Fishing Charters: Starting Your Own Business

Every day, people visit different locations looking to set up fishing charters. They see these types of trips and vacations as a way to take a break from their regular lives and enjoy some time out on the water. Some are experienced while others are completely new to the idea of fish, reels, and hooks. Starting up your own company gives you a chance to enjoy one of your favorite pastimes while taking other people along on your excursions.

Come Up with a Business Plan

Just like any other business, preparing to take people out on fishing charters requires a business plan. There are things that need to be done before you can begin to take customers out on the water and you want to have a plan to follow. This plan will also help as you look to finance your business. A loan officer or potential investors will want to see how you plan to set up your business and how you expect it to run.

License as a Captain

Check into the local regulations surrounding fishing charters. You will need to start by licensing to be a captain. This ensures that you can run your own boat and also allows you to bring along other passengers when you go out in the water. When you apply, be sure that you mention that you are setting up fishing charters. This is a different type of license compared to the more traditional options.

Choose a Boat

One of the most expensive investments into your fishing charters business will be the purchase of a boat. Choose something that will be large enough to take several passengers and hold all of the necessary equipment. Don't rush into this purchase. Shop around. Some business owner's look into brand new boats while others just getting started learn towards previously owned vessels.

Also consider some amenities that will make your excursions more enjoyable. This includes a bathroom on board. You can extend that amount of time that you are out in the water if you have the necessary facilities. Also, you want to have a place to store the fish that you catch as well as a place to keep and serve light foods and beverages. If you plan to serve alcohol, there may be more licensing or regulations that you need to consider.

Check Into Insurance and Equipment

Before you can take customers out, you need to make sure that you have the right insurance for the task. It should cover your boat, your equipment and the people on board. Contact a professional to learn more about the coverage that you need. In addition to insurance, you need to have the right safety equipment onboard as well. Everything from life jackets to first aid kits are an important part of the boat.