Thank you Mercer! Your about to get this man some subscribers and help build the social media platform he needs ive watched 2 videos and i think hes on his way to 30k subs within a year
I just went back and watched the video from a few days ago that started this journey for you and I commented on it. Now, I'm commenting on this video after having re-watched it. I think you are really on to something huge here due to the fact that NO ONE else has done anything like this along with the fact that I have been wanting to see and hear about this exact aspect of the bass fishing industry. I'm just an old guy who goes fishing as often as I can and, for a long time (decades, honestly) I've wanted to see the costs and stuff associated with all the boats, equipment, tackle, tournament fees, pay outs, etc. I really do think you are on the cusp of something huge that most every "regular, everyday, average" angler is going to be extremely interested in. I hope you have a tremendous amount of success with your upcoming videos and I will certainly be watching. Greetings from the Lake Ouachita area of the Mighty Razorback. 👍🇺🇸
Nice comment I fish MLF series events placed top 50 end of year cost was around 20k for the season received no sponsor money some gear looking to fish opens next season cost I estimate bout 35k if nothing breaks lol
Have been rooting for you since you took us out on Lake Chic…and we froze our tails off! For those who don’t know him, Foutz is as genuine, hard working, and humble as they come. He is the working man’s elite pro…with all the talent to go to the top. Great idea with the new format buddy….wishing much success for you!
young fellow I am not puttig u down, however, before partaking in such a high cost venture, YOU should have done your "DO-DILEGENCE" in researching the finacial aspects . Forwarned is forarmed
I love that you're building your social media brand by telling the truth about social media... THE key to success in pro bass fishing is social media.... We'll, NOW you're building that brand! Nothing but the best for you!
Here is the problem with you. You are not as good as you think you are. You are much better than you think you are. Live like it. Fish like it. Make your own luck. You have my respect. I am sure a lot of others feel the same as me.
If your sponsorships don’t have the integrity to call and have a discussion with you about an issue they have and they just end it with a text then it goes to show you what kind of people they are anyway. Hold your head up and fish. That’s what it’s all about! The passion of fishing and having a fire for it is something nobody can take away. I hope you have a great year in 2024 and I hope you blow the field wide open. Keep a strong mindset on your goals. You are waking up people for the sake of the industry.
I said the same thing about he should set up a go fund me or somebody should do it. Ike you said he's got over 3k followers $1 a month is $36k for the year!
@@jasonpittman3233 he could be sponsored by the people. Would be an awesome concert and could start a big movement in the bass fishing industry. There is no ticket sales to pay anglers but a go fund me could change everything
Thank you for speaking the truth Mr. Foutz! Truth is hard to come by these days. Gained a new fan today. Looking forward to more of what you have to say
Based on your honesty from your last video I clicked the subscribe button. I look forward to your future content and I am sure your Brand will grow and help sponsors see your value.
If those companies get rid of you for telling the truth and telling people what they need to know, you don’t want them anyways. I hope some other companies step forward to support you because you’re an honest dude. Ark is one of the only brand of rods I don’t own and it’s going to stay that way if that’s how they want to act.
I dogged the last video pretty hardcore. But this is completely opposite. Well done man! This is the attitude I think people want to see. I think you are a lot better on camera than you think. You are relatable, keep posting videos like these and the sponsors will come. Throw up another video soon and keep the posting algorithm alive. Sometimes it’s not even the fishing videos that hit. A day in the life would be sweet! Sponsors will come and go. People will start hitting you up the more they see if you
Dude I love that your sharing your financial ways. How to financially be able to afford a tournament fishing season or career. I'm a Highschool angler that is wanting to learn how to spend and save my money so I can go into the college series. I have had bad experiences with sponsors before so I definitely feel your pain on that. I have asked people before on how should I set my budget for a season and everyone says sponsorships. They are correct but people like me and you can't always rely on sponsors for a whole season so I'm definitely subscribing to you and can't wait to learn.
If you are close to chattanooga TN or can talk someone into coming down Jacob offers discounted guides to HS and College Anglers. And I will offer up our spare bedrooms for you if needed.
Honesty, integrity, having the balls say what needs to be said, etc have become rare traits in today’s society. Please don’t back down. It’ll all work out for the best and you’ll end up with the right people, the right sponsors, etc. edit: always do the right thing. Yes there are consequences but there are also rewards, especially internally with yourself. Respect brother.
Good for you buddy. You have my respect for telling the truth. I’m 55 and have watched this industry change so much. It was good in the 70’s and 80’s got better with the 90’s and by 2008ish started down hill fast. Now it’s shit. Guys in there 20’s have absolutely zero clue how much it’s changed for the worse. The cost to do it has gone up almost 700% and the prize money has actually gone down. It hasn’t been worth it in years. YOU ARE NOT A PROFESSIONAL IF YOU HAVE TO PAY TO PLAY! Professional fishermen are a dime a dozen.
Keep going sir. Keep telling the truth! Your honesty and integrity will pay off for you. The struggle will make you better. Hopefully a big company will realize what an asset you are and help you out.
I remember sign my loan doc for my bass boat in 2003 and telling the owner of the dealership I would have loved to fish professionally. He said well since I know what your income is since it’s on the loan app you make more then 70% of the guys fishing on the tour. I’ll never forgot that conversation!
You need to embrace doing things you don’t like to do. Get comfortable being uncomfortable. I tell myself that every day. You have to challenge yourself everyday on and off the water to do what is necessary to keep going forward. I don’t care about your finances. Everyone struggles. That’s life. It’s what you do in the face of adversity that defines you. Otherwise you just become forgotten like everyone else that has struggled in your position. What would you do if you had no fear. Ask yourself that. When you figure that out you’ll find yourself to be more successful. Remember it’s all just a game. You sound negative and that attitude will reflect in your mindset when you’re fishing. All the best pros are always confident and have positive attitudes. Have a little faith in yourself and your ability. You are where you are for a reason. Go the extra mile or accept mediocrity. You control your own destiny. What will it be?
Please crank out some videos now man. Make videos now. Talk about the industy or talk fishing or whatever you want. You have some momentum now. Don't waste it brother.
I totally admire your honesty about the way it really is. It is a dirty little secret in the fishing industry that they don’t want people to know. I subscribed to your channel because of your honesty, for better or worse. Keep putting out the honest truth and I really believe that social media will work for you also. You have the skills to do the job on the water, and I believe that from what I see, you have the skills to market yourself on social media. There is more money in self marketing than you will get from most sponsors. Don’t give up! You are going down the right path and I admire your skills and respect your honesty.
It’s the emotion for me…when you love something you’re going to say things that some may not agree with and may be received incorrectly…but standing firm is a characteristic that is not as common as it once was…keep grinding fella…fk em
100% truth. Glad you’re opening up and telling the truth. Some anglers are cowards and hide from the truth. Respect. Making the elites is amazing but getting the support is nearly impossible
“Pros” choice marine. Too many people running around with that wrap anyways. I’m not driving to Missouri to buy a freaking nitro anyways and neither is anyone else lol. Get in a real boat and find a better dealer and kick some ass.
It's gonna work out for you J! Pray, work hard, but most importantly believe in yourself. Focus all your energy on your fishing and your brand and 10yrs from now you'll be laughing about all this crap they put you through!
Man thank you for sharing this! Fishing the elites has been a major dream of mine and while it’s still there I’ve struggled even on the local level financially. It can add up quick. Your da man Jacob!
I love that you are going to be completely transparent about finances on tour next year. You now represent honesty and when (hopefully) you mention that a company has stepped in to partner with you, I will be shopping w that company believe that.
You're still so young, and that is priceless!! The future is still yours my friend! A few words of advice..."You must be able to"... "Thrive in adversity", that's what my father used to tell me every time something went wrong or didn't turn out the way I wanted it to... We all learn from the bad things that happens to us, like from making our own mistakes and even if it's someone else fault, which at times it is..Some people just love to thrown a wrench into the works, trying to bring you/us down, but, that's what makes us much more stronger mentally, and not only smarter, but wiser, and more aware of things you'll need to avoid. Plus it helps us to a better person, not only to others but to ourselves. I'd call you a 'real man' who stands tall to speak the truth! And how can you fire someone who speaks the truth? That makes me mad hearing that..I'm with you my friend and I think that you're a really cool/good guy for saying what you've said and sharing your feeling and thoughts on said subject(s).. There's absolutely nothing wrong about it! FISH-ON! !!!Subscribed!!!
I subbed after your last video and appreciate your honesty. Hoping you stick around in fishing and great idea on the actual cost. Not shocked. Disingenuous sums up the lots of these companies and the ones that did that are top of the list. Greed runs the industry. Established companies hoping on social media and image bandwagon. RU-vidrs with companies trashing other companies. Companies ripping off and taking credit for innovations of other companies. Pay to play industry that sees most involved looking to line their pockets. Zero integrity. I hear about buildng the sport for the next generation. These people/companies are not interested in building the sport for the next gen, its about building consumers to buy their product. Wishing you all the best and will be following.
Man you are legit and true. Please fight back and keep your foot down move forward and help change this sport for the better. Drain the swamp brother!!!
I hope you can make this work for you. It’s a tough way to make it in the business. I admire your courage and honesty. I think the information will be enlightening for many upcoming anglers. Best wishes in the future.
Nightmares are dreams too! I fished BASS at the pro level for a few years about 30 years ago when I qualified for the Classic through the Federation. It a terrible business and UTUBE needs a tell the truth about it guy! I hope you continue to do this and 100K guys subscribe. You here a lot about “brands” in relation to tournament fishing and the talk about the truth guy is a badly needed brand.
I just subscribed. I am the kind of person that speaks her mind. I am very proud of you for standing up and telling the truth. My husband and I hate big corporate. Hang in there. We support you! Dont change who you are...
I love it man!! Speak your truth and always be unapologeticly you! F*#k em!!! Tell them when your brand grows to the top and they're all sorry this sorry that to remember that day!! F*#k em!!!
You do you Jacob... pulling the curtains on the industry is what is needed. Looking forward to your content. Straight up raw is what every young angler needs to know. Versus just seeing all the glitz and glamour.
Nobody wants to tell what goes on behind the world of bass fishing because they don't wanna hurt there own business they are trying to build. i feel as if more people were like you and put it out for the average joe to understand how the fishing world actually works they would get more respect. You got mine for putting it out for us to hear. Keep making these vids man be transparent and fish to fish not for money things will fall into place
Jacob - you made it into the Elites. That itself is an accomplishment that you should be very proud of. I love fishing - and for you to do it professionally, keep at it. It’s a tough profession and even tougher to make a true living out it. Tight lines buddy, remember, hook sets are free!
Well, gained a subscriber here for sure. Nothing but appreciation and respect for the transparency. Hope companies start reaching out that can help make this a lifelong career for you man.
Good for you Jacob, Isn't it interesting that the people who are offended by the truth are usually the ones who are dishonest? Keep telling your story, being truthful usually doesn't get you alot of friends or sponsors, but it will get you the right ones. Your subscribers have almost doubled since you posted this video, folks are hungry for honesty, keep it up.
You just earned a new fan, supporter and follower my brother. Sleep well at night knowing you havent sold out to any of the snakes in the industry. The truth shall set you free! Stay true to the game and to yourself and you'll be just fine.
Sometimes we need to take a different direction. Professional fishing is like going to Vegas, you are on a good path. Keep the RU-vid channel going, its the new avenue to make consistent cash. I could not imagine being in your position, I have always looked at being a professional fisherman as a glorified truck driver. The pressure to cash a check is just crazy, I wish you all of the best.
I do appreciate honesty and transparency. You stated the positive aspects of the industry. I believe that their should always be some type of person to person approach rather than simply deliver a text and fire.
Give ‘‘em hell brother, sponsorships are awesome but being your own man has allot of value itself. I hope nothing but the best for you and you got this.
I wouldn't worry one bit about any cry babies. Your a straight up dude, and that's all you can do. I appreciate your honesty. I wish you nothing but good luck. John.
New subscriber here. And, the first time I’ve ever “hit the bell” for any RU-vid channel. It’s sad that speaking your truth and being honest is such a breath of fresh air in todays world, but it truly is, so please keep it up. It’s obvious with all the positive comments and response that this is something that’s been missing for a long time. Ignore the haters. Haters gonna hate! Sounds like ProChoice=PoorChoice. Please keep everyone up to date on current and future sponsors, I’ve gotta find a new rod company to sponsor with my hard earned money, Ark is now cancelled. Good luck on your new direction and journey. You’ve got a lot of support from a lot of people. Your “brand” just got a shot of adrenaline!! Excited to see where it takes you.
Very compelling video. The pro fishing industry is brutal for sure. Really looking forward to your future videos. You are pealing back the curtain on Pro fishing.
Keep making videos bro the money will come! Love the idea of breaking down the exact numbers I’ve actually been waiting for a pro to do this for a long time.
Never bite the hand that feeds you no matter how small it is. I am pulling for you, but I think you made a tough road a lot tougher. Just because you speak the truth doesn't mean there won't be repercussions. Unfortunately, the most honest people are the poorest. Good Luck
This is easy to say from my couch but Pro Choice can suck it. Keep it up man. This sport is a grind. You’re competing for you own money. That’s what separates it from other sports. No contracts, no agents. Totally different from other pro sports. Thanks for the content man and I’ll absolutely support your loyal sponsors like Miller Tech.
I suggest you talk to Gerald Swindle about how to use social media to your advantage. I watched a seminar that he spoke at and it was eye opening. Good luck to you!
I cant exactly see why a company would pull a partnership off what you said. I really cant. Keep it up. One thing to remember people value authenticity these days. Itll come full circle for you im sure of it. Stay mission focused pal
Maybe now you’ll get some sponsors who want to be associated with someone like you - a man with INTEGRITY - which is rare these days. I’ve been bass fishing my whole life but could always see what sacrifice would take to become a pro. I just love catching bass and being out there for fun. You resonate with pros and non-pros alike. You make me want to follow the sport again to see how you do. Well done Sir.
Takes a lot of courage to do what you are doing Jacob. You now have a new subscriber and a new fan! Will be routing for you and will support your sponsors with my dollars that i spend in the industry
Fuck the corporate world. If being real is wrong, then i don't want to do business people like that anyway. Someone start this man a Gofundme. #Sponsoredbythefans
Keep your head up brother! These companies would have never done this to a big name angler because of the money they make on their name and brand. I guarantee there are more big names in the business who feel the same way. Unfortunately these big companies have only one thing they want-money. Like I said, if a big name angler had said that same thing, nothing would have happened because of the money they bring in to the company. Stay strong!!
It may be rough, I am sure you know that, but you will come out of this on top. As long as you can look in the mirror at yourself, then you are good to go.
In this day and age brother you don’t need big sponsors. You’ve got access to millions on RU-vid. Bet on yourself build your brand and comeback even bigger!! Every time a door closes one opens my man! Stay at em!
great to see an angler telling us how it is. im a new fan who will certainly join you in your journey even though im in the uk. keep going jacob you are a good man.
“They broke up with you” through a text? That’s wild my guy. Keep being real. Keep fishing hard. Stay positive. I’m sure your gaining the support you deserve by doing this. Subscribed! 🎣
I will have to listen to what you said. At the end of the day it is a business. I look forward to seeing your business model as I like many, had aspirations of becoming a professional fisherman.
Jacob, I was pointed to your video by Randy Blaukat. I think it will strengthen your position if you can compare the required expenses to potential payout...risk vs reward. Then compare that to the financial growth of the fishing industry. Maybe colab with Randy to show the differences in that risk to reward ratio over the years. Just a pretty vague idea I had but maybe you can build off of it.
