i suppose i should clarify my statements as i came off fairly harsh.

the pros are good at what they do; im in awe of some of the casts they make, as you describe.

i guess i feel there are 2 types of fishing, finesse and power(tournament) fishing

when fishing in a competition against a clock, you have to hunt for active fish. you cover more water, move faster, use heavier baits, search baits, etc. active fish will chase a bait that falls faster, so you can get away with heavier jigs which are much easier to cast/skip/aim. basically they are quickly searching for biters.

im not discounting the skill that it takes to do that, i just view the skill in making neutral fish bite as a higher form of fishing.

i would compare tournament fishing to trolling. trolling covers water and picks up active fish.

finesse. jigging picks up more neutral fish. lighter baits, smaller baits, slower presentations. you work a spot over. after im done with a spot im confident there are no fish left or they will refuse to be caught. its too risky to fish this way in a tournament cuz if the spots you pick (as there will be fewer) arent holding fish that particular day, you will run out of time.