Starting a Commercial Fishing Career in Pennsylvania
Have you ever thought to make a big career change? If you are bored with the usual nine-to-five job and have been dreaming of making money with your passion for fishing, then commercial fishing is the way to go for you. Along with being hard, the work of fishing may also be very exhausting, long hours, cold and hot weather conditions, and heavy, industrial-grade equipment handling, but it is also very rewarding. Fish from various species sell for good prices in the market, which makes commercial fishing a very profitable job for those who are ready to work hard.
When commercial fishing comes to people’s minds, Pennsylvania is most probably not among the first states to be mentioned. Although, the Keystone State still has hidden treasures that are waiting for fishing operators to be exploited. As a result of the more than 2,500 lakes, the many rivers, and the great waters of Lake Erie, Pennsylvania is a very good place to start a fishing business and make it successful.
If you are going to start a fishing business here, I suggest that you first get the necessary commercial fishing permits for Pennsylvania. Using the proper license will ensure that you follow the rules, and it will also be a proof of your right to operate.
No matter whether you are living in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or any place in between, the success goal is always within your hands. Read on to discover more about the paperwork that is needed to start a commercial fishing business in Pennsylvania.
How to Obtain Pennsylvania Commercial Fishing Permits
You have already chosen and purchased a boat for your offshore journey, brought together the right crew, sorted your equipment and supplies. The thrill of going out on the water and catching your first fish is just too great to resist. However, before you can sell your catch and make money, there is one very important step that has to be done: obtaining the necessary Pennsylvania commercial fishing permits.
Every commercial fishing license and permit in Pennsylvania is granted by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. This agency is in charge of the whole process and provides a variety of permits to suit different types of fishing operations.
Based on your business model, you might need:
- A Regulated Lake License, which gives you the authority to fish lakes that are regulated in Pennsylvania for commercial purposes.
- A Lake Erie Trap Net for Commercial Fishing License, by which someone is allowed to fish in Lake Erie waters only.
- POCs for charter boat operation, if you are going to do the work through a guided trip.
It is by having the right licenses and permits that you not only comply with state regulations but also in position for success in the waterways of Pennsylvania for a long time to come..
Commercial Fishing on the Great Lakes
If you have a valid permit, it is perfectly legal for you to catch and sell fish from Pennsylvania waters. Most people will probably concentrate on Lake Erie, which is the state’s door to the Great Lakes.
The Great Lakes are the main supplier of nearly 50 million pounds of fish every year, wherefrom Lake Erie provides the highest contribution. The lake is full of organisms like walleye, yellow perch, white bass, and whitefish and is therefore one of the most productive commercial fisheries in North America.
Commercial fishing in Lake Erie is a very profitable business that makes millions of dollars every year. Both the local economies and the fishing businesses are getting wealthy from it. To the business people who would like to start a commercial fishing business in Pennsylvania, these Great Lakes are probably the most attractive and the safest ones.
Do You Need Federal Permits?
In Pennsylvania—as in every state—some waters are regulated at the state level, while others fall under federal jurisdiction. Typically, state waters extend from zero to three nautical miles from shore. For states that border the ocean, waters beyond three nautical miles—and out to 200 miles offshore—are governed federally. Oversight in these areas is handled by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which issues federal commercial fishing permits.
Many commercial fishing operations take place in federal waters, as these areas often contain well-stocked fisheries. With the proper permits, you can gain access to these valuable resources and expand your fishing opportunities.
NOAA manages nearly 100,000 miles of U.S. coastline, a responsibility they streamline by dividing permits into regions. These include:
- Alaska
- The South
- Pacific Islands
- West Coast
- Atlantic
Within each region, there are multiple species-specific permits, allowing fishermen to target particular fish stocks and manage their operations effectively. This structure makes it easier to identify and apply for the exact permits you need, depending on your location and the species you plan to harvest.
Get Your Commercial Fishing Permits Online
Whether you need commercial fishing permits from the state or the federal government, we simplify the whole process. At the Commercial Fishing Permits Center, we are a private service committed to providing the required documentation to the fishermen in a timely and effective manner.
Our platform features user-friendly web applications that anyone can complete easily and quickly for any type of permit. You only need to provide a few personal details to apply through our SSL-encrypted portal. This will not only save time but will also guarantee the safety of your application.
Moreover, if you are interested in knowing more about the ways we can help, the customer service team is always ready to assist you with a call or an email and take you through the process step-by-step.
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