What say y�all?

[rickster]

Thats really thinking outside the box Catt, good idea

[Tyde one]

Wow  that sounds great. I would definitely  rather go to a fishing school than a guide service. You should offer courses with different lengths of time for each. Show how to work lures

[Captain Obvious]

Catt great idea and I hope that you carry it out.

When can I apply for class  

Catt if you ever start those classes maybe try and do somthing with kids.The sport is only going to grow if we keep passing it on      

[Catt]

Well let me make one thing perfectly clear I have no intentions of making money at this venture if I decide to take it on; my faith is not in man to provide my needs.

I love to teach and would be quite satisfied with one or two students a month since the classes would be 2-3 days in length. I'm looking to keep the cost as reasonable as possible even when using my boat but there will be expenses incurred.

I like the idea about filming instead of a book but there is a lot of information to cover I don't want to bore anyone.

TN basstracker Fort Polk is very close to the Bend

[Panamoka_Bassin]

I agree with most people here, in that you should offer it as a "premium" service. Up here on Long Island, there's a couple of guys who give lessons with electronics and they seem to do fairly well, as I keep seeing them on different boats all summer long. These guys also teach captain's courses and one also does inshore guiding for stripers, while I know of one other guys who has a complete offshore charter boat.

Think of it this way, start with a regular service and then offer the higher level if you think the customer would be liable to upgrade. Kinda like I do at the bar...

"I'll have a merlot."

"Well, I have a house merlot, but I think you'd like the Mondavi merlot much better. Its a little more expensive, but a much better wine."

More often than not, they go for the better wine. In the restaurant biz, we call it "up-selling" and its a great way to increase the profits.

Regardless of your approach, good luck with it. Sounds like a great idea!

[Daniel A.]

I think it's a phenomenal idea, Catt. Whatever you choose, don't over-commit yourself. Since you're not doing this for monetary reasons, you can focus on just what you want to do - teaching.

When my grandfather retired, he seriously pursued wood carving. It's been a passion since he was young. At times, though, his enjoyable hobby becomes quite taxing. Just food for thought...

If and when you get your structure fishing class going, let me know. I'd like to book an appointment.  

[fishfordollars]

Catt, we don't disagree on a lot of things, but I am on the other side of the fence with you on this statement. You need to make money on it. Your knowledge and time are worth a lot more than you are giving yourself credit for. Good luck and even though we fish together I would be the first to sign up.

Good luck,

Jack

Now, I'm off to the big pond.

[Paul Roberts]

"Teach a man to catch a fish and he'll eat for a day. Teach him to fish, and he'll eat for a lifetime." (Or something like that)

Your students would get a lot out of it and you'd get a lot of personal satisfaction. Can't beat that.

[Catt]

Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach him how to fish and he'll be frustrated for a lifetime."

Don't get me wrong Jack it's just monetary gain is not my #1 priority, #2 maybe but not #1