How to Work in Fishing

Meet four people with unique jobs in the fishing industry

There was a time when the only way to make money at fishing and to express your love for our sport was by fishing tournaments, but that’s just not true anymore. With the growth curve we’ve had, the economic muscle of the fishing industry has spawned some interesting opportunities that didn’t really exist years ago. 

Now, there are many jobs in the fishing industry that allow someone with a creative mind to indulge in what they love to do. I get to be around a lot of pros, but my job has also brought me into contact with a lot of folks with other jobs in fishing. So, here are four people I think you should follow and study if you know you belong in the fishing industry, but you don’t know exactly where yet.

Rob Matsuura – FLW Staff Videographer and Photographer

I met Rob through the FLW Tour last year when he was doing freelance work for FLW and some pros. Rob’s love for catching fish pushed him in the direction of actually documenting the game in a very unique way. Creating content through video, pictures and written words will always have its place in this game. If you’re a creative mind, every company in the industry is looking for a way to capture moments on video and distribute that content, and Rob does it as creatively as anyone.

Rob Jordan – Guide, FLW Tour pro

Even though Rob’s day job is fishing the FLW Tour, he started his career as a fishing guide on Lake Lanier. For the angler who loves to be on the water every day and has the personality to entertain guests, being a fishing guide is a great way to make a living. Rob also has a creative talent that he expresses through custom lure painting, which is another career opportunity for aspiring anglers. Really, the sky is the limit – whatever your gift is, there is room in the fishing industry for you.

Jody White – FLW Digital Editor

Personally, working alongside Jody on the FLW Tour, I have witnessed Jody’s hard work and dedication to literally every aspect of tournament coverage. You name it, and Jody can do it. If you follow Jody, you’ll find he executes on photography, video production, interview hosting and writing – and that’s just what I’ve seen. I can promise you there is a need for the all-around “digital maestro” like Jody. If you bring it, I believe you can find work.

Isaac Payne – Shimano Regional Sales Manager, lure designer

After serving our country in the United States Marine Corps, Isaac now works in sales for Shimano and designs baits using CAD software for several companies. Every bait that we use as tournament anglers first begins as an idea. One of his roles in the industry is to bring those ideas to reality. Lure design and creation is a great way for someone who is technically inclined to use their skills to help people catch fish. It’s just another room in the house of our industry that doesn’t get as much publicity as being a pro does.

Although every opportunity in fishing isn’t mentioned, my intent is to highlight the fact that you can contribute your gifts and talents to the game of fishing. All parts of this machine are important for its growth and sustainable upward curve. I challenge every angler to find their place. I’d even encourage you to taste a little or all of it. There’s not a better place to work than the fishing industry.