How do you get started?

[crash]

OK guys I'm sick of workin for the Man...I need a real job, envolving what I love; fishing of course. I don't think the good lord had a desk in mind for me.

How would one get a start into the "INDUSTRY"
I don't care what it is either; Guiding, Making Rods, Lures. Heck, I'll patch up old row boats for a living, Its better than here.

I was considering starting classes out here to help people just starting out. What kind of qualifications would be required?
I end up spending most of my free time teaching new guys, and salt guys that want to get into fresh anyway, so might as well make a buck doing it.
Around here anyway they do hold a few classes in the winter that are always popular. But to do it full time? would there be an intrest?

I would love to get into guiding and tourny's. But I have a family and their well being is my major consern. Giving up major Medical and stuff like that is going to be hard swallow for Mommy lady. How do you make a smooth trasition into it?

Of course the goal is my own Bait/boat/fishstory shop. But I think I want to think more about that when I'm ready to slow down some.

Just wondering..(one of those days at work :-(.)

[EricCO]

I've asked this question before. I've asked lodge, guides, bait shop owners etc. They said that if you love to fish, don't have anything to do with the industry. They fish much less than they used to. I think it would be a good trade off. Guiding cheerleaders on hot summer days would make up for it all though.

It is just like any other line of work. It is not what you know, but who you know.

[Neal/CO]

Is there any other kind of day at work? To borrow a phrase from Mr. Bill, ( I feel your pain).

I am taking tommorrow off to go Pike fishing with Eric. Hop on a plane and we will pick you up at DIA.

[4-given]

Go work for someone who is doing what you think you would like to do. Make sure they understand you want to run your own show someday. Having a lot of money in the bank would be a big help, too.

[Polski]

I agree with 4-given above. Try getting a part time job at your favorite bait shop and see if you like it, you know "the the grass is always greener on the other side". I'm sure a locale bait shop would let you work Saturday and Sunday mornings from say 3am to noon, and watch everybody and his brother go fishing. If your really serious about it, I would suggest taking a course on running a small bussiness so you can see what it really takes and make an informed decission. Who knows, maybe "quiting your day job" would be the best thing that ever happened. You could always go back to work. Good luck.

[FJH1]

Good point about the money in the bank. I once heard the following: "How do you end up retiring with one million dollars in the bank in the fishing industry? Start out with two million".

Best Regards,

FJH

[TBO/MN]

Some advise:

Do what you do, and do it well. That really means stay with you are doing, if possible. I went through the same feelings and same desires. I found that if you can make a living doing what you are doing, stick with it (and fish). Some day there will be an opportunity that comes along that will maybe allow you to pursue the great pleasures you need in your life (fishing). You said you have a family, they must come first, remember the word "responsibility". Teach your children to enjoy the things that are enjoyable for you (fishing). Be a good father and husband, and fish. I understand where you are coming from right now, but the "industry" as you call it can be a nightmare to get into. I have guided, had my own tackle company, custom built fishing rods, you name it, I think I have been there, but one thing always remains "can I make a living at it?" Most times not, with out some help from somewhere. I tried by myself, and it didn't work. Thankfully I had an education to fall back on, and have taught school for 25 years. Now, my kids are grown and out of the house, I have a wife again(to myself), and the most important thing, I feel good about what I have done with my life. I now have time to make rods, build tackle, fish tournys, take fishing trips, and spend time with my wife (fishing).

Remember that fishing is a life style, and time makes it easier to develope that style. Have a good life, enjoy it, and feel good about it after you have been there for awhile, Oh yes, and fish!

The Big One

[Terry Hagstrom]

I started guiding for the fun of it about 10 years ago. For the last three I have gotten real serious with web pages, ads ect. I feel the same way you do about your job some days but I'm lucky in that my wife has all of the benifits so maybe someday I can go full time. But let me tell you that there is alot of politics in the industry and guiding can be alot of hard work. Get up at 4:30 or 5 to get to the lake and be on the water by 6:00 AM, fish for 8 or 9 hours only to come in and go back out for another 4 hours or so, come back in and get everything ready again for the next day. On top of that if you had a slow day which happens, you need to figure out what your going to do the next day to put your clients on fish. I love it and I do part time so that I doesn't become a job. Don't make emotional decisions about your job especially if your the main bread winner. Remember, your family comes first. Good Luck

[Sunshine]

The replies from "Ther Big One" and "Terry Hagstrom" are the reason that I keep returning to Walleye Central. Everyone can tell that you speak from the heart. Thanks Guys! We all have rough days and it's nice to have people like you to put things in perspective.

[cisco]

Go to the pro page for Walleye Central and check out Daryl Christensen -- Get his book, Journal of a Walleye Pro, and read the thing carefully. He has good advice for someone with your interests.

Good luck.

[fishsniffer]

I think TBO/MN has said it all for u take his advice and i'm sure u will thank your self for doin so. We all have those days but the sun does allways shine and the fish will bite and be there for u so just keep on keepin on.