How to Make Money as an Influencer: My Journey as a Fishing Enthusiast
Over the past 8 years, I've built a career as a fishing influencer. Something that most people told me wasn’t possible, I did.
What started as a hobby has grown into a full-time income stream, with numerous partnerships across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, X, and through my blog. While the road hasn’t always been easy, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that can help you if you're just getting started—or if you're looking to level up your influencer game.
My Story to Becoming a Full-Time Influencer and Business Owner
If you are new here, this is how I became an influencer.
In 2017 (or maybe it was 2018; I can’t quite recall anymore), I left my job in Atmospheric Science. I was a Research Specialist at a university, focusing on atmospheric measurements and managing a climate network. It was a fantastic role with amazing colleagues, but the environment just wasn't the right fit for me. There were no opportunities for advancement, I disliked the 7 AM to 4 PM office schedule, and most of all, I resented the feeling that my true potential would never be realized.
And although I worked outdoors, I missed the “outdoors” that I grew up knowing. So after a year of trying to make money on my own (on the side), I quit.
It was an exciting yet incredibly nauseating and stressful time in my life. While I had made some money, I was clueless about how to earn enough. It turns out that leaving a W-2 paycheck for full-time self-employment is really, really challenging.
Originally, my goal was simply to be a freelancer and blogger. However, once I ventured into social media, I realized I didn’t have the “lifestyle” content I had envisioned. I fished, did some hunting, and mostly sat in front of a computer. That was about it—my content was primarily fishing and hunting related, because, well, that’s all I did.
And it turns out, that was perfectly okay. As I navigated this journey, I also taught myself a variety of skills. For instance, I learned how to write for brands and personalities in need of ghostwriters. I delved into website building because I wanted to start blogging. I picked up the basics of social media management, knowing I needed traffic to grow my blog. Amid all this, I discovered how to leverage the connections I was making through fishing on social media along with the skills I had developed at home.
It wasn’t the blend of opportunities I had envisioned, but it worked. Over the next seven years, I began to master both.
Now, I run multiple businesses that stand independently. I have a fantastic employee, incredible contract workers, and I've earned more in a single year than I would have in five years at my old job.
There is no “magic formula”, instead there is time, discipline, and a list of best practices. Here are my best tips, drawn from personal experience, on how you can make money as an online influencer too.
The first fishing video I ever made that "took off" on YouTube.
1. Making Money as an Influencer Means Having a Niche and Owning It
Having a niche is key to social media growth.
The first and arguably most important step in becoming a successful influencer is finding your niche. For me, that niche was fishing. When I began my journey years ago, I aspired to be a “lifestyle blogger,” but that turned out to be a massive misstep. For one, what does “lifestyle” even mean? I didn’t really know, and I doubt anyone else did either. Plus, I didn’t lead a “lifestyle” that was broad enough.
What I did do, however, was fish—constantly. Once I pinpointed my specialty, I was able to monetize it effectively. Not just general fishing, but focusing on techniques, gear recommendations, and the fishing lifestyle. This focus is essential because, in today’s saturated market, being a jack-of-all-trades often means you’re a master of none.
Whatever your passion—whether it’s fishing, fashion, cooking, or tech—find a specific angle that excites you and resonates with others. For example, I didn’t just talk about fishing in general; I zeroed in on the types of fishing that my audience loved, like walleye, crappie, and ice fishing—elements unique to my experience and location. I discovered a niche within a niche and embraced it. Your niche sets you apart, and truly owning it is how you build trust.
My early attempts at being an unsuccessful "lifestyle" blogger.
2. Focus on Value Over Views is the Key to Making Money as an Influencer
An example of a Facebook Post for a partnership in Northwestern Ontario.
One of the biggest pitfalls for new influencers is an overemphasis on views and likes. While metrics are important, prioritizing them over value-driven content can be a problem in the long term. If you’re chasing views at the expense of delivering valuable content, you’ll lose in the long run. AKA, you won’t make any money.
You do need a combination of both. You need an entertainment factor to drive interest and grow your account, but you need value to build trust and ultimately sell… anything. If you can’t sell anything, you can’t make an money, period.
I've found content that genuinely provides value/information has some of these elements:
Practical Tips & How-To Videos: Detailed guides on fishing techniques or equipment use.
In-Depth Product Reviews: Honest evaluations of gear that could enhance a fishing excursion.
Personal Stories: Sharing your own experiences, successes, and even failures can create a bond with your audience.
This approach not only keeps viewers engaged but also fosters a loyal community.
For instance, I collaborated with gear manufacturers to demonstrate the practical benefits of their products. These weren't mere advertisements but were packed with actionable advice. This strategy helped both newcomers and veteran anglers, showcasing how to use equipment effectively.
By concentrating on delivering real, tangible value, you not only attract but retain an audience that brands are keen to engage with, but you also have the “right” growth.
3. Own More Than One Social Space
A Mountain Dew Campaign on Twitter. Every platform presents different opportunities for income.
The days of relying solely on one platform are long gone. If you want to make a real income as an influencer, you need to spread your wings and own multiple spaces. Facebook is great for community engagement, Instagram perfect for brand awareness, and YouTube for longer tutorials and vlogs.
Additionally, each platform seems to have its own demographic. For example, TikTok seems to congregate Gen Z’ers, Instagram Millenials, and Facebook Gen X and the boomers. These demographics matter when attracting brands and expanding your potential audience. Therefore, why not play on all of them? Each platform has its strengths and you should play to them.
In my case, I started with YouTube to post fishing videos, but I quickly expanded into Instagram too. From here, I developed a popular Facebook page (78,000), an X (formerly Twitter account), and crosspost on TikTok too. Diversifying my presence has allowed me to reach different audiences, increase my partnerships, and build a more stable income stream.
The more spaces you own, the more opportunities you’ll create for yourself.
4. Authenticity is Everything
A promotion for River Bend Resort on Lake of the Woods.
People can sense when you're being fake or just chasing money, and that's a surefire way to lose credibility. Authenticity is key in building trust with your audience—and trust is what drives engagement, conversions, and ultimately, your income.
I’ve turned down partnerships that didn’t align with my personal brand, even if the payout was good. Why? Because the long-term relationship I have with my audience is far more valuable. My followers trust my recommendations because they know I only promote products and services I actually use and believe in. I’m a fisherman first and an influencer second. This is the mindset you need to maintain.
Whether you’re reviewing products, creating tutorials, or just sharing your day-to-day life, be honest. Authenticity will set you apart in a crowded space.
5. When You Feel Like Quitting, Don’t – Time is Your Friend
If you asked me the number one factor that has let to my success? Not quitting. Soo many people give up so early. Don’t do that. Keep trying, changing, improving. You will fail, you will have haters, you will lose deals. Get over it. To succeed you simply can’t stop trying.
Whether it’s slow growth, a lack of engagement, or burnout from constantly creating content, all of us hit roadblocks… and lot of them.
There were months where I lost followers, lost a brand deal I had been counting on, had more haters than I could count. But I’ve found that consistency through all of this is key. Keep showing up, keep creating, and keep engaging. The more time you put in, the more your efforts will pay off.
One thing that really helped me during the tough times was focusing on my passion for fishing, not just the metrics. If you love what you’re doing, the numbers will come. And when they do, they’ll be sustainable because you’ve built a strong, authentic foundation.
Conclusion: You Can Do It Too
Making money as an influencer is totally possible, but it’s not an overnight success story. It takes time, passion, and a willingness to adapt and grow. By focusing on your niche, delivering value, expanding your presence, staying authentic, and staying the course, you can build a sustainable, lucrative career as an influencer.
If I can make a living fishing and sharing my experiences online, I have no doubt that you can carve out your own space and do the same. Stay focused, stay patient, and most importantly, enjoy the journey.
