Fishing Guides
Main Topic: Environment and Society
Secondary Topic: Physical Geography
Overview: Game fishing is one of America’s biggest and most popular outdoor sports. It is supported by large commercial outlets like Cabela’s or Bass Pro Shops. Think in terms of boats, equipment, clothing, lures, sunglasses, electronic sensors, motors, hooks, links, and baits (live and artificial). Maybe most important of all is the professional fisherman who can locate fish in rivers, lakes, and the ocean and then lead the casual anglers to the “hot spot” and a successful outing. Usually a local outdoor person very familiar with water resources, weather, climate and with a long history of successful fishing. Usually has adequate equipment including a boat. Other personnel would include booking agents, fish cleaning and handling establishments, and persons with shipping knowledge and experience.
Geographers at Work: Physical and Human Geographers
Recommended College Courses: Physical Geography, Regional Geography
Skills: Knowledge of the local area; knowledge of the water resources and where the fish hang out; be able to work all of the underwater sonar that is used to locate schools of fish; mechanic skills with reference to boats, motors, and fishing equipment; booking/advertising skills.
Occupation Group: Tourism and Leisure & Farming, Fishing, and Forestry
Learn more about Fishing Guides from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and U.S. Department of Labor: https://www.bls.gov/ooh/farming-fishing-and-forestry/fishers-and-related-fishing-workers.htm
Written by Dr. Richard G. Boehm