8 outboard. I’m in it about $4,000 and while that is still a lot of money I’m finally on the water catching my own fish my own way. I’m having an absolute blast! Great video! Subscribed!

@garysanders9005 3 жыл бұрын

Right on point Todd! And it’s even getting that way locally. Go out for a Tues night jackpot and get you ass kicked because someone used livescope all night. You almost know before you show up that your fishing for 2nd, 3rd or worse. I don’t want to go spend $5,000 to win a club derby or $100 on a Tuesday nighter. It doesn’t make sense.

@joshviator636 3 жыл бұрын

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. ❤️

@joeyguyton799 3 жыл бұрын

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

@cody_the_bum8946 3 жыл бұрын

My favorite comments on the boat ramp has become. Just go buy a new boat. Just go buy a ultrex and live scope. I just think damn I guess I suck or give to much money to my family because we don't have it like that. You are 100% right, had a guy come in between two boat docks with me because he was watching his graph and didn't even notice I was fishing there. He was genuinely confused when I asked if he was going to hold my hand next. The money and electronics have become a clutch for alot of guys. It's taking away from the ability of guys to just go find fish.

@mattsethswt 3 жыл бұрын

CHeers bro... it is getting bad in the Kayak world as well... i spent a decade fishing with no graph or electronics from a kayak, only instinct and trial n error... started to fish kayak tournaments this past year and the guys are adding 360 and multiple screens to their kayaks... holy crap....... i broke down and finally got a basic Garmen graph, but I am years behind what guys are adding to their kayaks. THe only tournament I placed high in (3rd place) was on a shallow, fast moving clear water river where graphs had no advantage... my bread and butter... but on main lakes, guys on kayaks with multiple graphs kill the competition.... again... no real answer to this but maybe open up a tournament series where no graphs are allowed... cheers for the video yo... good stuff

@PhillipManningJohn 3 жыл бұрын

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

@kimberlywood5943 3 жыл бұрын

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

@jonathanpowell8051 2 жыл бұрын

You are 110% correct on the whole video money making ,graphs ,truck ,boats ,and so on I fished a national trail 2 yr in a row with a 7th place $finish and a 5th finish over all at end of yr and when it was all said and done I barely broke even I think they need to go back to standard gps with a graph myself and see which can fish strong and stay up on the leader board I guarantee it would be your flippers week in week out

@lmperk7 3 жыл бұрын

This is why the MLF cup series was so fun to watch, smaller boats, equipment and motors. when they started it was 18' boats, 150 hp and one graph. I think even those cups series has since increase size and thus losing appeal for me to watch.

@hightower8912 3 жыл бұрын

Hell I am over here wishing I had side imagining lol

@jq614 3 жыл бұрын

@Hightower 89 me too

@hightower8912 3 жыл бұрын

@@jq614 I mean I have a helix 7 with down image but I love it can’t complain maybe I’ll up grade next year

@happyjohnson8927 3 жыл бұрын

Right! I just got side scan graphs! One of my friends, who is a lawyer, upgraded his and gave me his old ones or id still be using my 7 inch bird with ds.

@bgrigsby1889 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@johnpierce4346 3 жыл бұрын

I feel ya I have a 30 year old Allison and love to mix it up with the $80 k rigs. But they make it hard on me when the fish go offshore and suspend. That live scope is a game changer for sure but maybe someday I’ll have it too! Then look out young guns!!!

@1965JB 3 жыл бұрын

Great video, subscribed. From a bank fisherman.

@cgreatthings5589 3 жыл бұрын

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!

@sheaffergrubbs6056 3 жыл бұрын

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....

@JesusFreakLive 3 жыл бұрын

Nice !! Thank you !! Great Content ! Love this !!

@michaele8157 3 жыл бұрын

Man ur spot on. Tell u what i have mad respect for rhis guy and will be subbed and following him from this point forward.

@randyanderson7010 3 жыл бұрын

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

@AllenOutdoors868 3 жыл бұрын

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.

@garyteague4268 3 жыл бұрын

I fished the open at Hartwell last year as a co angler and I told my boater that a good fisherman shouldn’t need all these graphs. In my opinion. If you are good you can figure them out. Now that being said I use my graphs to see depth temperature and structure. Other than that it’s all about figuring them out. I totally agree with you. I used to think I needed a lot of those graphs but I find myself not using them as much anymore it takes the fun out if it. But like I told my boater I’m not a pro fisherman so if I was my opinion may be different.

@kaislelawson2345 2 жыл бұрын

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

@toddcastledinefishing5924 2 жыл бұрын

Thank you

@michael476b 3 жыл бұрын

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

@JoeGerossie 3 жыл бұрын

Can’t wait to hear the rest of this video, I’ll finish it later. But that’s gotta be Patrick Walters with the head down fishing topwater at Champlain. It was pretty weird to see

@613BASS_N 3 жыл бұрын

I think it was....it just got my attention really quick 🤘 - 613 BASS'N

@TrippyWheelz Жыл бұрын

I started observing this when forward facing sonar started to become main stream and just watching you can see most of these people that are winning wouldn't be winning if it wasn't for the electronics. it went from anglers finding schools and fishing, to playing a game. listen to these guys fishing schools on live and you will hear them say "oh, oh, he is about to hit it" and they catch every fish doing that. you will even see them look at that screen and say "oh, he doesn't want this swimbait" and then picks up a drop shot and catches it. that used to be a thing of trail and error or as we used to call it "fishing" but now if you want to fish tournaments and not throw away entry fees you have to have this stuff. I am torn on it because I love the idea because when I am out for white bass or crappie trying to get dinner I would love to have it for making the process quicker and more of a 100% chance of getting enough for the table but I think in competitive fishing it should not be used after practice. I am cool with anglers using it to learn in practice but come game day that shouldn't be on the boat or marshals should be making sure its not used. look at the avg price of a new "tournament rigged" boat, its like $80,000 up to $100,000 plus. its nuts. its the reason kayaks are so popular now.

@davidharris4030 3 жыл бұрын

Thanks Todd I agree with you 100%! It’s like why don’t we just take the boat money and join the local country club and golf. This sport was built on the good old hunting and fishing boys and now it has become a rich man sport.