Is there still any money to be made from Steelhead?

I'm not actually interested in starting a baitshop or company or anything like that but I have to wonder if there is any room left for someone new to come in and make money on the Steelhead / Salmon runs in the Great Lakes.

Can you imagine trying to start fresh as a guide in Erie right now? How about starting a steelhead/trout/walleye spoon manufacture business?? A bait shop?

If you look at all the closed bait shops, failed companies, reduced runs and combine that with the plethora of bait shops, guides and lure companies that exist now, it looks like there may not be any room for new guys.

Does that hurt us as anglers in the long run? Does it mean less innovation and service?

your question implies there was, at one time, money to be made in steelhead

Give the people something they want, at a price the market will bear, a price that, with the revenue, you can cover costs, make a living, and put back into the business. Do it legally, underhandedly, or secretly. Profit.

ORIGINAL: Whitebeard

Give the people what they NEED.

I don't know about you guys but most folks I know need money

Since the original post pertained to the "great lakes", I will say that I do see newer folks prospering on the eastern end of lake Ontario with lodging/guiding/food joints etc...but as others mentioned, bottom end and overhead are very important. Also creativity is very important... all of your eggs in one basket can sink you if you know what I mean...

"all of your eggs in one basket can sink you if you know what I mean..."

So can extending yourself beyond what you know, and do well. Many businesses big, and small have learned this. Many others haven't. YET!

ORIGINAL: spoonchucker

"all of your eggs in one basket can sink you if you know what I mean..."

So can extending yourself beyond what you know, and do well. Many businesses big, and small have learned this. Many others haven't. YET!

Definitely a fine line spoon, not doubting that. But Some folks I know andsee doing well these days seem to do alright by being multi faceted... lodge/tackle/guiding/bar/cafe in one operation... I wont mention the trade name but they've been doing well for quite some time now... another friend of mine does a bed and breakfast and on his free time him and his brother put on a tool belt and do carpentry work on the side... other guys are hosting a lodge rooms, cabin rentals and campsites also... then there's the ones that cater to kayakers in the summer, salmon fishers in fall and snowmobiles, cross country skiers and steel headers in the winter.... just a few different examples

ORIGINAL: anatikus

i cant find the cash to get innovative fishing products ive created pattented ....let alone start a business. just sayn.

As I said earlier, most folks I know need money more than anything :)