You are using an out of date browser.

It may not display this or other websites correctly. You should upgrade or use an alternative browser. Rules for Avatars, Signatures and Posting for companies and services that do not advertise with BDOutdoors.

I have been lurking and reading for almost a year now and decided to post and ask a few questions for a first timer on the board. These questions could seem a little silly but I figured some people that have been here and done it could answer them honestly. So I'm thinking of quitting my job and go full time into the fishing industry out of Kailua Kona, HI. Not the charter business but just a commercial license allowing me to sell fish. I have chatted with Kona fish company and Pacific Isle fish company and both are always buying although I know not top dollar as restaurants and other venues would pay.

I plan to fish out of a 16' boat and keep my overhead as low as possible. I also plan to hit the water everyday as weather allows me to go. This has always been a dream of mine and would love for it to happen.

I'm not trying to make a million dollars just make an honest living and pay bills. Like I said, my bills aren't that much a month. So I'm just wondering how much could a person really expect to make in a month? I know several factors go into this but a ballpark number. What would be an average at best per month? What have been some of your best and worst months money wise for those who sell fish.

Mainly trolling, hitting and live baiting bouys going after palegics.

Kaibear Sport Fishing Kauai, HI

Maybe if the bite is slow there hit up some bait and try to sell bait and do some bottom fishing during that season. Mahalo for all your input and hope to see you on the water! I can tell you that here in California it is getting harder and harder too turn a profit with all the mlpa regs, amongst several other factors. I would no way be able too make a living at this if I did not subsidise with charters. Although it sound like my overhead is quite a bit more than yours it is no walk in the park, or everyone would do it.

Like yourself I do not work this hard too get rich, that will NEVER happen for me, I do this for my love and passion for the ocean. As far as im concerned I have not worked a day in my life since selling my construction company and throwing all I got at fishing. As long as you have the drive to fish everyday, take the good with the bad you can be successful.

I would recommend talking too some local commercial guys for their opinion if they are willing. When I first started most commercial guys said was crazy, and maybe they were right.

This season will be my fourth in the biz and I intend to finally start turning a profit this season. Remember fishing, is just that. Good Luck on your future endevours. Moana Kai 15' Whaler Messages: Fishing for fun can be rough.

Couldn't even imagine trying to make a living out of it. Here on Kauai, everywhere you go, you can get poke and sashimi or a slab of this or that on any given day.

Product of Indonesia or Fiji or enter name here Hard to compete when the markets buy from outside. Then the local fisherman get prices per pound that never seem to go up much at all. Kauaihunter , Dec 27, I fish for a living and was raised by a fisherman. I went to college got a degree but decided that want to fish. I make a bit of money but I'm not getting rich. That all depends on your skill level and knowledge of the ocean. Took about a year to pay off loans and such and turn "profit.

If you think you can handle and provide for your family i.

Most other comm guys i know are comfortable with their abilities and aren't worried too much about the other guy. It's the greedy fakas that might hate. My advice is keep your day job for now and fish on the side.

See where you're at after a few months and then decide.. I think Poidog makes a lot of sense. I fished hook opelu for a few years on a 19' Glass Pro. I've also experienced Ika Shibi off of Pohiki in a 25' Radon.

I usually only go trolling on my 21' Sea Cat now for fun. My advise would be the same as Poidog. Its really nice to sell some fish and get paid, but, when you factor in your health insurance, along with your expected expenses like fuel, ice, bait, lures, etc.

Another thing is the idea of fishing a 16' boat means you really can't fish everyday even in Kona. Its a slippery slope when you think that a 1 or 2 foot longer boat means you can fish more marginal weather. Then your expenses start going up. Like Poidog said, it may be wiser to find a job that will pay your "living expenses" so you don't have the pressure of paying for your next meal.

Of course these only my opinion and YMMV. Like the others have said. It depends on your fishing knowledge, skill, etc.

If you're not a "catcher man" yet I would definitely do everything to learn the different grounds, techniques, ocean, etc. I started fishing a lot more this year and one of the biggest helpers was having a friend that is a great fisherman to help me along.

I am no where near a "catcher man" so I keep my expenses to a minimum. I also read all I can to learn more. The more tools you have in the bag the better. Its amazing how much cost goes into just fuel, maintenance, ice, and gear. I would love to fish more, and commend you for making your dream a reality.

If you're married, make sure the wife is on board!!! Ask me how I know. Good luck and God Bless, aloha no. Kinaiahi61 , Dec 27, Cabo Jon I consider my brother in law a "catcher man". Mean what he does on his own but he still works construction jobs here and there to subsidize. Last year he repowered. Thanks all for your input and advice! I will take all into consideration. AKEMI TOO Member Location: I really look up to the guys who do it for a living.

Kona Fishing Charters from $ on the Humdinger in Kona Hawaii

I had a 2 week vacation and told my wife I was going to see what it was to be comm. Almost didn't make the 2 weeks. AKEMI TOO , Dec 28, If you can get enough time off from your current job, maybe you should take a week or so. Then fish the entire week and see how you do. Then do the math and see if it's enough to survive on or not. Waiohinu Lawaia dabuggashakeshakehenohemo Location: Los Angeles, or Big Island Name: Tough life, I used to commercial fish with my brother who did it full time during my summer vacations in college.

When choke fish bite, price was shitty, when no fish to catch, price was great Kona is a tough place too, so calm and not as much fish as other places that are generally to rough for a 16' boat. I would think much better as a side job then full time, but I have a lot of friends that are still doing it every day.

But I'll never forget my Dad who used to commercial fish always saying "nothing worse than chasing dollar signs around all day. Waiohinu Lawaia , Jan 7, Hawaii but grew up in Southern California Name: Lucky Dog retired Messages: The best of luck in your endeavor. As you can see it's a tough life trying to earn enough to survive. I did some part time fishing off Oahu but soon learned it was difficult to be a successful commercial fisherman here.

The guys that were the most successful had captains papers and would run "6 pack" fishing charters. Aggro Keepin my pimp hand strong! That would be pretty hairy trying to fish every day with a 16 footer.

At first I was like "Whoa. Aggro , Jan 7, You must log in or sign up to reply here. Share This Page Tweet.

Your name or email address: Do you already have an account? No, create an account now. Yes, my password is: Simrad Launches New AP48 Autopilot Controller Jun 08, Crocodile Bay Launches International Marina In Costa Rica May 31, Let Your California Rep Know You Support Month Fishing Licenses May 29, Unboxing The New PENN International Reel 50VISX May 22, Lauren Parker — The Next BD Fishing Chick Jun 01, Alex Kaye — BD Fishing Chick May 01, Summer Moore — BD Fishin Chick Apr 03, Laura Thompson BD Fishin Chick Mar 02, Molly Palmer Hawaiian Fishin Chick Feb 01, How To Get Nautical Sportfishing FMM For Fishing Mexico Jun 08, How To Pick A Sabiki Rig For Livebait With Capt.

Ray Rosher May 23, Dock Lines Tip — How To Throw The Rope May 23, Setting Cast Control On Okuma Baitcast Reels May 01, Home Forums Forums Quick Links. Search titles only Posted by Member: Separate names with a comma. Search this thread only Search this forum only Display results as threads.