Fee Fishing
- Provides anglers with a higher chance of catching a fish
- Different types of leases: day, long-term, and pay-by-the-pound
- Ponds must be properly managed and stocked
- Liability insurance is important
Fee Fishing
Fishing remains one of the top recreational pastimes in the United States. Many anglers are looking for fishing opportunities outside of the over-utilized public waters. Fee-fishing, in which anglers pay to catch fish in privately owned ponds, can offer quality fishing experiences to users while also providing landowners with an additional source of revenue.
Fee-fishing operations offer everything from pay-by-the-pound fishing to long-term leases. Medium to large ponds are best suited for long-term leases and smaller ponds can be day-leased or used as a fish out, or pay-by-the-pound operations. Fee-fishing operation owners must act as fisheries managers by maintaining high-density, suitable fish populations and also be able to function as a business managers, working closely with clientele. Successful operations stock attractive fish populations and provide clients with scenic, natural setting to enjoy.
Generally, landowners find that word of mouth serves as the best means of advertising their fishing opportunities. Providing special amenities such as boats, fishing tackle, food, picnic areas and guide services can also help make fee-fishing businesses more attractive to anglers and their families.
Mississippi State University Publications
Landowner Involvement and Attitudes: Fee Access Wildlife and Fisheries Recreation (PDF)
Mississippi State University, FWRC Research Bulletin, 2007
This extensive publication provides information on property characteristics, landowner enterprises, business characteristics of fee-access recreation, socioeconomic characteristics of hunters/fishers, and more.
Other Publications
Fee Fishing: An Introduction (PDF)
Southern Regional Aquaculture Center
Southern Regional Aquaculture Center. This publication describes what fee fishing is and why it is appealing to many types of people. It describes the types of fee fishing: long term leases, day leases and “fish out” or “pay-by-the-pound” ponds. It tells what to take into account if considering opening a fee fishing operation. This includes the market, liability, permits and licenses, and public relations.
Fee Fishing Ponds: Management of Food Fish and Water Quality (PDF)
Southern Regional Aquaculture Center
Properly managed water produces healthier fish and increases the likelihood of financial success. This article describes selecting fish species, hauling and stocking these fish with minimal stress, how many and how often to stock them, and managing and feeding the stocked fish. Information on water quality is also given, including the oxygen in the water, pH, alkalinity, handling ammonia and nitrate in the water, and aeration. This publication also discusses how to avoid off-flavor fish and control weeds, manage the health of the fish, and keep records..
Development and Management of Fishing Leases (PDF)
Southern Regional Aquaculture Center
This publication discusses the demand for fishing leases, how to plan and manage a lease, value-added amenities such as boats and tackle that are not included in the lease, using an economic analysis to determine if the lease will be successful, marketing, promoting and liability. A sample fishing lease is included.
Fee Fishing: Location, Site Development, and Other Considerations (PDF)
Southern Regional Aquaculture Center
This publication discusses the many factors that influence the success of a fee fishing business. It describes how to choose a location for fee fishing that will be successful. It also discusses the types of people that will most likely be fee fishing clients, advertisement, promotion, and permits. Information is given on the set-up and security of the location, liability and safety, how the pond is built, its size, and the water in it, when the business should be open, concessions, and the comfort of the guests, and how to take advantage of other ponds on the property.
Managing Kentucky Fee Fishing Operations (PDF)
Kentucky State University
Management strategies for operating fee fishing operations in Kentucky are described. Recommendations are given for stocking rates of catfish, hybrid bream, and trout; aeration, pond depth and shape, supplemental feeding, and other management considerations. Marketing considerations discussed include pricing, and amenities such as rest rooms, fish-cleaning services, and concessions including rental or sale of tackle and supplies.
Developing a Fee Fishing Enterprise: An Opportunity in Recreational Tourism (PDF)
Maryland Cooperative Extension
This publication provides the information necessary to evaluate the costs and benefits of establishing a fee fishing enterprise on your land. You will need to consider water resources, availability of fish, time requirements, costs of operation, marketing factors, other farm operations, fee schedules, permits and regulations, liability insurance, hours of operation and any rules you will set. These are all discussed in detail and a sample budget is provided.
Fee Fishing: Introduction and Marketing (PDF)
Auburn University
This paper, presented at the 1996 Extension Wildlife and Fisheries Specialists Conference, discusses the ingredients essential to a successful fee-fishing business.
Fee Fishing Considerations (PDF)
Clemson University Extension
Before you begin a fee-fishing enterprise, consideration must be given to how you well your operation can be run and how successful it can be. Some of the things to consider include the expectations of your clientele, the location of your pond, how you will manage your pond, amenities such as parking lots and rest rooms, and promoting your business.