career in fishing

[Okeechobee_Cracker]

Im 16 right now i have 3 years of high school left but i was wondering what kind of career i could have in fishing i dont plan on going to college. I dont mean career actually fishing I mean just jobs i could have involved in fishing if you have any info or suggestions let me know thanks...if i cant find any thing in fishing im going to go t technical school for marine mechanics i was just looking at other options thanks

[cgs2004]

I would STRONGLY suggest getting a education past high school, even if it were just a 2 yr. degree.  Get into biology and there are quite a few job oppertunities within each states wildlife department.  Go to careers.org and look up wildlife managament, fisheries biologist, wildlife conservation, fish and game warden, or wetland managament and you might find something thats for you.

[BassCats]

while going to technical school, you can also get your associates online at many community colleges and even 4year colleges offer them as well.  Getting a degree will increase your chances of getting the job you want. My biggest regret is that i havn't done enough schooling while in the army, I have to go to school when i get out. Just to get the job i want. so take it from me, get as much school as possible.

[Raul]

Man without an education you will be nothing, don 't you know that a college degree even at technician level can mean the difference between being on welfare or having a good well paid job.

[northgabassfisher]

I would recommend being a guide, at the store I work at there are some guys who guide then work the store when the have a day of from guiding.

But it is not cheep to start a guide business because of the advertisement and all the rod and reels for the clients. But you might need a second job like working at a local bait shop that's what im doing right now then you then can get your name out and still be top of the latest tackle.

[Nick_Barr]

There are LOTS of Jobs in Any States Department of Fish and Game.

[Will]

I would recomend going to school, at least for a back up plan. Maybe something with the Coast Guard would be good working with the environment?

[paparock]

To be the best at anything you need to study the subject extensively. I have a friend that is a Professional Flyfishing Guide. He approaches fishing as a science; constantly striving to learn more like turning over rocks and trapping minnows to see what the fish are feeding on. He can sit down and draw you the color patterns of every baitfish in northern Arkansas along with the order in which the bass prefer them. Even if you don't go to college you can still find books on the biology of the different species and become a self taught expert. A great professor I had in college always said a college education did not teach you all you needed to know but rather it teaches you how to learn and search out answers on your own. Best of luck!

[Fishie]

Get your education. I am planning on getting a good job where I make a lot of money and then retiring and fishing everyday of retirement. How about that for a plan

[Madhouse27]

Good plan fishie!

[basspro48]

I would encourage you to go to college and maybe pursue a degree in fisheries management or Environmental science. Although if you're having money problems I understand, I probably won't be able to go to college either since my brother is going next year, and we just don't have the money.

[Livin4Fishin]

Go to College first, I am majoring in Marine Biology and although its tough it's worth it. You will have plenty of fish related job options (not great money) but you will also know more about fishing.

[Kana]

this isnt trully fisihng oriented but i once considered the same thing.  but i opted to get my bachelors degree from the University of New Orleans, then pursue a culinary career. my bachelors degree has opened doors that would have not been accessable without higher education.  besides in universities there are usually fishing teams or clubs, which wil kill 2 birds with one stone.  if you are seriously interested in fishing and want to make money consider marketing, then post graduation you can seek out jobs with tackle manufacturers, promote what you love and im sure youll get to try out awesome gear and travel to awesome fishing related destinations.  just my thoughts.

[dabluz]

There's always the option of quitting school right away...going on social security and spending the rest of your life hunting and fishing. There are always ways of making a bit of extra money on the side. Sure, you can forget about buying a nice boat, nice car, nice house, nice fishing trips etc. If you don't get into drugs, booze, smokes....you could do all right if you live thriftfully.

You could get a job for an outfitter and some day some rich business man's daughter who likes those outdoorsy types of guys and marry's you and you end up with a high paying job doing almost nothing.

But hell, you can still do that after you get a good education. At least with an education, you have more options.