In the US alone, the fishing industry is worth a whopping $11.5 billion. Fishing tends to be resilient when the economy is suffering. There are a couple of reasons fishing always does well even in challenging economic climates.
First, fishing can be a cheap hobby. During the fishing season, all you need is a cheap fishing rod and some bait to get started.
Second, fish is a popular food that many people enjoy eating. Studies show that roughly 80% of Americans eat fish on a regular basis. That means professional fishermen are always needed to catch the fish for others to eat.
Do you want to know how to make money fishing?
Yes! Well in that case you’re in the right place.
Anyone can start making money from fishing using one of these ideas. Even if you’re new to fishing, you can start your own business today and make money fishing.
Are you hooked? Then let’s go (no more fishing puns, promise).
Can You Make Money Fishing?
Yes! You can make money fishing. Every option listed in this post is legit. How much money you make will depend on you.
Your experience, the fishing business you start, and how much time you can invest in your business will all affect your earning potential.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the average wage for fishing jobs in the US is $28,530. That’s just an average though, there’s plenty of potential to earn significantly more.
Excitingly you don’t have to pick one option. You can do more than one of the fishing jobs listed below.
For example, you might decide to start running fishing boat trips. You could also blog about those boat trips to create an extra income stream. Plus, if you take lots of photos on the boat trips, you could sell the photos for more money. That’s three potential income streams.
When choosing a fishing job ask yourself these questions first. How can I make more money fishing? Can I work on more than one income stream at a time?
Once you’ve got your answers it’s time to start working on your plan.
How To Make Money Fishing
Fishing is a hobby loved by many. Taking off to the Columbia River to catch wild salmon. Spending a beautiful day at Hells Canyon Dam on Snake River catching a range of different fish. Or catching bass at Priest Rapids Dam. You don’t have to be a professional fisherman to enjoy a fishing trip like these.
Turning your passion from a hobby into a job is a great way to make work more enjoyable.
Plus, your passion and knowledge for fishing will shine through to customers. This could be good for business as customers love dealing with people that enjoy their jobs.
Arrange Fishing Boat Trips
Fishing boat trips can be a lucrative fishing business. You’ll need a boat of course. Plus, you may need gear for the group including bait, lures, and poles.
Tours could be promoted for different groups. Trips for kids or beginner fishermen can be offered to learn the fishing basics.
Experienced fishermen might organize fishing trips for a fun day out. If you live in a popular tourist area this can be a top way to earn money.
Charter boats often cost about $200 an hour. Charging $40 per person per hour can earn you $240 per hour for a group of 6. If the trip takes 5 hours, you’ve earned $1200.
If you get bookings like that 5 days a week, now you’re earning $312,000 per year.
Even once you’ve deducted expenses and taxes, you should still have a healthy profit.
To start your own fishing charter boat business, you’re going to need money. Buying a boat is your first and biggest expense. It may be possible to save money here by buying a second-hand boat.
Other expenses include:
- Dock fees
- Insurance
- Fishing license
- Business permits
- Misc. fees such as legal or accounting fees
Once your business is up and running, there will be ongoing costs to plan for. These include:
- Fuel and oil
- Bait, tackle, and ice
- Utilities
- Boat maintenance
Become A Professional Fisherman
Professional fishermen are always in demand. This isn’t the type of fishing that’s recommended for fishing hobbyists.
You can work for a commercial fishing company or start your own.
Working long hours at sea is expected. You’ll work in most weather conditions including storms. Plus, you may be away from home for weeks at a time.
The average pay for a commercial fisherman in the US is $39.824. Your experience, skills, and employer will all affect your wages.
You can always supplement your fishing income in other ways. For example, by starting a fishing blog.
Pikeminnow Sport Reward Fishery Program
Every year the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife runs the Northern Pikeminnow Sport-Reward Program.
The Sport Reward Fishery program is run to protect juvenile salmonids from being eaten by the Northern Pikeminnow.
Every year from May to September you can earn serious coin for every Northern Pikeminnow you catch. For those 5 months, the average angler earns $27,836. The record earnings for that period is $119,314. Not bad for 5 months of work.
Blog About Fishing
Starting a blog about fishing is an awesome way to start building a passive income.
Think about this. When you want fishing advice, information, or have questions about fishing what do you do?
You look for those answers online. Usually, you’ll find other fishing enthusiasts that have a dedicated fishing blog.
By starting your own fishing blog you’ll help other fishing enthusiasts. And make yourself some money.
There’s no end to the things you could write about. Here are a few suggestions to start with:
- Fishing gear
- The best fishing spot
- Fishing tips
- How to make your own fishing lures
- Fish recipes
- Fishing in video games like Stardew Valley or Animal Crossing
It can take time to build a blog up, but once you start getting regular traffic you can make money.
Blogs make money in many ways including:
- Ads
- Affiliate links
- Selling physical or digital products
- Sponsored posts
- Subscription fees
If running a blog doesn’t appeal to you, why not start a fishing newsletter?
You could produce a newsletter weekly. Even charging a monthly subscription fee of $5 can give you a decent income. You only need 500 subscribers and you’re earning $2500 every month.
Platforms like Beehiiv let you start for free. You can write about the same fishing topics but on a smaller scale.
Breed Fish
Breeding fish is a viable business idea. You’ll need to make sure you know what you’re doing and have the appropriate equipment.
Fish farming can be lucrative. Especially if you sell certain types of fish. Tropical fish like guppies are easy to breed and profitable.
Minnows are another profitable fish you can breed. These are often in high demand as they are used to make bait.
Depending on your state laws you may need a license to sell fish. Make sure you check all relevant local laws before starting this business.
Enter Fishing Competitions
If you’re confident in your fishing skills, why not enter fishing competitions?
You can win prizes of various sizes for things like catching a unique fish or making the largest catch.
To find fishing contests you can:
- Search online
- Check local newspapers
- Visit local sporting or fishing stores
Could you win a lot of money from fishing tournaments? One fishing tournament announced the 1st prize of $1 million in cryptocurrency. If you’re a competitive angler, you could win big bucks at a fishing contest.
If you’re serious about your fishing, then you could join one of the professional fishing leagues:
These are professional leagues which means you can earn serious amounts of money. That does mean it’s not for amateurs. If you’ve got the talent and the equipment, you could become a serious player on the US fishing circuit.
Make Fishing Lures To Sell
If you can make fishing lures to a high standard, then you can sell them.
Check with your local bait and tackle shop to see if they will sell your fishing lures. You can also try selling your own fishing lures on Etsy, eBay, and your own website.
Social media is another way to sell fishing products such as a fishing lure. Facebook marketplace or Craigslist could generate sales.
If you’re an avid fisherman and well known in the community, then fellow fishermen may buy lures from you. Word of mouth may help boost sales more than traditional advertising.
Open A Bait And Tackle Store
Fishermen always need plenty of bait. Opening your own bait and tackle store may cost a bit at first, but you’ll always have plenty of customers.
You can breed your own worms, maggots, and crickets for sale as bait. Breeding your own stock is one way to save money.
To get started you need to pick a location for your store. The closer you can get to fishing spots the better. That’s because you’ll get a lot more walk-in business.
Now you’ve got to figure out how much money you need to get started. Here are some costs to consider when opening a bait and tackle store:
- The building rent and utilities
- Industrial refrigerators
- Rods, fishing line, flies, and lures
- Live bait
- Other fishing equipment
- Permits, licenses, and insurance
Starting your own bait and tackle shop will cost at least $5,000. By the time you buy stock, advertising, and staff it might cost as much as $10,000 to get started.
That’s not a small change. Yet, a business like this can be extremely profitable. Especially if it’s near a prime fishing spot.
Self Publish Fishing eBooks
These days platforms like Amazon KDP allow anyone to self-publish their own eBooks.
You could write and self-publish your own books about fishing. Here are a few possible titles to give you inspiration:
- Fishing for beginners
- How to make money fishing
- Facts about fishing
- A complete fishing guide
- The dos and don’ts of fishing
Don’t worry if you’re not a confident writer. You can always hire a writer to write the book for you. Freelance writers can be found on Upwork, Fiverr, and Freelancer.
Recommended: Writing Short Stories For Money: 27 Best Sites That Pay
Sell Fishing Photos
Do you take lots of high-quality photos when you’re fishing? If so, you could be sitting on a goldmine.
You can upload any photos you take to stock photo sites. Those photos can then be bought by others. That generates a sweet passive income for you.
Stock photo sites to sell on include:
You could also pitch your photos to fishing magazines or websites. Building direct relationships can mean higher earnings. Magazine or website editors may start sending you requests for specific photos. If you can deliver, then those photos will be worth a higher fee.
Recommended: 14 Best Apps To Sell Photos And Make Money
Start A YouTube Fishing Channel
Anyone can start a YouTube channel. The best part is that it costs nothing to start.
If you can create engaging videos that attract viewers. You can make money from your fishing channel.
Some ways YouTubers make money from their channels are through:
- Ads
- Sponsors
- Affiliate links
- Selling merch
Videos can be about whatever you want. Record videos of yourself fly fishing, making fishing lures, or going on fishing boat trips.
You could use your fishing channel to give fishing lessons. That’s a popular style of YouTube video. Extensive how-to collections showing all the basics of fishing right up to more expert advice.
By turning yourself into YouTubes expert fishing advisor you’ll attract more viewers. More viewers mean more profit for your fishing channel.
Teach Others To Fish
Lots of people want to learn to fish, but don’t know where to start. That opens a terrific opportunity for fishermen like you to teach others.
You could offer one-on-one fishing lessons or start a fishing camp. A fishing camp gives you the chance to earn more. Teaching 5-6 fishing students at once will pay more than 1. Plus, you can reward payments by giving a small discount on future bookings. That’s a great way to earn repeat business.
To find students you could leave flyers in local bait shops, sporting stores, or colleges.
Local online groups are another great way to offer your services. Nextdoor, Facebook or Craigslist could all be used for free advertising.
If you can’t teach fishing in person, why not create online courses for sale? You could sell fishing courses on platforms like Udemy. This is a great way to create a passive income stream.
What Equipment Do You Need To Make Money Fishing
Getting your fishing business started may need some initial investment. For example, if you want to run boat trips, you’re going to need a boat.
If money is tight right now, there are low-cost ways to start your fishing business. A blog, YouTube channel, or selling stock photos costs nothing, to begin with. You’ll just need a computer or smartphone.
Once you’ve got more money in the bank, you can start investing in other fishing business ideas.
FAQs
How much money can I make from fishing?
Fishing income will depend on what you’re doing. On average fishermen earn $28,530 a year in the US.
However, creating many fishing income streams will boost your earnings.
Can you get rich by fishing?
It’s possible to get rich by fishing. Winning some fishing tournaments can net you millions of dollars in winnings.
Some blogs and YouTube channels are also known to earn their creators millions of dollars. There’s no reason why that couldn’t be you too.
How do I turn my fishing hobby into a career?
Fishing is a viable career path. All you need to do first is choose which path you want to start on. If you’ve got the money, then a fishing charter boat business may be ideal for you.
Others may prefer to work as commercial fishermen first or enter tournaments. Then use those experiences to teach others. There’s no one size fits all answer. Pick what’s best for you and start doing it today.
This article originally appeared on LifeUpswing.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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11 maintenance must-dos for a happy RV summer
Recreational vehicle (RV) life has become all the rage in recent years. Not only do people utilize a variety of RVs to travel and take extended road trips, but they’ve also increasingly become a relatively inexpensive permanent living option.
As prices go up, people are going smaller, and it’s no longer uncommon to see people living in vans, tiny homes, and RVs.
As much as there is fun and convenience that comes with an RV, it can quickly turn into a nightmare if the RV isn’t properly maintained. Like any vehicle, regular maintenance will help keep the RV running efficiently and prevent expensive repairs. Especially while out on a trip, RV maintenance can be a lifesaver.
Here are 11 essential RV maintenance tips to keep your RV in top shape. We’ll also touch briefly on the types of RVs and the maintenance required, saving money on buying an RV, and what it might cost to live in an RV.
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Prevention is the key to avoiding costly repairs as much as possible, and that starts with buying the RV. That’s why the first of the RV maintenance tips we’ll offer is to buy a reliable RV.
Getting an RV is a big decision and likely a high cost as well, and you don’t want to purchase the cheapest option out there. Aside from purchase price, you’ll also need to consider the cost of running the RV and the cost of regular maintenance. So take your time and carefully research the models you’re interested in, including performance and cost of maintenance.
If you are buying a used RV, ensure you run the VIN number to see the vehicle’s history to ensure that you are buying a reasonably good RV. Additionally, ask the seller for maintenance records and other documents related to upkeep so you can gauge how much maintenance you may need to perform and the cost.
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Have you ever been stranded with a dead battery? It’s no fun in a car, and even less so in an RV out in the middle of nowhere. Ensuring you have a good battery is an essential factor in maintaining your RV.
Try to keep it fully charged and check the strength of the battery before you head out on a trip. Around five years is the average life of a battery, so make sure you replace it on time.
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Many RVs have a wastewater system for storing any bathroom waste you might incur until you’re able to remove it. As unpleasant as it is to think about, you’ll want to ensure that the wastewater system and the tank are in good condition to avoid a rather nasty issue.
RV holding tanks typically contain chemicals to help control odor and break down the waste, so you’ll need to ensure your system has the proper balance. Some chemicals are extremely harsh and can cause problems for septic tanks, so be sure to research which chemicals will be best for your waste removal options.
In addition to all mentioned above, regular wastewater maintenance is critical to deterring blockages and damage to the holding tanks.
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The average weight of an RV is about 10,000 pounds before adding any gear. That’s a lot of weight to try and stop.
Good brakes are critical for the safety of everyone in the RV. Therefore, you must regularly inspect the brakes and brake fluids to ensure they are working properly. Also, make sure you have quality brake pads and fluid and that all is in good working order.
Before heading out on a trip, check with a local mechanic or a brake service to ensure your RV brakes are in good working order.
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RVs aren’t typically used every day, and sitting for long periods of time between usage can cause tires to become deflated or warped and even deteriorate.
As with many RV maintenance tips above, it’s important to check your tires and ensure that they are in good condition and at the proper tire pressure before heading out. Again, your handbook will tell you the recommended tire pressure for your vehicle.
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Lug nuts are another thing that should be checked regularly and tightened if need be. Temperature changes and sitting for long periods of time can affect the tightness and cause problems as you’re heading down the road.
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Most RVs are stored outside in the elements. Over time, it’s possible that the seams around the RV can come loose or develop damage. A water leak is a nightmare, and it can seriously damage the inside of your RV. Water leaks can wreak havoc on the framework, your AC unit, or other appliances.
Make it part of your regular spring maintenance to inspect the outside of the RV and the roofing for damage or weak spots. If there is a weaker area, you can use sealant to create an airtight seal once more.
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As with any vehicle, air, fuel, and hydraulic filters should be regularly changed. This maintenance prevents damage to the drivetrain and the engine of your RV, which can be costly to repair.
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Just like any other fuel vehicle, you will need to change the oil regularly. However, this is one of the cheapest maintenance for extending the engine’s life and for the efficient performance of the engine.
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Proper lubrication enables the smooth operation of the extension and also prevents it from getting stuck. In addition, keeping extensions and other mechanical components clean and lubricated helps keep the mechanism working and keep the seals secure for performance and fewer repairs.
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Unlike many of the RV maintenance tips discussed, this one is unique when compared to other vehicles.
The mechanics and the starter motor of your vehicle are often linked to the electric circuits of the RV. Ensure all of the electrical connections are correct and there aren’t any exposed wires or compromised areas. Damaged electrical connections can lead to many problems when it comes to keeping every part of your RV working properly.
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Now that we’ve covered some essential RV maintenance tips that will keep your vehicle in top shape let’s discuss the types of RVs one could choose to purchase and the typical maintenance required.
Towable/Travel Trailers
These RVs require less maintenance when compared to some of the alternatives because they require another vehicle to tow them and do not involve maintenance and repairs to an engine. Even when you change your car or truck, you can still use the towable travel trailer. However, the appliances still need maintenance, along with the wheels and the frame.
Class A
Some people think of this as the archetypal RV; the Winnebago is an example of a Class A RV. They’re huge, and the wheels and body may need some attention and everything stored within. This RV class will typically require the most maintenance due to its size, weight, and all the components involved.
Class B
A slightly smaller model, still very suitable for families and easier to drive for many. Class B RVs will require much the same maintenance as a larger model, albeit certain aspects of the RV may not take as much stress as a large RV.
Class C
These are normally built on truck chassis. Class C models are smaller and more manageable, and the maintenance may resemble that of a car or truck, but with some added extra considerations for appliances.
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There are a lot of different RVs out there, and some undeniably require less maintenance than others. Some are also generally cost-effective, and you will get more out of them for the money spent. This applies to things like fuel but also maintenance costs.
The Leisure Travel Vans Serenity is a great option if you want a medium-sized RV with a clever design. There’s a Mercedes chassis on it, and a lot of fiberglass construction makes it cost-effective and lightweight to run. Overall, the smaller to mid-sized RVs, or towable RVs, are likely to be more cost-effective.
The good news is that many modern RVs are becoming a lot more economical compared to older RVs.
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The best way to save money on an RV is to buy used, but buying one that’s reliable and cost-effective is not necessarily an easy task.
When buying a used car, you’ll typically check the car’s history to see whether there are any damages, repairs, and other info as well. Similarly, you can also check the VIN number of an RV by using VIN Search tools, which allow you to check the details for an RV and whether or not they have a history that you might be best avoiding.
For example, if the RV has ever been stolen or been involved in a serious accident, you risk there being damage or improper maintenance and potentially losing a lot of money on the vehicle.
As with anything, do your research, be picky, and wait for the right RV to come along for your situation.
Another thing to consider with buying a used RV is the need for improvements. Yes, you’ll typically be able to save thousands of dollars buying used, but you also may spend thousands of dollars getting an RV up to your standards.
Whether an RV needs improvement will depend on the model you buy and the age, and how well it was maintained. If you’re buying a 10-20 years old vehicle and it has a lot of internal appliances and features, then there is every chance that you will have to improve more than just the mechanics of the RV. Some of these vehicles have cooking ranges, toilets, and other appliances. These things have a lifespan, and just like buying an older house, they may need replacement sooner rather than later.
Thus, when you are looking at buying an RV, you don’t just want to check that it is safe and secure to drive; you should also check the appliances to ensure they won’t require a huge amount of improvement right away.
On the other hand, if you’re relatively handy, you may want to consider buying an older RV and fixing it up yourself. Plenty of people have converted vans, buses, and other vehicles into glamorous living spaces with sweat equity.
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The average car lasts 200,000 or about 12 years. How do RVs compare?
There have been a few different studies about how long an RV or “motorhomes” can last. They generally point to a lifespan of either 20 years or 200,000 miles, whichever of these milestones is hit first. Unfortunately, not many can withstand the pressure after 200,000 miles, so this is another factor to consider while looking to possibly purchase an RV or deciding on maintaining your existing RV.
For example, if your vehicle is still running, but you’re worried that it might not run well past 200,000 miles, you might not want to perform major maintenance like changing the internal setup of the vehicle.
It’s also true that regular, quality maintenance gives you the best chance to extend the lifespan of your RV and prevent it from an early grave. The better you look after the mechanical elements of the vehicle, the more likely it is to last you a long time. Getting your RV regularly serviced by a mechanic makes it likely that you may even surpass 200,000 miles, as many cars do.
Of course, the average life will vary hugely depending on make and model, and you might get lucky and have a vehicle that never seems to need work done. Do your research and read reviews of the models you’re considering to see what current owners think and how hardy the vehicle type is.
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Some people permanently live in their RV in a stationary spot, while others find that they can spend extended periods of time traveling. No matter which route you’re considering, it is important to work out living costs to ensure that this lifestyle will work for you.
One RV enthusiast shared their living costs per month, and it came out to be roughly $200 for insurance plus $400 for gas and maintenance. On top of this, you have food costs and the possible costs of extra fuel for generators you might need for power. Of course, the RV size will impact how much fuel is used, and insurance is quite a unique calculation based on your driving history, so it is hard to work out exactly what it will cost.
Before deciding to live or travel permanently in an RV, it is best to seek out those who have done it or are currently doing it to get a better idea. Dr. Brenda Uekert is the founder of the Gutsy Women Club and is currently traveling around the country in her RV. Michelle at Making Sense of Cents has also traveled extensively and lived in an RV. Additionally, you can learn about living in a van and everything you need to know to get started.
If you’re a current RV owner, another option to consider is to take some extended trips in your RV to see if you like it and get a better idea of the costs.
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Nobody really likes maintaining their vehicle. It’s no fun to spend time and money on things that don’t give you immediate joy. But, regular maintenance, however annoying, is the best way to help ensure your RV is ready to go when you’re ready to get out and have some fun without burdening you with more expensive repairs.
Even if you need to pay a bit more for a mechanic to help you out, many of these RV maintenance tips can easily be done yourself and are well worth it in the long run.
Keeping your RV in good shape will help you get the most out of the vehicle for years to come.
Tips for retirement planning
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This article originally appeared on MoneySavedIsMoneyEarned.comand was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
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