Overview of Income
Your average professional fishing guide makes around $55,000 per year. Fly fishing guides make a bit more at $59,000 per year. The most in-demand guides can earn up to $85,000 annually. It’s estimated that well-run charter businesses should earn a 25% profit. For the price of a guide, it’s definitely worth it.
According to the outdoor guide job description from State University, the average outdoor guide makes $75 to $150 per day. Guides in high-demand tourist areas can make up to $400 a day. A new fishing guide will earn around $24,000 a year. Experienced fishing guides with over 10 years experience can make up to $90,000 a year if running between 100-200 trips annually. Earnings depend on weather, number of fishable days, and holidays.
Becoming a Texas Saltwater Fishing Guide
Your journey to becoming a Texas saltwater fishing guide begins with getting a USCG License. The course can take anywhere from a few days to a few months depending on how you choose to pace yourself. Generally, the classes last from 30 to 50 hours.
Before you’re issued your USCG credentials, you’ll be asked about your sea service. This includes the total amount of hours you’ve spent on the water since the age of 16. The minimum you need for a 6-pack license is 360 days, 90 of which must be earned in the last three years.
Cost of Fishing in Corpus Christi
The average cost for a four-hour trip in Corpus Christi is $500, while the average cost for an 8-hour trip is $675.
Texas Fishing License
Fishing in Texas requires a license for fishing in public waters. Texas fishing licenses are available from the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, online, or by phone. License prices vary based on whether you are a resident or non-resident and the length and type of the license.