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6 Steps To Start A Fishing Charter Business
What is a charter fishing business?
A Fishing charter business is where fishing boat owners or professionals take people who love fishing on a fishing trip that they otherwise wouldn’t be able to experience. People are usually allowed to keep the fishes they catch unless those fishes are illegal to catch.
6 Most important steps to setup a successful charter fishing business.
1 Coast Guard Captain Licence
Apply for a U.S. Coast Guard captain’s license to legally operate a boat and charge people for fishing trips. Visit the USCG website for more information about the application process and fees. Apply for a business license with the county clerk’s office or small business administration office in your area. Apply for a sales tax license through your state’s department of revenue to accept all sales tax from customers. Apply for an Employer Identification Number provided by the Internal Revenue Service. Use this number on all business tax forms and documents.
2 Purchase A Boat
Purchase a boat large enough to safely carry small groups on fishing trips. Boats should be at least 25 feet in length to accommodate small groups, usually up to six people, and the crew. Select a boat in good condition and appropriate for the types of waters you will be navigating. Purchase life preservers, first aid kit and other safety items required by the laws that govern fishing charter companies in your state.
3 Fishing License
Obtain the necessary fishing licenses by contacting local fish and wildlife departments. Fishing licenses allow customers to fish legally during the trip. Maintain fishing licenses by paying quarterly or yearly fees. Each person on the boat will need a fishing license, so make sure to purchase enough licenses to cover the maximum number of people in charter fishing groups.
4 Business Insurance
Purchase business insurance from a licensed insurance provider to protect your fishing charter business in the event of an accident or injury during fishing trips. Business insurance typically includes general liability, property, and worker’s compensation.
5 Marketing & Branding Online
Market your fishing charter business in local and national magazines, newspapers, and online. Create a website to describe the types of fishing trips offered, prices, photos, testimonials from satisfied customers, hours of operation and safety information.
6 Customer Engagement & Booking Program
Last but not least important step for a successful charter boat fishing business is to have a customer engagement & booking system integrated into your website. Collect fees at the time of booking and pay normal processing fees.
Be your own Booking Site with easily managed customer options like types of fishing, boat, or captain, and of course date.
Source: smallbusiness.chron.com
