Best Side Hustles for Fishing Lovers
Sell Handmade Fishing Lures
Know what’s better than catching fish? Catching fish with a lure you made yourself!
Making fishing lures is fun, creative, and kinda addicting. You only need hooks, beads, feathers, glue, and a bit of sparkle magic.
You can even use bottle caps or soda cans—yep, fish aren’t that picky, they just like shiny stuff. Try fun shapes, wild colors, or even googly eyes (hey, it works).
Start small with spinners, jigs, or topwater poppers. These are easy to make and work like charm in the water.
Use pliers, wire, and a steady hand. Trust me, don’t glue your fingers together… again.
Fishers love one-of-a-kind lures they can’t buy in big stores. If your lure helps someone reel in a bass, they’ll be begging for more.
Sell your lures on Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or even at local bait shops. People LOVE handmade stuff that comes with a fish tale or two.
Want to boost sales? Try flea markets, fishing expos, or set up a table at a local derby.
Record short videos of your lure swimming like a champ. Watching it wiggle underwater is surprisingly satisfying.
Post those videos on TikTok, Instagram, or your Etsy page. People trust what they can see, especially if it looks fishy… in a good way.
Make 5 to 10 lures at first to test what works. Fish are picky—some days they want red sparkles, other days, blue feathers.
Keep trying new designs or ask your fishing buddies what gets bites. Your ugly duckling lure might be a fish-magnet masterpiece.
Handmade lures feel special and personal. And let’s be real, people love telling their friends, “I caught this on a custom lure!”
Start a Fishing YouTube Channel
Fishing + filming = fame (and maybe fortune). Starting a YouTube channel is great if you love to talk, teach, or just show off big catches.
People love watching fishing videos. Big bass, tiny trout, how-to knots—it’s all gold.
You don’t need a fancy camera. A phone or GoPro works great, just try not to drop it in the lake… again.
Hold the camera still, talk like you’re chatting with a buddy, and film during “golden hour” when the light’s soft and dreamy.
Try to post once a week. Consistency = growth (and maybe a few loyal fans).
Once you get enough views, you can earn ad money. Some brands might even send you fishing gear to show off!
Sell your own merch like hats, tees, or stickers with funny fishing slogans. People love repping their favorite YouTubers.
Make your videos feel like a fun TV show. Add stories, bloopers, and cool tips—like a fishing sitcom!
Teach easy stuff like how to set up a rod or choose bait. Beginners love this stuff.
Use titles like “Fishing for Beginners” or “Biggest Bass Ever!” to grab attention. Add tags so people can find you while scrolling.
A good YouTube channel can bring in cash and cool connections. Plus, it’s a great excuse to fish more often.
Become a Fishing Guide
Want to get paid to fish? Yes, please!
Being a fishing guide means helping others catch fish while soaking up nature. It’s like being a fishy tour guide.
You need to know what fish like to nibble, where they hide, and what time they come out to snack. Basically, you become their underwater matchmaker.
Check local rules—some places need guide licenses or safety permits. No one wants to get in trouble when the fish are biting.
You can guide from shore, a dock, or a boat. Choose what’s best for your area (and sea legs).
Offer gear like rods and tackle to keep things simple for newbies. People love “just show up and fish” experiences.
Get the word out with flyers, Facebook posts, or a simple website. Reviews from happy clients go a long way too.
Take fun photos of each trip, especially if someone catches a monster fish. Smiles and splashes sell better than any ad.
Offer half-day or full-day trips. Keep pricing flexible so more people say “yes!”
And yes, people usually tip if they have a blast. Be friendly, helpful, and maybe bring snacks—fishing makes people hungry!
Write a Fishing Blog or eBook
Got stories? Got tips? Start a fishing blog or write an eBook!
You can share your favorite spots, sneaky tips, or gear reviews. Write like you’re chatting with your best fishing buddy.
Start with free blogging tools like WordPress or Blogger. It’s like telling fish tales—only online.
Keep it easy-to-read with short posts and simple words. No need to sound like a robot… unless the robot also likes trout.
Cover beginner stuff like “How to Catch Catfish” or “Best Lures for Kids.” Those topics get lots of clicks.
Write an eBook like “Fishing 101” or “My Best Bass Tips.” Keep it light, fun, and packed with useful stuff.
Sell your book on Amazon, Etsy, or your blog. Or give it away to grow your email list like a boss.
Use affiliate links in your blog. If someone buys a rod through your link—cha-ching! You get a cut of the sale.
Write honest reviews of tackle, rods, reels, or even fishy snacks. People trust real fishers way more than product ads.
Use good keywords so your post pops up in Google searches. More readers = more fish fans.
Blogging lets you mix fishing and writing. Add jokes, photos, or fun fails—people love the real stuff.
Sell Fishing Photos or Stock Images
Say cheese… now hold that trout still!
If you love taking photos while fishing, you’ve got a money-making side hustle just waiting to happen.
Use your phone or camera to snap pics of landscapes, bait, gear, or fish. Even a splash in the water can be a great shot.
Upload your pics to stock photo sites like Shutterstock, iStock, or Adobe Stock. You earn money every time someone downloads one.
Try action shots like casting, reeling, or holding a fish with a big grin. Sunset and sunrise pics are also hot sellers.
Don’t forget close-ups of gear—lures, hooks, and rods can be surprisingly photogenic.
Use smart keywords like “fishing,” “lake scene,” or “angler with bass.” That helps people find your pics.
Post your best shots on Instagram to grow a fan base. You might even get hired for custom photo gigs!
Take tons of photos and only share the best ones. Clear and bright beats blurry and gloomy any day.
Selling fishing photos is a peaceful, artsy side hustle. Just don’t forget to actually fish too while snapping pics.
Make and Sell Fishing Gear
If you like building stuff, this one’s for you!
You can make simple fishing gear like rod holders, bait boxes, or tackle trays. They’re fun to create and useful too.
Use wood, plastic, or even upcycled stuff like buckets or bins. A little paint and polish go a long way.
Ask your fishing pals what tools they wish they had. Their answers could spark your next best-seller.
Add custom touches like names, fish patterns, or wild colors. Personalized gear makes great gifts.
Sell online through Etsy, eBay, or your own site. Or hit up local tackle shops and fishing events.
Take clear photos of your gear in action. Show how it helps organize, store, or just look cool.
Offer fun upgrades—cup holders on rod stands, colorful handles on bait boxes. Little things make a big splash.
Keep prices friendly and offer bundle deals. Everyone loves a good value, especially if it helps them catch more fish.
Making gear lets you mix creativity and fishing know-how. Plus, there’s something awesome about using tools you built yourself.
Teach Fishing Lessons to Kids
If you love fishing and don’t mind a little noise, teaching kids is a heartwarming side hustle.
Parents love activities that teach kids real-world skills. And hey, fishing is basically magic for kids—sticks, string, and maybe a fish!
Offer weekend classes or mini summer camps. One to two hours is just right for wiggly kids.
Teach basics like tying a knot, casting, and reeling. Use safe, kid-sized gear and lots of encouragement.
Promote your lessons through schools, parks, or Facebook groups. Parents are always looking for screen-free fun.
Always bring a first aid kit and snacks (seriously, kids fish better with snacks).
Use games like “cast the beanbag fish” or “guess that bait.” Make it fun and they’ll keep coming back.
You don’t need a boat—just a calm pond or pier. Kids will leave with a fish tale (real or imagined).
Teaching kids helps grow the next generation of fish lovers. It also puts a few bucks in your tackle box.
Rent Out Fishing Equipment
Got extra rods or a tackle box collection multiplying in your garage? Time to rent that gear out!
Beginners and tourists often want to fish but don’t have the stuff. That’s where you come in.
You can rent rods, reels, buckets, bait boxes—even folding chairs and coolers. Some folks even rent canoes or kayaks.
Start small and make sure your gear works well. No one wants a snapped rod on their first cast!
Use a notebook or an app to track each rental. Keep it simple, no rocket science needed.
Advertise with signs near the lake or campground. Facebook or Craigslist works too!
Offer bundles like “Family Fishing Set” or “Beginner Bass Kit.” Packages make choosing easy.
Ask for a small deposit so people treat your gear right. Hand out a quick how-to guide for beginners.
Set fair prices and offer multi-day discounts. If folks have a good time, they’ll come back next weekend.
Renting gear helps others enjoy fishing while you earn extra for bait and burgers. Total win-win.
