Editor’s Note: Scott Brauer of Gasport NY is the owner of Makiplastic. His company specializes in high detail aquatic insect imitations. Scott is an avid panfish angler, but as you will see by the photos in his story, he doesn’t mind tuggin’ on a nice cat now and then. As a veteran of the fishing industry his thoughts on being a part of the fishing industry are just as applicable to the catfish community as any other. It is easy to see by his comments why he fishes, and it is captured concisely in the subtitle of his piece.
People are the payday
There are many reasons why people look to get into the fishing industry. Some of which are questionable and some of which are honorable. There are two questions I get asked often. First, “How do I get into this business?” Second, “What do I do when I get there.” The answers are different for each person, but if I could give anybody some advice, it would be this:
- Listen more than you talk.
- You will have to work harder and fish harder than most of the people you know.
- It can all go away even years later with a few bad choices.
- Most of what you can do for a company will be done without much compensation.
- There will be significant time when you are not able to fish because you have to appear.
- You will miss family events on behalf of the industry.
- For most anglers this business will cost you not pay you.
- Many people, even friends, will not truly want you to succeed.
- You will need to have very thick skin and become a master of self-control.
- It doesn’t matter what you build, how many hits or likes you get, how successful you are, or how many logos are on your jersey—you are just not that big of a deal.
If you are still reading and can live with what I’ve said so far, and more, keep reading.
Without question, in my mind, the only reason of value to be in this industry is the people, relationships and experiences. But all of these must be sought out, nurtured and earned.
I have been fortunate to have sat with, eaten with and fished with some of the finest people in my life because of fishing. I have reached out and been reached out to by quality people that genuinely care about me and my family. I have come to love them and theirs too. I have shared a helm and a hut, in some of the most beautiful places on earth.
I can tell you truly the thing I value most, is the people and conversations, whether on a lake or in the lobby of a hotel over coffee. To share your passion alongside the men and women of this industry is the only reason to want to be an ambassador for this sport.
Only you can answer the question—”Is the cost too high?”
