The top anglers probably make a good deal of money. Besides the tournament prizes, they're pulling down the real money on the tv shows and product endorsements.
I imagine the money in it is like bodybuilding. However, these guys to waste it all dumping more expensive drugs into their bodies each year. Some of those guys live very, very well.
The top ones pull down some very good money. They don't pay for anything, boats, tackle, and all is provided by their sponsors. They also make good money going around to different sportsman shows and the like.
I bet they lost some money since TNN canceled all those fishing and hunting and redneck shows though. Since they have 'pop' now.
Two of my uncles both do tournaments as a side thing and they've won quite a bit, no sponsors, but you usually fish in groups so gas gets split and they have their own boat.