Do I really get paid to go fishing?

Can you earn a living from fishing? Yes, well kind of… Let me explain: No one (in the U.K. at least) is paid to simply go fishing. The big names are usually paid to present films, endorse a brand, run social media accounts, contribute to bait and tackle development and the fish they catch are very much a bonus! For those who ask, ‘how do I make fishing my job’ I say…

Get skills! Cad design, being handy with a camera, public speaking and video editing are in high demand. Casting far and accurately is also a skill, but that alone won’t land you a pay check! 99% of jobs in the fishing industry are not bankside placements, they’re in an office, warehouse or boardroom.

Be forthcoming! Put yourself out there, social media is powerful, but so is showing up at events and sending emails. Even cold calls have been productive (if you’re not annoying and u got the gift of the gab!)

Remember that fishing brings peace. A couple of years ago I’d put so much into my career and worked so hard to build a fishing business, that I almost forgot why I go fishing in the first place. (To escape all of that stress!) So please consider that fishing is sometimes best kept as a hobby, where you can enjoy it without any pressure. Right now I spend 70% of my time working on: video editing, planning films, tackle development, customer service, responding to emails and comments on social media and a sprinkling of business, admin, tax stuff. The remaining 30% is split between filming fishing, personal fishing, tending to my garden, housework and personal time with family + friends. Something I aim to do more of this year. ❤️