Professional bass fishing is a dream for many, but few understand the financial realities behind the rod and reel. In a recent video, professional angler Kyle Cortiana shared an in-depth look at the costs, challenges, and strategies involved in preparing for the 2025 season. His story combines the passion of pursuing a lifelong dream with the practicalities of running a fishing business. By breaking down expenses, income sources, and lifestyle adjustments, Kyle provides invaluable insights for anyone aspiring to fish professionally.

The Lifestyle and Financial Realities of Professional Fishing

Fishing professionally isn’t just about landing big bass—it’s about navigating the financial demands of a career that’s as much about business as it is about sport.

Kyle’s journey to full-time professional fishing began in 2021 when he and his wife, Miranda, made a life-changing decision. They sold their home, left stable jobs in engineering and healthcare, and embraced a minimalist lifestyle, moving into a fifth wheel and traveling the country. While the decision brought financial challenges, it also provided the freedom to fully pursue his passion for tournament angling.

The Annual Costs of Being a Professional Angler

Kyle’s detailed breakdown of his 2022 expenses offers a clear view of the financial demands of the sport.

2022 Cost Breakdown

• Fuel Costs:
  • Diesel for his F-350 truck: $3,000
  • Gas for his Toyota Tundra: $2,400
  • Boat fuel: $12,700, based on an average of 20 gallons/day during active fishing periods.
• Lodging and Living Expenses:
  • Campgrounds: $7,260, averaging $30/night.
  • Food and dining: $44/day, projected to increase to $50/day by 2025.
  • Miscellaneous tolls: $216/year.
• Tournament Entry Fees:
  • Entry fees totaled $41,000, a significant portion of the overall budget.
• Monthly Bills:
  • Truck and boat payments, along with insurance and life insurance, came to $31,000 annually.

Total Costs for 2022

To break even, Kyle needed $118,000, excluding savings or profits.

Rising Costs: 2023–2025

The financial demands of professional angling have only increased.

• 2023: Costs rose to $124,000 due to higher insurance premiums and rising interest rates on loans.
• 2024: Expenses climbed to $130,000, driven by fuel price hikes (diesel rose from $3.21 to $3.88 per gallon) and slightly increased entry fees.
• 2025: Kyle estimates his total expenses will reach $135,000, with entry fees alone increasing by $5,000 compared to 2022.

These numbers highlight the importance of meticulous financial planning in a career where winnings and sponsorships can vary widely.

Income Sources: Navigating Financial Uncertainty

Tournament Winnings

Kyle is candid about the fact that tournament winnings rarely cover total expenses. Even in his best year, 2024—where he achieved a win, a second-place finish, and Angler of the Year bonuses—prize money alone wasn’t enough to sustain his career.

Sponsorships

Securing sponsorships is crucial but highly competitive. Only a few anglers secure over $50,000 annually from sponsors, making relationships with both fishing-related (endemic) and non-fishing-related (non-endemic) brands essential.

Side Hustles

Kyle supplements his income through:

• YouTube and Facebook content creation: Sharing fishing tips, tournament insights, and lifestyle updates.
• Entrepreneurial ventures: Property flipping and other business endeavors help diversify his income streams.

Strategies for Managing Costs

Detailed Financial Planning

Kyle uses spreadsheets to track every expense, from fuel costs to tolls. By analyzing his spending patterns, he identifies areas where he can save and prioritizes.

Adjusted Lifestyle

Living in a fifth wheel has been a game-changer. It reduces lodging costs and provides flexibility while traveling. This decision allows Kyle to stay close to tournament venues without the expense of hotels.

Leveraging Relationships

Building strong partnerships with sponsors is another cornerstone of Kyle’s strategy. He emphasizes the importance of demonstrating return on investment (ROI) for sponsors, which can help secure long-term support.

Challenges in Professional Fishing

Kyle highlights the economic pressures facing professional anglers, particularly those at the mid-level.

Rising Costs and Fluctuating Income

Increasing expenses and variable income make financial stability a challenge for many anglers. While top-tier professionals thrive, others rely heavily on side hustles and careful budgeting to stay afloat.

Emotional and Lifestyle Impacts

The uncertainty of tournament results, long periods away from home, and the financial pressure to perform can take a toll. Despite these challenges, Kyle remains grateful for the opportunity to pursue his dream, which is supported by his family and passion for the sport.

Advice for Aspiring Anglers

Kyle offers practical tips for those considering a career in professional fishing:

1. Build Strong Sponsor Relationships: Demonstrate value to sponsors through performance, visibility, and professionalism.
2. Plan Expenses Carefully: Adjust your tournament schedule, lodging choices, and travel plans to minimize costs.
3. Diversify Income Streams: Explore side hustles like content creation or entrepreneurial ventures to supplement tournament earnings.
4. Be Prepared for Variability: Understand that income and expenses can fluctuate significantly from year to year.

Conclusion

Kyle Cortiana’s journey to professional bass fishing is inspiring and enlightening. His transparent examination of the sport’s costs and challenges underscores the importance of financial planning and adaptability.

For aspiring anglers, Kyle’s story reminds them that success on the water starts with preparation off the water. By embracing resourcefulness, building strong partnerships, and staying passionate, one can turn a love of fishing into a sustainable career.

To learn more about Kyle’s financial strategies and preparation for 2025, check out his Cost Breakdown video and start planning your own path to professional bass fishing success.

When it comes to mastering the art of cranking, few anglers can match Kyle Welcher’s precision and success. As the dual Angler of the Year (AOY) for 2023 (Bassmaster) and 2024 (NPFL), Kyle has showcased his ability to outthink the competition and adapt to changing conditions. 

A key ingredient in his winning formula? Fluorocarbon fishing line—specifically, Sunline Crank FC. Let’s take a closer look at how Kyle uses this line to dominate the water and why it could be a game-changer for your cranking arsenal.

Introduction to Kyle Welcher’s Cranking Techniques

Kyle Welcher’s rise in professional bass fishing has been nothing short of remarkable. Claiming back-to-back AOY titles in 2023 and 2024, he has become a household name in the angling world. A significant part of his success lies in his mastery of crankbait fishing, a technique that demands precision, adaptability, and the right gear.

Fluorocarbon cranking lines play a pivotal role in Kyle’s strategy. The unique properties of Sunline Crank FC enable him to achieve better lure presentation, depth control, and hook-setting power, all of which are essential for targeting tournament-winning bass.

Features of Sunline Crank FC

Tailored for Crankbait Fishing

Sunline Crank FC is specifically engineered to enhance crankbait performance. Its composition includes a proprietary fluorocarbon material blend that perfectly balances sensitivity, strength, and controlled stretch.

Benefits for Anglers

• Unmatched Sensitivity: The line’s design allows anglers to feel subtle vibrations and detect faint bites, even at great depths.
• Optimal Stretch: Controlled stretch prevents the line from being too stiff, ensuring proper lure action and strong hooksets.
• Incredible Strength: With high abrasion resistance and durable composition, Crank FC withstands harsh underwater conditions, from rocky bottoms to submerged vegetation.

How Sunline Crank FC Enhances Cranking Performance

Kyle relies on Sunline Crank FC for its ability to deliver consistent performance across a variety of scenarios.

Depth Consistency and Control

One of the greatest challenges of cranking is maintaining lure depth. Crank FC sinks faster than monofilament and has less stretch than other fluorocarbon lines, allowing for precise depth control. This gives Kyle the edge when targeting bass holding at specific depths.

Improved Casting Distance and Accuracy

Fluorocarbon lines can sometimes sacrifice casting distance due to their density, but Crank FC’s smooth design ensures long, accurate casts. This is crucial when covering expansive water or targeting bass in hard-to-reach areas.

Toughness Under Pressure

During high-stakes tournaments, Kyle often finds himself fishing in rugged environments. The abrasion resistance of Crank FC gives him the confidence to fish aggressively, knowing the line can handle rocky ledges, timber, and other underwater obstacles.

Kyle Welcher’s Favorite Applications for Crank FC

Ideal Lures and Techniques

Kyle uses Sunline Crank FC for a variety of crankbait styles, including squarebills, deep-diving crankbaits, and lipless crankbaits. Each of these lures benefits from the line’s ability to enhance movement and maintain contact with the strike zone.

Pairing with Rods and Reels

To maximize Crank FC’s potential, Kyle carefully matches it with his gear. For shallow cranking, he pairs the line with a medium-action rod and a high-speed reel, ensuring quick retrievals and accurate casts. For deep-diving crankbaits, he opts for a longer, parabolic rod and a slower reel to maintain consistent lure depth.

Tips for Anglers: Getting the Most Out of Fluorocarbon Lines

Choosing the Right Pound Test

When selecting fluorocarbon for crankbait fishing, consider the depth and size of your lure. Kyle often uses lighter tests (10–12 lb) for deep-diving crankbaits and heavier tests (14–16 lb) for squarebills and shallow cranking.

Maintenance and Storage

To keep your fluorocarbon line in top condition:

• Avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight.
• Store spools in a cool, dry place.
• Regularly check for nicks or frays, especially after fishing rocky or abrasive areas.

He uses the Sunline Camo Line Storage Bag to keep his line tournament-ready. 

Final Thoughts on Fluorocarbon for Cranking

Kyle Welcher’s success on the water is proof that investing in premium gear like Sunline Crank FC pays off. The line’s tailored features give anglers better control, durability, and sensitivity—qualities that can turn a decent day on the water into a tournament-winning performance.

If you’re serious about cranking, experimenting with fluorocarbon lines like Crank FC is a step in the right direction. By adopting the techniques and gear trusted by top pros like Kyle, you can elevate your fishing game and create more opportunities for success.

For anglers, the off-season is more than just a time to reminisce about past fishing triumphs—it’s the perfect opportunity to prepare for the season ahead. With some planning and the right gear, you can set yourself up for tournament success while saving money. And if premium fishing hooks are on your radar, Do-it Molds has you covered with their exclusive January promotion: 25% off Victory hooks, including jig and treble hooks. Let’s dive into why this deal is a catch you don’t want to miss.

The Importance of Financial Preparation in the Off-Season

Why the Off-Season Is Ideal for Budget Planning

The off-season offers a slower pace that is perfect for evaluating your fishing expenses. Instead of scrambling to buy gear right before a tournament, use this downtime to create a detailed budget. Whether you’re a tournament pro or a weekend warrior, financial readiness ensures you have the right equipment without overspending when it counts the most.

Benefits of Investing in Quality Gear During Promotions

Gear promotions, like the one currently offered by Do-it Molds, let you snag premium equipment at a fraction of the cost. High-quality hooks may seem like a small detail, but they can make or break your fishing performance. Promotions allow you to stock up on reliable, durable products without straining your budget.

Overview of the Do-it Molds January Victory Hooks Promotion

This January (2025), Do-it Molds is offering a 25% discount on all Victory hooks. From jig hooks to treble hooks, this promotion covers a range of products suited for different fishing techniques and environments. You can explore the full range of Victory hooks on their official store page.

Types of Hooks Available

• Jig Hooks: Perfect for creating custom jigs tailored to your preferred fishing style.
• Treble Hooks: A must-have for crankbaits, topwater lures, and other hard baits.
• Dropshot Hooks: Ideal for finesse presentations and targeting finicky fish in tough conditions.

Why Victory Hooks Stand Out

Victory hooks are designed for versatility, offering high performance across a variety of environments and techniques. They combine advanced engineering with top-grade materials to deliver exceptional sharpness, strength, and durability.

Maximizing Savings with Bulk Purchases

Advantages of Buying Hooks in Bulk

For tournament anglers, buying in bulk is a smart strategy. Having plenty of hooks on hand means you’ll never be caught off guard during peak fishing season. Off-season discounts like the Victory Hooks promotion make bulk purchases even more cost-effective.

Calculating Long-Term Savings

Consider this: a 25% discount on hooks you’ll use all season long isn’t just a one-time deal—it’s a long-term investment. By purchasing hooks now, you avoid last-minute purchases at full price and save on shipping by consolidating your order. Over time, these savings can be redirected into other fishing essentials, like fuel, bait, or upgraded electronics!

Key Features of Victory Hooks

Engineered for Versatility

Victory hooks are designed to perform in both freshwater and saltwater environments. This makes them a reliable choice for anglers who fish a variety of waters.

Durability and Performance

The advanced materials and innovative designs of Victory hooks ensure they stay sharp and hold up under pressure. This durability translates to fewer missed bites and more successful hookups, giving you a competitive edge in tournaments.

Practical Tips for Gear Readiness

Organizing and Inventorying Your Tackle

Before the season kicks off, take stock of your gear. Separate hooks by type and size, and ensure your tackle boxes are clean and well-organized. This simple step saves time and reduces stress when you’re on the water.

Preparing Custom Setups

Use the off-season to build custom jigs and organize lures. These preparations save time during tournaments and ensure you have specialized setups ready for any situation.

Don’t Miss Out on this Offer

This exclusive Victory Hooks promotion by Do-it Molds is only available for a limited time. By planning ahead and capitalizing on this deal, you’re not just saving money—you’re setting yourself up for a successful and cost-effective tournament season. Don’t let this opportunity slip through your fingers; visit Do-it Molds today to secure your Victory hooks at 25% off.

Every angler has that one piece of gear they swear by, the trusty companion that’s seen it all and still comes back for more. For Pete Robbins, that honor goes to his AFTCO Tactical Shorts. These shorts have earned a permanent spot in his personal “Hall of Fame” for fishing apparel, thanks to their unmatched durability, functionality, and comfort.

Whether battling trophy bass on local waters or tackling exotic species in far-off destinations, Pete has put AFTCO Tactical Shorts through the wringer, and they’ve proven themselves time and time again.

The Hall of Fame Fishing Shorts

When Pete Robbins talks about essential fishing gear, AFTCO Tactical Shorts are always at the top of the list. He’s worn them in extreme conditions, from the sweltering heat of Panama to brisk early mornings chasing smallmouth bass in the Midwest. Over the years, they’ve become a staple in his fishing wardrobe—a testament to their performance and resilience.

Durability That Goes the Distance

What sets AFTCO Tactical Shorts apart is their ability to withstand years of heavy use. Constructed with a blend of durable materials, these shorts are designed to resist abrasions, tears, and fading—even after countless days on the water.

Pete’s personal pair, now several years old, still looks and feels great despite the punishment they’ve endured. From saltwater spray to muddy bank fishing, they’ve been exposed to it all without compromising their integrity.

Key Features

• High-Performance Material: The shorts are crafted from a stain-resistant, quick-drying fabric that’s perfect for the unpredictable conditions anglers often face.
• Angler-Friendly Design: With ample pocket space for tools, tackle, and even a phone, they offer practicality without feeling bulky.
• All-Day Comfort: The lightweight, breathable fabric ensures you stay cool and comfortable, even during long days under the sun.

Pete particularly appreciates the flexibility of the shorts. Whether he’s climbing in and out of a boat or crouching to grab a fish, they move with him. There’s no stiffness or restriction.

Versatility for Any Angler

The beauty of AFTCO Tactical Shorts lies in their versatility. While they’re designed with anglers in mind, their clean, functional style makes them suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities—or even casual wear. They can be worn for everything from grilling after a day on the water to hiking trails with the family.

For both professional and recreational anglers, these shorts represent the perfect balance of performance and practicality. Whether you’re casting for bass on a quiet lake or wrestling a roosterfish in tropical waters, AFTCO Tactical Shorts are up to the task.

Why They’re a Must-Have

Pete Robbins isn’t one to throw praise around lightly, but his endorsement is unequivocal when it comes to AFTCO Tactical Shorts. “I don’t like the way that a lot of shorts fit, but these are perfect,” he says. “I’ll be sad when they finally wear out, but so far, they show no signs of doing so.”

For anglers looking to upgrade their apparel, AFTCO Tactical Shorts offer a blend of durability, comfort, and thoughtful design that’s hard to beat. It’s no wonder they’ve earned a place in Pete’s Hall of Fame and on the water with anglers worldwide.

For more details or to grab a pair of your own, visit AFTCO Tactical Shorts.

When it comes to mastering bass fishing, many anglers stay close to home, focusing solely on their local waters and favorite techniques. While that dedication has merits, branching out to target different species in varied environments can unlock new levels of skill, creativity, and understanding. Pete Robbins, a seasoned angler and outdoor writer, has spent years pursuing not only bass but also exotic species like marlin, roosterfish, and trout. His experiences offer valuable insights for any bass enthusiast looking to up their game.

Breaking Out of Bass-Focused Routines

For most bass anglers, it’s easy to fall into the trap of routine. Hitting the same lakes and using the same techniques can make one feel comfortable and productive, but it often limits growth. Over time, this predictability can dull your instincts and creativity.

Fishing in the same waters repeatedly can also lead to complacency. When you know the lay of the land—or water, in this case—it’s tempting to stick with what works. But that familiarity can blind you to other approaches, potentially stalling your progression as an angler.

By targeting other species in unfamiliar environments, you’re forced to think differently. Every fish species behaves uniquely, requiring you to adapt your tactics, learn new skills, and sharpen your instincts. As Pete Robbins has discovered, stepping out of the bass fishing bubble can make you a more versatile angler and a more effective bass fisherman when you return to your home waters.

Lessons from Fishing Exotic Species

Pete’s adventures pursuing species like tuna, marlin, and roosterfish have been more than just thrilling—they’ve been highly educational. The sheer power of these fish requires a level of physicality and technique that bass anglers don’t often encounter. For instance, fighting a yellowfin tuna teaches you how to maintain stamina during extended battles, a skill that translates directly to landing a stubborn largemouth buried in heavy cover.

Fishing for roosterfish off the coast of Panama presents another set of challenges. These fish are known for their explosive runs and erratic behavior, forcing anglers to stay sharp and adjust on the fly. This mental and physical agility is equally essential when pursuing smallmouth bass, notorious for their hard-fighting nature and unpredictable movements.

Even freshwater trips can offer invaluable lessons. Fly fishing for trout, for example, hones your precision and teaches you how to read currents. These skills directly apply to targeting bass in rivers, where understanding flow and making accurate casts can be the difference between a strike and a missed opportunity.

Practical Benefits for Bass Anglers

The skills developed while targeting other species don’t just make you a more rounded angler—they bring practical benefits to your bass fishing. Fighting large, strong fish builds your ability to maintain control under pressure, something that’s crucial when battling a trophy bass near structure. Similarly, learning to adapt to unfamiliar conditions—whether it’s the tides of saltwater fishing or the fast-moving streams of a trout river—sharpens your problem-solving skills.

One of the most transformative lessons comes from these experiences’ is renewed perspective. For Pete Robbins, chasing marlin in the open ocean or salmon in Alaska has reignited his passion for bass fishing. Experiencing the thrill of new species and environments makes returning to familiar waters feel fresh and exciting, which can help you approach bass fishing with renewed energy and creativity.

Beyond technical skills, fishing for other species can also deepen your appreciation for the sport as a whole. Seeing how different fish behave and adapt to their environments gives you a broader understanding of aquatic ecosystems, helping you make better decisions on the water.

Encouraging Anglers to Expand Their Horizons

If you’re ready to step out of your bass-focused comfort zone, the good news is that opportunities abound. You don’t have to travel to the ends of the earth to gain these benefits—local rivers, reservoirs, and even coastal areas often offer diverse fishing experiences.

For beginners, consider targeting species like catfish or trout, which can be found in many regions and provide a manageable learning curve. Pete Robbins recommends destinations like Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge if you’re looking for a more exotic adventure. This world-class lodge offers the chance to target bucket-list species like marlin, roosterfish, and tuna while surrounded by stunning tropical landscapes.

Another great option is to follow Pete’s Half Past First Cast project, which chronicles his fishing travels and provides inspiration for anglers looking to plan their own trips. Whether it’s battling trophy fish in Alaska or exploring remote streams in pursuit of trout, Pete’s stories offer a roadmap for anglers eager to broaden their horizons.

Growth Through Exploration

Fishing for other species isn’t just about chasing a new thrill—it’s a way to grow as an angler. As Pete Robbins’ experiences demonstrate, stepping out of your bass fishing routine can teach you valuable skills, enhance your understanding of fish behavior, and reignite your passion for the sport.

So, the next time you’re planning a fishing trip, consider targeting something other than bass. Whether it’s battling a roosterfish in Panama or learning the art of finesse while trout fishing, each new experience adds to your toolkit and ultimately makes you a better bass angler. After all, fishing is about more than just the catch—it’s about the journey, the lessons, and the memories you make along the way.