In 2022, the US fishing boat charter sector was valued at $364.9 million. So this year is the perfect time to learn how to start a fishing charter, aka a guided fishing trip company.
There’s a lot to consider when starting a new business, from initial investment, buying the right equipment, and designing amazing fishing ads. And while fishing may be a relaxing pastime, setting up and marketing company isn’t quite as soothing.
But fear not; with both a fishing charter marketing and business plan in place, you’ll be smooth sailing in no time.
Here are our three top tips for how to start a fishing charter in the best way possible.
A solid business plan is the best bait
As Benjamin Franklin famously said: “If you fail to plan, you’re planning to fail.” This couldn’t be more true when it comes to starting a new business.
Therefore, to create your fishing charter business plan and analyze your future viability, you need to research and analyze the following:
- Target market: Discover your exact audience and look at customer demographics and behavior. Are you going for retirees with a life-long love of fishing? Or perhaps looking at providing family fishing trips? Knowing your customer demographic helps tailor the service to the customer’s needs.
- Business organization and management: Figure out the most efficient company structure and internal hierarchy. For example, who will your captains answer to?
- Competition: Analyze the local competition and see what makes your business stand out. Could you offer a charter to a lesser-known fishing spot?
- Financial projections: Look at total revenue and expenditure. What are the estimated annual costs? How does the business manage debt? What is the annual depreciation of the company’s fishing boat?
- Marketing strategies: Decide what fishing ads and strategy will be most effective using your target market demographics. These could include email, content, or outbound and inbound marketing.
Collecting and analyzing this information allows fishing charter businesses to allocate resources, establish future plans, and secure outside funding
Reel in customers with smart fishing charter marketing
Fishing charters have long been a popular tourist activity. But, depending on location, competition can be tight. For example, Florida is the “Fishing Capital of the World,” so if you plan on opening your business in The Sunshine State, you need to get creative with your fishing charter marketing strategies.
Fishing is also a popular activity among people of all ages and gender, meaning knowing which marketing strategy will be the most profitable isn’t always straightforward. But, nowadays, leveraging social media is always a good start because if you don’t have photo evidence of an activity, you didn’t do it, right
Businesses should capitalize on this trend and use Fotaflo’s photo marketing platform to stand out.
The platform works by fishing charter guides or captains taking photos and videos of guests, capturing the thrilling experience of a day out on the water. Afterward, these photos are uploaded to the Fotaflo platform, and texts or emails are sent to guests containing links to the Fotaflo website, where their specific photos and videos are displayed for free.
A call-to-action (CTA) link on the photo webpage, such as ‘share with your friends and family,’ encourages customers to share their fun-filled day on social media, creating added exposure for your fishing charter and enhancing customer satisfaction with a nice freebie. Plus, potential new customers can visit your website directly through links attached to these social media photos, helping to increase online referrals. It’s a win-win for everyone!
Attract guests with an educational and eco-friendly experience
Education plays a crucial role in fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of the marine environment. By providing customers with educational insights, they can develop a greater awareness of the delicate balance of ecosystems, the importance of conservation, and the need for sustainable fishing practices. This knowledge empowers individuals to become responsible stewards of the environment and make informed decisions that contribute to the long-term health of our oceans and fish populations.
Incorporating educational components also enhances the overall fishing experience. It adds a layer of depth and engagement to the charter, allowing customers to connect more deeply with the natural surroundings and the fishing process. Learning about different fish species, their habitats, and their behaviors not only enriches the experience but also increases the chances of successful fishing. Customers can gain valuable insights into the best techniques, bait selection, and fishing locations based on their newfound knowledge.
Lastly, providing educational opportunities sets fishing charters apart from regular fishing trips. It demonstrates a commitment to environmental stewardship and positions the charter as a more holistic and rewarding experience. Customers seeking an educational and immersive adventure are more likely to choose a charter that offers educational components, thus making it a competitive advantage in the fishing industry
With a robust fishing charter business plan, a new marketing approach, and an educational approach, you’re bound to provide a fantastic customer experience and increase repeat business and customer referrals.
Let Fotaflo’s platform help your fishing charter marketing triumph and create life-long customer memories today.
