📘 1000 Side Hustle Ideas Home ← Sharing & Rental Economy ← Boat & RV Rental
HUSTLE #677 7.8 Boat & RV Rental

Start a Fishing Boat and Gear Rental Service

💰 Startup Cost $300-1500
⏰ Time/wk 2-4 hrs
📊 Difficulty ★★☆☆☆
🏆 1st Month $ $300-1200
💵 Monthly Range $500-2500
⏱ First $ In 2-3 weeks
Boatsetter for fishing boat rentals. Fishbrain for reaching the angler community. FishingBooker for guided trip listings.
Fishing is America's most popular outdoor recreation activity, and many anglers want to fish from a boat but do not own one. Rent out a small fishing boat — a bass boat, jon boat, or even a sturdy canoe with a trolling motor — for $100-300 per day. Bundle fishing gear like rods, tackle boxes, and a fish finder for an extra fee. Near popular fishing lakes, your boat can book out every weekend from spring through fall. Include a laminated map of the lake marked with known fishing spots for a personal touch.
🚀 First Step
Research the most popular fishing lakes within driving distance and check Boatsetter for competitor fishing boat rental rates in your area.
  • A basic jon boat with a trolling motor setup costs $2,500-4,000 and can earn $100-175 per day — it pays for itself in 20-25 rental days
  • Bundle rods, tackle, and a cooler for an extra $40-60 per rental — anglers traveling from out of town often cannot bring their own gear
  • Include a waterproof lake map with fishing spots marked — this single piece of paper earns you more 5-star reviews than any other amenity
🛠 Tools & Resources: Boatsetter, jon boat, trolling motor, fishing rods, tackle boxes, fish finder, lake depth maps, life jackets