In 1979, 21-year-old Gary Klein embarked on his first full season of B.A.S.S. competition. During his rookie year, he won an event on Lake Powell and finished second for Angler of the Year behind Roland Martin.
For his victory, Klein won $10,500. His total winnings for his 1979 season were $18,800.
Fast forward to 2002. That year, Sam Newby of Pocola, Okla., finished up his rookie season on the Wal-Mart FLW Tour. He won the 2002 Forrest Wood Open on Lake Champlain and collected $210,000 for the victory. He also finished fifth in the Land O’Lakes Angler-of-the-Year race. His total winnings for 2002: $240,750.
Times have certainly changed.