Personal website

[HardCider]

Has anyone here started there own personal fishing website?  How did you code it, raw HTML or using web design tools?  How did you host it?  What is your business plan to monetize it?  How did all those choices work out?  I have a 2016 B.S. in Information Assurance (e.g. IT Security) but no web coding experience (lots of Unix scripting, Matlab coding, some Fortran though).

My story:  I'm a top local fisherman who does not participate in tournaments.  I have about 8 - 10 years of amazing reservoir Striped Bass catches (e.g. 90+ fish between 32"-43") and would say I'm the best guy in my state for freshwater Stripers (artificial lures, at least).  I would guess I'm among the top 20% of Largemouth bass fisherman locally as well.  I had an end-of-season LMB that would have been the biggest Largemouth weighed in our local lake tournament, would have won a $75 fishing permit for next year, but I released it to keep the lake wild and mysterious, even though I am temporarily unemployed and could use the money. 

So why don't I show these catches here or on other BBSs?  Simply because there is nothing to gain financially, and a lot to lose if my local lakes get pressured from monkey-see monkey-do imitators.  Example, one day I showed off a nice big Striper during release to a shore fisherman and showed him the bait.  Next day, he and a friend where there furiously casting the same spot with the closest imitation of the bait they could find at their local Walmart.  What did I gain in that transaction?   Nothing.  Fishing ain't charity either.  (Even the Atlantic Ocean is not big enough for 6 boats on Wicked Tuna).  All the fine artists in the world have a virtually unlimited amount of paint and blank canvases to practice their art.  We fisherman, on the other hand, must share/compete over a finite number of fish on a finite number of spots, during a limited fishing window (due to weather, closed season, night lake closures, hard water,etc.) 

With that in mind, I am not going to disclose my catches and techniques on a website like this in which I reap no rewards but a few "atta boys" and "nice catches".  I understand many of you make deep and valuable friendships here, and I think that is great and worthy, but that is not what I'm after.  Basically, any material I create here goes to benefit the site owners and not me.  (I could lurk and glean hints and pointers without providing free material, eh?)

Moreover, some of the best discussions and topics have controversy.  I don't want to get a on a good rip (not rude, mind you but controversial) only to get "goodnight Irene" or other similar bs.

Therefore, I am thinking about setting up my own website.  So I'll say again:

Has anyone here started there own personal fishing website?  How did you code it, raw HTML or using web design tools?  How did you host it?  What is your business plan to monetize it?  How did all those choices work out? 

 

[J Francho]

10 minutes ago, HardCider said:

How did you code it, raw HTML or using web design tools?

I don't have my own website, but I develop web applications as my job.  No one, and I mean no one codes purely in raw HTML.  Doesn't mean you don't have to know it.  I recommend starting with a package deal.  They combine hosting, design tools, and any app/widgets for ads, eCommerce, etc.

[fishballer06]

Raw HTML... I dread the days in high school of having to develop HTML web pages.

I have a website that I run my paintball business with. There are so many tools and engines out there that make creating a webpage a piece of cake these days, you'd be a fool to actually take the time to type up all that HTML coding. 

[HardCider]

Thanks guys, raw html is out then.  Any specific packages to build the page?

[A-Jay]

31 minutes ago, HardCider said:

Has anyone here started there own personal fishing website?  How did you code it, raw HTML or using web design tools?  How did you host it?  What is your business plan to monetize it?  How did all those choices work out?  I have a 2016 B.S. in Information Assurance (e.g. IT Security) but no web coding experience (lots of Unix scripting, Matlab coding, some Fortran though).

My story:  I'm a top local fisherman who does not participate in tournaments.  I have about 8 - 10 years of amazing reservoir Striped Bass catches (e.g. 90+ fish between 32"-43") and would say I'm the best guy in my state for freshwater Stripers (artificial lures, at least).  I would guess I'm among the top 20% of Largemouth bass fisherman locally as well.  I had an end-of-season LMB that would have been the biggest Largemouth weighed in our local lake tournament, would have won a $75 fishing permit for next year, but I released it to keep the lake wild and mysterious, even though I am temporarily unemployed and could use the money. 

So why don't I show these catches here or on other BBSs?  Simply because there is nothing to gain financially, and a lot to lose if my local lakes get pressured from monkey-see monkey-do imitators.  Example, one day I showed off a nice big Striper during release to a shore fisherman and showed him the bait.  Next day, he and a friend where there furiously casting the same spot with the closest imitation of the bait they could find at their local Walmart.  What did I gain in that transaction?   Nothing.  Fishing ain't charity either.  (Even the Atlantic Ocean is not big enough for 6 boats on Wicked Tuna).  All the fine artists in the world have a virtually unlimited amount of paint and blank canvases to practice their art.  We fisherman, on the other hand, must share/compete over a finite number of fish on a finite number of spots, during a limited fishing window (due to weather, closed season, night lake closures, hard water,etc.) 

With that in mind, I am not going to disclose my catches and techniques on a website like this in which I reap no rewards but a few "atta boys" and "nice catches".  I understand many of you make deep and valuable friendships here, and I think that is great and worthy, but that is not what I'm after.  Basically, any material I create here goes to benefit the site owners and not me.  (I could lurk and glean hints and pointers without providing free material, eh?)

Moreover, some of the best discussions and topics have controversy.  I don't want to get a on a good rip (not rude, mind you but controversial) only to get "goodnight Irene" or other similar bs.

Therefore, I am thinking about setting up my own website.  So I'll say again:

Has anyone here started there own personal fishing website?  How did you code it, raw HTML or using web design tools?  How did you host it?  What is your business plan to monetize it?  How did all those choices work out? 

 

Interesting post & requests.

After reading it, I could see how BR members who have the information you're requesting may not be inclined to offer it. "Simply because there is nothing to gain financially".  After all Fishing forums ain't charity.

A-Jay

[Glenn]

Why, oh why, would anyone build a site painstakingly by hand with raw HTML and Javascript? Never heard of such a thing.

[Attila]

Hello, thanks for sharing your thoughts on this matter.

I used to have my own website where I would share all the Canadian Air Force experiences I had the opportunity to cover for various aviation magazines.  It also included some of my best images from air shows held annually across North America.  It was fun to get feedback and it provided me with a lot of encouragement to keep getting better at the art that I'd selected as my medium. My site was hosted up here in Canada and I used Net Objects Fusion for the design and layout. It was very easy to use and I could change the layout and content very easily which was quite handy for a person who had and still has no knowledge of coding or anything else beyond a simple understanding of computer use.  I did not monetize the site at all, no real desire to. I provided copies of all the photos and articles that I wrote and took to the parties involved and they could get prints if they were so inclined; kind of my way of giving back to them who protect the freedoms I enjoy each and every day.

So I thought about creating a new site devoted to my fishing exploits, perhaps chronicling my camping and tournament exploits and sharing some of the knowledge that I've managed to garner over my lifetime of fishing.  The thing with me is, I love sharing the experience with people and that would be the purpose behind such a site; to share the experience...not to make money off of it. I'm not searching for money as I make enough during my day job to make me quite happy and content. It's part of the reason I post here on BR; people ask questions and I'm happy to help with my knowledge on the topic even if others may disagree with it.

So if you want to monetize a photography site, there are plenty of options available to you like Zenfolio. If you want to make money sharing your wisdom and knowledge try getting picked up by a publication.  Many moons ago I found myself writing a weekly fishing column in a local newspaper which helped give me gas money during school so that I could go fishing...it worked well and opened up other doors to me. If you want to guide, then a website will help with directing people to you who are wanting to pay for that type of service.

What you'll need to do is check out the market, find out if people are actually willing to pay for the content that you'd provide, find an inexpensive way to create the website you want, then find a way to direct people to that website; not easy things to do.

All of these were factors which drove me away from creating a new website devoted to fishing...it's easier and cheaper for me to register on a great site like BR and learn and share the wisdom I have for the sport that I love.

Cheers, hope that this helps.

[J Francho]

Based on what you want to do, I can hardly see you monetizing it for profit.  I think blog site is probably the best way to start.  Many of my fishing friends have them.  You can post pics, video, and stories, and many are free, or of little cost.  Just be careful of how you share this info, many sites - this site included - do not allow self promotion.  Twitter and FB are your allies here.  Share your site to your friends, and let it snowball from there.

[Attila]

Creating a FB page might be the best way to go actually...

[J Francho]

My only gripe with FB, is that anything published there is theirs forever.  It's a minor thought, though.  But it is the easiest solution and you can easily promote it through Twitter, and FB itself.  Good luck!

[Scarborough817]

i must be crazy but i actually preferred building in raw html instead of using tools 

[J Francho]

You're crazy.  LOL.  Most of what is generated on the page of my application is the result of C#, AngularJS, JSON, CSS and a few other technologies.

[Choporoz]

I had out and check my calendar after reading the OP....I'm still surprised to have learned that today isn't the first of April...

[HardCider]

3 hours ago, A-Jay said:

Interesting post & requests.

After reading it, I could see how BR members who have the information you're requesting may not be inclined to offer it. "Simply because there is nothing to gain financially".  After all Fishing forums ain't charity.

A-Jay

Hi A-Jay and thanks for your reply.

We have different styles for sure - I've seen your many, many posts documenting your success - your a real star here for sure. It is clearly important for you to be admired.  I am different, I don't want admiration from the crowd.  I fish for my own personal gratification.

To go public with my techniques and methods, I want some buckage.  Nothing wrong with that either - lots of Pros, authors, and guides take that approach.

Different strokes for different folks.

[Attila]

2 minutes ago, HardCider said:

Hi A-Jay and thanks for your reply.

We have different styles for sure - I've seen your many, many posts documenting your success - your a real star here for sure. It is clearly important for you to be admired.  I am different, I don't want admiration from the crowd.  I fish for my own personal gratification.

To go public with my techniques and methods, I want some buckage.  Nothing wrong with that either - lots of Pros, authors, and guides take that approach.

Different strokes for different folks.

While I agree that there are different strokes for different folks, I disagree that it is important for @A-Jay and others like myself who post here to feel any type of admiration. We simply want to share our knowledge in hopes that it will help others enjoy as much success as we do when we're out there.

[J Francho]

8 minutes ago, HardCider said:

It is clearly important for you to be admired.

I totally disagree with this assessment.  The people that offer best advice often back that up with results.  It's not always an ego stroke.

[A-Jay]

15 minutes ago, HardCider said:

Hi A-Jay and thanks for your reply.

We have different styles for sure - I've seen your many, many posts documenting your success - your a real star here for sure. It is clearly important for you to be admired.  I am different, I don't want admiration from the crowd.  I fish for my own personal gratification.

To go public with my techniques and methods, I want some buckage.  Nothing wrong with that either - lots of Pros, authors, and guides take that approach.

Different strokes for different folks.

While your perception is your reality and I can certainly respect that, it's not mine.  

The great thing about this country, & especially this site, is we all get to post whatever we want (within the forum rules of course).  Each member's personal reasons for doing so may, again, be perceived differently.  Can't really control that nor do I choose to.

And so just to be clear here, my personal reason for replying to your specific post today was to say that I completely understand your desire to "want some buckage" for your most valuable fishing knowledge, yet you're willing to ask the forum here to offer up that same type of info just because you asked.

Best of luck to you.

A-Jay

 

[roadwarrior]

Hmm...

We have a number of tour pros that write for us, providing VERY detailed information regarding "where, when and how". Professionals may not share something brand new to them, but it comes out eventually. Additionally, we have several dozen active members that are probably just as accomplished as most professionals, especially on their home water. 

So, I guess my point is, I don't think you are going to make a dime with your "secret" techniques and methods.

 

Here is my "best kept secret" that I wrote about ten years ago:

 

 

[Glenn]

Best advice I can give you is how I did it with BassResource:

 

Build a site around your passion, the way YOU want it to be (I coded the whole thing by hand for over a decade, but it's not required).  Like-minded people will find your site.  If they like it, then it will grow. At some point, the money will come - not because you're in it to "make money", but because you'll need it to grow the site and satisfy the needs of your audience.  When you reach that point, you'll have options to monetize it.

 

But if you go in thinking you want to make money by building a website, you'll be disappointed with the results.

 

Good luck!

[Turkey sandwich]

I'm also the world's greatest one legged skateboarder, but if you'd like to see a video you'll have to subscribe to my non-existent website for $19.99 a month that still doesn't exist because I don't know how to make it. But trust me, my mom says I'm the best. 

[K_Mac]

HardCider, I have to agree with my friend A-Jay. Asking for free online advice on how to make money peddling your unknown and undocumented fishing skills is a little ironic.

 

You may be as good as you think you are. There are countless YouTube fishing sites. A very small percentage of them make any money. Convince enough folks that you have something to offer though, and the advertisers will make you rich. Same thing with a site like this; generate enough traffic and you may make a buck. 

 

This site is a great example of how a successful site is started and prospers. Glenn has worked hard to create an atmosphere where people come to learn, teach, and discuss fishing with like-minded people. As you said, there are many who make a good living from fishing, writing, appearances, and endorsements. Without exception, they have proven themselves in the industry. You certainly seem to have the confidence needed. Good luck.

[Snipe Hunter]

I own two small businesses. One is a bodyshop that specializes in fleet business. Cabs, police cars, car dealer work etc. I have no website for it as "word of mouth" drives sales for that business. The business was built by knocking on doors and now it is on auto-pilot. The other business is a home inspection business and it is what I expect to do on into retirement. I've already unloaded most of the car stuff. I do have a website for the inspection business. It's more to add legitimacy to the business than it is to drive sales. I'm still going door to door to sell it. I received a box load of 2500 professionally printed discount coupons yesterday and today I visited eight real estate agencies and hand delivered them to them. I asked how many agents worked out of the office and I gave them each three coupons. I'll do this every day until the 2500 coupons are gone. 2500 cost me about $250. I need one sale to cover the cost, maybe two to cover gas. I have found that eyeball-to-eyeball sales is the most effective and people are more willing to take and keep a coupon than a business card or brochure.

 

The reason I'm telling you this is that my website alone won't drive sales. I need to drive customers to my website and the most cost effective way that I have found is through direct mail and knocking on doors.  

 

Another way to drive people to my website is to pay "bird dogs" to do it for me. I can optimize my site by paying Google for top billing or any of a plethora of other search engine optimizing providers. That's not cheap. I can pay Yelp for top billing and that is more than $600 a month. I use Home Advisor and Thumbtack. H-A is about 275 a year but I have to pay about $18.00 a lead. I still have to close the lead. It's pricey but I can narrow down my marketing area using zip codes. Thumbtack leads cost about $2.00 per lead but the quality isn't very good and I can't pick and choose my marketing areas. I get a lot of leads in areas where I wouldn't go without a police escort. The size of the market for my product is limited to the number of people buying homes. If you are a very well known fisherman in your area, you may or may not have a bigger market than me. But nobody has to pay to view my site, except me.

 

I went through all of that to give you an idea what I have to go through just to be seen and quote an inspection. The Inspection business is less than a year old and I get the most leads from knocking on doors and referrals. I'm competing against 6 other inspectors in my immediate area and in the 300+ other zip-codes where I do business.

 

You are in a little bit of a different situation. You need to drive business to your site and get their money before they can view your content so you have an even bigger uphill climb than most. You're competing against all the free sites like Face Book which is riddled with free "local" fishing sites and Even BassResource.com. I've fished coast to coast and I the only way I would pay for local information is if I was fishing a tournament in a new spot and I needed inside info. How much is that worth? If I were to pay you, you would need some credentials like local tournament wins, a successful guide service, news paper articles etc. You'll need something that you can prove is worth the price of admission.

 

The biggest lake in Maryland is Deep Creek and it's hard to fish but once you know the lake, you can expect good days on it. It took me three solid weeks of fishing everyday just to get an idea where and how to fish it. There is a website called Fishdeepcreek that is free. It was run by guides and started by the biggest guide service in the state. All the local anglers are regulars on the site. The site is going belly-up on Jan 1 and it has about 10 years worth of content in it. The biggest problem was that there weren't enough visitors to sell advertising and nobody was willing to pay to keep it going and not enough population in the area to make it viable. 

 

I'm new two BassRescource and what attracted me to it was two things: The great content and the price.

 

I would suggest that if you start a site, make it free. Do a blog and write a lot of topical and constantly updated content. If you can get enough visitors, sell advertising on it. It's about selling again, business is always about selling. Great ideas still need great salesmen. If you do a free Facebook or YouTube site and it's successful, advertisers will pay you for ad space. If it isn't successful, you wouldn't have been able to sell subscriptions anyway so nothing ventured. Ask local guide services, hotels, baitshops, boat rental places etc to support the site and link them. It's pretty easy. Edison invented the light bulb but Tesla made it work, sold it and actually made money off of it.

 

For my website, I use Bluehost as my web-host and Weebly as my provider. Because it's easy for a Luddite like myself. It costs me about $400.00 every two years. I can easily update Weebly and I do a couple times a week. I don't know the first thing about anything computer related and I was able to build a decent enough site with all the links I require. I have the option to take payPal or CC transactions, for a fee on it also. I get no optimization or tracking data at that price. That would easily cost you that much each month. But it's simple. Picture uploading is easy and they have lots of free templates, including Blog templates.

Sorry this is so long winded.

 

Neil

Edited December 16, 2016 by Snipe Hunter
Spelling errors and added content

[K_Mac]

Snipe Hunter, welcome to Bassresource. Thanks for your above comprehensive post. It makes the point very clearly that there are few shortcuts when it comes to business, whether brick and mortar or online. 

[Snipe Hunter]

K_Mac,

Thank you. Great site.

 

 

[Onvacation]

Your post is kind of like a wannabe prostitue (although humbly, a very good one) going to a swingers convention, criticizing them for their lifestyle, and then asking advice to draw more johns. Do you really not see anything wrong with being so pompous, coming to a website built and shared by enthusiast, talking smack, and then asking for help?