Do you make your living outdoors?

[Big Dave2]

I was just wondering, how many people here make thier living off of the outdoors in some way? I don't mean construction or landscaping, I mean those who make a living with something, anything having to do with fishing, hunting, or the like. I know there must be guides, resort owners and workers, bait store workers, Hunting dog breeders,manufacturers of hunting and fishing equip. Sales reps, Cabela's and Gander Employees and so on.

Lets hear from you lucky devils and make sure to tell us what it is that you do, and if you enjoy it.

[irvingdog]

Up until one week ago, I was a manager for Gander Mountain. Retail management in this industry is a bit of a paradox. Surrounded by toys: no time to play.......

It's one of several reasons (probably one of the biggest) why I quit.

[gunflint]

I manage a resort full time and guide walleye fishing 40 to 50 times a year. Not much money in it but you couldn't blast me out of here. I have at least 20 people a year telling me that I don't know how lucky I am. Oh yes I do!

[Northlander]

Mark those of us who have fished with you are the lucky ones. Im glad your doin what ya do because people get a 1st Class guy when they book with you. Plus beautiful country on top of it.

Fish still bitin?

[knoppers]

I guided for dan gapen on the mississippi, I loved what I did, but like gunflint said, there is not much money in it, especially whan you are working for someone else. I had to go to work as a machinist to make a good living.

I would like nothing more than to be able to fish for a living now. gunflint I envy you. I gave up too early.

[gunflint]

Steve, Wow and thank you. I did my farewell tour of the lake friday night. The owner showed up friday with 3 new boats and I had to get 3 old boats packaged up for the return trip. But I also had to get 3 rental motors and my 25 loaded for the trip back to the cities. The good news is I'll be breaking in a new Yamaha 25 as soon as the ice is gone. I did catch a nice fat, black and gold 20 incher friday night. I kissed her goodby and told her I'd see her in the spring.

Knoppers, It took me a long time to get here. I was born and raised in the suburbs but I always new that I had to live "up north" I tried several things down there but I just couldn't stand it. When the time came I moved my wife and 3 kids up north and we payed our dues. I had to decide what my priorities really were. Everything is a trade off in this life. I had to decide if accumulating alot of assets before I died was more important than enjoying my day to day life. I selfishly went with happiness.

There's no way I could compete with most of the guys here when it comes to wealth and assets. It's possible that I'll be eating catfood when I'm too old to work. But the trade off is that I'll have spent most of my life doing what I want and living where I want and thanking God for the opportunity.

[Fishing Junky]

Well said Mark. I admire your attitude and willingness to take chances. I've dreamed many times of living up in your neck of the woods. Born in Grand Marais, spent all my summers as a kid there, but I would love to move up there. Have a great winter. Junky......

[Cliff Wagenbach]

I have spent almost all of my life living in Tower, Mn. on Lake Vermilion.

I retired from the taconite mines after working there for 30 years.

Around 18 years ago I also started guiding walleye fishermen on Lake Vermilion part time on my days off. That esculated into a full-time job around 8 years ago.

This summer I guided a total of 142 trips, (1/2 day and full day trips.)

I put in very long days,(10 to 12 hrs)every day , but love my job and would have it no other way!

Besides, I probably would be out there fishing anyway!

Cliff Wagenbach

[MooseTrack]

Live in Ely, own Moose Track Adventures which is a resort, outfitter and guide service. Spend most of my summers guiding canoe, fishing and fly fishing trips into the BW and Quetico. Been guiding for 16 years and as said before not much money and long days but I have a GREAT view from my office and love what I do

[Drake]

We own a motel in Blackduck, which is in a prime outdoor sportsman area and love it here. With Winnie to the south and Upper Red Lake to the north and a lot of lakes inbetween we get some great fishing in. We don't guide, but it's pretty normal to spend the day on the lakes year round with folks that stay here which is great. Lot of hunting up here too, bear, deer, duck and grouse. So with all the outdoor sports we HAVE to spend time on the lakes or out on the trails looking for hotspots..it's a tough job!

[Big Dave2]

Irvingdog, I'm just being nosey here but I was just wondering what it is that you do now? Are you still in retail?

[irvingdog]

BigDave2

No.

I've chosen to go the happy and well compensated route now.

[End of the Line]

I guide on Lake Superior in Duluth as a full-time captain. It's long days in the summer. I get to the boat just after 5am and on a good day I get home between 8:15-8:30pm, but usuallly closer to 9. I eat, do paperwork, and get the new bookings in order and then crash! I chartered (not fished, remember I dont get to fish) over a 110 trips this summer and passed on at least another 25.

Its the best job when the fish and weather cooperate, its a good job when they dont!

[Chris Haley]

I'm middle mgmt with a GREAT benefit package that allows me to take all the time I need for my tournaments and part time guiding. I take vacation to guide and get paid so I guess I have the best of both worlds. My best friend is a full time guide and all my trips come from him. Because it's a part time thing for me, we are not in competition with each other and I encourage the clients to call Paul back the next year to see if he is open then. If they want to go with me again, that's fine also. I don't stab him in the back and try to book return trips. I just love sharing my success with others!!!!

[outdoor ran]

I make fish repos so I'm not sure if that counts

Steve, when you going to start guiding on the river. If someones going to do it your the man.

[Kevin Turner]

I build fishing boats.

[Northlander]

Outdoor Ran Im still in the thinking and planning stages but just may toss my hat in the river. Think there is a demand for a St.Louis River Guide out there?

Heck Im out there almost daily anyways.

[gunflint]

Steve,

There's always a demand for someone with your knowledge and skills. I would certainly start out slow and let word of mouth be your best advertising. I would be more than happy to fill you in on some tips that you might not think of.

You have a built in customer base and all the right credentials. You've seen how small of an operation we have here compared to Duluth and I'm as busy as I care to be and turn down many guiding trips during the season. Other than insurance and a minimal amount of advertising you're pretty much set to go. The biggest danger that I see is that you would become to busy and lose alot of your own fishing time.

[Chris Haley]

Northlander

If you have the time from work. Start out by getting a rate sheet made up and some business cards. Pick your favorite bait shop and approach them about putting your cards in their store. Start out slow and see if it's something you want to do. It takes a certain person to make a good guide. The only way you are going to make any real money is by guiding year round. Otherwise you are going to be in that 30-40 range and for that you'll have to be on the water just about every single day of the season.

It also takes some coin to get statrted. Instead of a few rods, you now need at least four of everything. People don't want to get in your boat and pick up a $40 walmart combo either. Now I have sponsorships by a few companies. These are just product for less sponsorships. You have to be at the top of the food chain to get money out of a company. It does help to get 60% off rods and reels. I use St Croix Avids and Legend Tournaments and Okuma VS reels. These combos bought at full price would cost $300-$400. My cost CONSIDERABLY less. Also get GUIDE insurance. Some people think because they have liability on their policy they are covered. It will come out that you were guiding if the worst happens. Then your insurance company will hang you out to dry and then you've lost everything you own.

I used to think I wanted to be a full time guide, not anymore!!! I do it part time, and that works fine for me. My plan is to fish the PWT and FLW in the next five years.

[gunflint]

Steve,

I forgot to mention, but I'm sure that you're aware that being on Coast guard waters I'm sure that you would need some sort of licensing.

[outdoor ran]

Steve, you will never know till you try. You have the right personality, the knowledge and god knows enough rods and tackle maybe guide for not only walleyes but smallies too. Plus you got the SS for monster eyes. Maybe start small and see if theres a demand and its something you like. If you try it let me know and I'll get you hooked up with a deal from work.

[IFallsRon]

A large part of my freelance graphic design income comes from creating magazines for the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association. They haven't had the financial difficulties like their Minnesota counterparts.

[Northlander]

Thanks Guys for all the great info and positive feedback. I will start small for sure and let word of mouth be my sales pitch. With all the contacts I have in the Hotel, resturaunt and fishing industries I think I can get the word out. My only concern is not enjoying it and not being able to fish myself as much as I like. Maybe only do a few months a year?

I have all the equipment and a good river boat but the cost of insurance could deture me. How much is it a season guys?

Thanks Randy and Mark for the offers and Ill keep you both in mind.

Good fishing everyone.

[bucks-n-ducks]

Northlander~

I can help you out on insurance, I would say a typical Guide Insurance policy is about 500-700 dollars a year depending on values and such..........Let me know if you have any other questions

Bucks-n-ducks

[DEADhead]

I'm a Fisheries Supervisor for the MN DNR. I suppose that qualifies...