Let’s be honest: if you’re the kind of person who finds peace in casting a line at dawn or gets a kick out of battling a big catch, you’ve probably wondered—can I actually make money fishing?
Well, the short answer? Surely.
The longer one? You’ll need a bit of hustle, creativity, and patience—sort of like fishing itself.
According to a 2024 report by the American Sportfishing Association, recreational fishing contributed over $148 billion to the U.S. economy and supported nearly 800,000 jobs. That’s not small fish. And we’re not even talking about commercial fishing here—this is just the folks out there with their rods, reels, and ambition.
Now, if you’ve got a passion for fishing (and maybe a knack for storytelling, content creation, or even entrepreneurship), you’ve got more opportunities than ever to make money fishing—no matter where you live or what your starting point is.
This guide isn’t one of those “just start a YouTube channel” posts that leave you hanging. Nope. We’re diving into real, doable ways people are turning their fishing skills into real cash. So grab your tackle box, and let’s dig in.
Make Money Fishing – 27 Real Ways
Find below list of unique and profitable ways of making money by fishing:
1. Commercial Fishing
If you’re not afraid of hard work, long days, and salt in your boots, commercial fishing is a solid (and classic) way to make money fishing. Whether it’s ocean fishing for tuna, shrimping, or lake-based commercial hauls, this route can be lucrative—if you know what you’re doing.
Getting started? You’ll need licenses, gear, and most likely, some experience crewing under someone first. Think of it like an apprenticeship—learn the ropes before you captain your own rig.
2. Charter Fishing Business
People pay good money for unforgettable fishing experiences—especially if they don’t have a boat of their own. That’s where charter fishing comes in.
If you’ve got a boat (or the ability to finance one), a local waterway you know like the back of your hand, and a friendly personality, you can offer half-day or full-day charters. You’ll need insurance, a business license, and maybe a captain’s license, depending on your location.
Tip: Word of mouth and glowing reviews on TripAdvisor or Google can skyrocket your bookings.
3. Fish Farming or Aquaponics
This one’s for folks thinking bigger-picture. Fish farming—raising species like tilapia, catfish, or trout—can be profitable with the right setup.
You’ll need to understand local regulations, water management, and fish health. But with demand rising, especially for organic and local options, this path is worth exploring.
4. Fishing Guide Services
You don’t need a boat to guide people. Bank fishing, fly fishing, or backwoods bass hunting—if you know the best spots and have the local knowledge, that’s your ticket.
This is a great way to start if you’re light on capital. Offer guided fishing hikes, teach casting technique, or help beginners catch their first trout. People love hands-on, local experiences—especially tourists or city folk looking to unplug.
5. Sell Your Catch Locally
Farmers’ markets, small restaurants, or direct-to-customer sales are often overlooked but very real ways to make money fishing. In fact, local, fresh, sustainably caught fish is in high demand.
The key? Build trust with your buyers. Be transparent about your methods, follow local regulations, and always, always keep your product fresh.
6. Create a Fishing YouTube Channel or Podcast
I know—it sounds cliché. But people are making serious money from their fishing YouTube channels. The trick is authenticity. Don’t try to fake being a pro if you’re not. Instead, be YOU.
Document fishing trips. Share gear reviews. Tell crazy fishing stories. Interview other anglers. Over time, as your audience grows, ad revenue, sponsorships, and merch can follow.
7. Sell Fishing Gear or Tackle (Online or Offline)
Anglers are gearheads—it’s just a fact. From rods and reels to custom lures and bait, there’s a massive market for fishing equipment.
You could open an online Shopify store, start a local bait and tackle shop, or sell handmade lures on Etsy. The overhead varies, but there’s real potential here if you niche down.
Bonus: Custom, handmade gear has a huge fan base if you’re crafty.
8. Participate in Fishing Tournaments
Okay, this one’s competitive, but it can pay well if you’ve got the chops. Local bass tournaments, fly fishing contests, or even regional saltwater events often have cash prizes, gear giveaways, or sponsorship opportunities.
Start small, network, and keep track of your performance. A couple wins under your belt can open big doors.
9. Photography & Videography for Anglers
If you’re handy with a camera and know how to capture that perfect moment when a fish leaps out of the water, this is a niche to explore.
Outdoor brands, magazines, and tourism companies are always on the lookout for stunning visuals. Sell your photos, offer to shoot for fishing charters, or license your videos.
10. Start a Fishing Blog or Niche Website
Yep, we’re going there—but not with that tired “just start a blog and get rich” vibe. Instead, think of it as a long-term play.
Focus on a specific fishing niche: fly fishing for beginners, saltwater fishing tips, gear reviews, etc. Over time, your site can earn through affiliate marketing, ads, sponsored content, or even selling your own eBooks and courses.
You’re reading this on 99businessideas.com, so you already know—blogs still work if done right.
11. Make & Sell Fishing Lures or Bait
A true DIY path that blends creativity with commerce. Custom lures, flies, or even organic bait (like live worms or crickets) are in demand.
Test your products, build a brand, and sell on Etsy, eBay, at flea markets, or through a small e-commerce store.
12. Work with Eco-Tourism & Sustainable Fishing Organizations
Not all profit has to come from the private sector. NGOs and conservation groups hire experienced anglers to educate, monitor fish populations, or lead educational tours.
You get to do what you love and support sustainability.
13. Ice Fishing Cabin Rentals or Services (Seasonal)
Got access to a frozen lake during the winter months? You could build (or buy) a few ice fishing shacks and rent them out.
Add-ons like hot food delivery, gear rental, or guided instruction can make it a memorable experience—and a profitable one.
14. Boat Rental or Dockside Services
Not everyone owns a boat, but plenty of people want to fish from one. If you’ve got access to a few, consider renting them out. Even smaller boats or kayaks can bring in side income.
Bonus tip: Offer bait, tackle, or maps with the rental for added revenue.
Read: Best Boat Business Ideas
15. Teach Fishing Classes (In-Person or Online)
Know how to tie the perfect knot or spot fish from a mile away? You can package that wisdom into workshops, courses, or casual local classes.
Fishing camps for kids, weekend clinics for beginners, or even Zoom-based lessons for folks across the globe—it’s all doable.
16. Start a Mobile Bait & Tackle Shop
Instead of waiting for customers to come to you, flip the script—go where the anglers are. A mobile bait and tackle van that pops up at lakes, rivers, or even fishing tournaments can earn you regular cash. You can sell live bait, lures, snacks, or even fishing licenses. Think of it as a “food truck” for fishing folks.
17. Offer Local Lake Navigation Services
Some lakes are so complex that newcomers get lost—or worse, fish in the wrong spots. If you know a lake like the back of your hand, charge for “on-the-water GPS guiding,” pointing out top fishing zones, hazard areas, and secret coves. All you need is a decent boat and local insight.
18. Rent Out Ice Fishing Cabins
If you’re in a northern region where ice fishing is big, build or lease small insulated shacks and rent them out during the winter season. Add a propane heater, and maybe even throw in gear rentals. You’ll be surprised how many city folks want a cozy intro to winter fishing.
19. Create a Subscription Box for Anglers
Fishermen love surprises as much as they love gear. Curate a monthly subscription box filled with new lures, baits, fishing snacks, small tools, or region-specific fishing tips. Use platforms like Cratejoy to reach niche subscribers.
20. Teach Kids’ Fishing Camps
Parents are always looking for wholesome activities for their kids. If you’re good with children and know how to teach safely, start weekend or summer fishing camps for kids. Teach basics like knot-tying, casting, conservation ethics—and of course, how to catch their first fish.
21. Do Catch-and-Release Tournament Management
Fishing tournaments are growing fast, but many need someone to handle the logistics, rules, fish handling, and scorekeeping. If you’re organized and familiar with local fishing laws, you could offer tournament coordination services and get paid per event.
22. Make and Sell Fish-Themed Art or Décor
Are you handy with wood, paint, or metal? Try creating rustic wall hangings, carvings of fish species, custom lures mounted in shadowboxes, or lake maps. Sell them at craft fairs or online on Etsy. It’s a great way to combine passion and craftsmanship.
23. License Your Fish Photography
Anglers take amazing photos, especially at sunrise or when landing a trophy fish. Upload your fishing shots to stock photo platforms like Shutterstock, Adobe Stock, or even niche fishing blogs that buy content. Quality photography with authentic action sells.
24. Sell Preserved Fish or Skulls for Taxidermy or Art
Believe it or not, cleaned and preserved fish skeletons, skulls, and even properly dried skins can be sold to taxidermists or artists. It’s a niche market, but one with consistent demand on platforms like eBay or Etsy.
25. Host Virtual Fishing Tournaments
You don’t need a stadium. Set up an online-based fishing tournament where people submit catch photos or videos, using timestamp apps or GPS tags to keep it fair. Charge an entry fee and offer prizes through sponsorships or crowdfunding.
26. Start a Fishing-Related Patreon Page
If you’re already creating YouTube or Instagram content, take it to the next level. Create a Patreon where fans can support you monthly. Offer exclusive content like deep-dive fishing reports, live Q&As, or virtual “fish along with me” events.
27. Design Fishing Apparel or Meme Gear
Every niche loves inside jokes, and fishing is no exception. Create t-shirts, caps, or stickers with funny, relatable fishing slogans. Use print-on-demand services like Printful to launch a line without handling inventory. “Reel Men Use Bait” or “Sorry I Missed Your Call, I Was Fishing”—you get the idea!
Wrapping It Up: Reel In Your First Dollar
There you have it—creative, actionable, and authentic ways to make money fishing. Whether you want to keep it casual with a side hustle or go full throttle into building a business, the water’s open.
And hey, if fishing’s what you love, why not find a way to let it pay the bills too? If you are seriously planning to start a fishing venture, don’t miss visiting the official site of SBA to learn more about the steps to follow.
Final Tip: Start where you are. Don’t wait to “have it all together.” Whether it’s guiding a local family, selling a few handmade lures, or uploading that first YouTube video—just start. You’ll figure the rest out along the way.
Editorial Team at 99BusinessIdeas is a team of experts led by Rupak Chakrabarty with over 25 years of experience in starting and running small businesses. Started in 2010, 99BusinessIdeas is now one of the largest free small business resources in the industry.