So, who better to ask about the changes than the blonde bombshell of pro bass fishing, Jimmy Houston? Jimmy has been fishing pro events for 50 years. He’s seen almost everything as far as the evolution of the sport.

BassFIRST.com asked Jimmy to share what he thought were the most important changes over the years to his sport and he obliged. Check it out.

Fishing for a living.

“I think the biggest change in pro bass fishing over the last 50 years is that somebody can aspire to fish for a living now,” said Houston. “When I started in 1966, nobody fished in tournaments for a living. Sure some guys guided, but usually part-time. Most anglers had regular jobs and fished tournaments when they could. It was unheard of to fish for a living.

"A lot more people fish for a living now. It’s now something a youngster can aspire to do for a profession. I can now look a young angler in the eye and tell them they can do it. I couldn’t really do that just 10 years or so ago.

"Of course, you need to get your education first and when you combine the total of pros on the Bassmaster Elite Series and the FLW Tour there are only 280 or so, but still something to aspire to be for sure.

"Plus, there are so many other ways to make a living in this industry that never existed before.”