A little help, please. Is this a good idea??

Michele · #1 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 08:37 AM

After our terrific day of fishing in Belize with the kiddos, Rob and I got to thinking.....(I know that seems like a dangerous proposition already). Would families visiting Playa del Carmen and the surrounding areas be interested in a fishing company that specializes in family friendly outings, a day on the water where the object of the day is to introduce kids to fishing and keep fish on their lines all morning/afternoon. We are thinking of two runs a day, one in the morning (but probably not at 7am) and another in the afternoon. Light tackle fishing for snapper etc., lunch and a bit of snorkling. The activities can be tailored to the family's particular desires.

So - We have the boat. We have the captain. Do we have a viable business? What think you all? Is this something you, or others, would be interested in as a family activity? Do you think it is a marketable enterprise? I anxiously await you comments and recommendations!

TEX · #2 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 08:42 AM

I think this is a wonderful idea. It's definately something I would look into next time we bring the kiddos down.

Michele · #3 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TEX

I think this is a wonderful idea. It's definately something I would look into next time we bring the kiddos down.

Well, with the upgrades needed on the boat and the company set up time, we are about 90 days out. Any recommendations or suggestions?

TEX · #4 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 08:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michele

Well, with the upgrades needed on the boat and the company set up time, we are about 90 days out. Any recommendations or suggestions?

Well, are you planning on supplying snacks and drinks. Transportation to/from resorts/hotels? I like the idea of tailoring to different families needs. Some families with younger kids would probably lose interest in fishing faster than others. I also like the idea of keeping fish on their lines as much as possible to keep the little ones interested in fishing.

sunrlb · #5 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 09:07 AM

Great idea! I like the idea of lunch and snorkling too. It would be a perfect introduction to fishing on the ocean for young kids. We would book!

MWC · #6 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 09:23 AM

I think it's a great idea, especially if you can come in at a family-friendly price point. My only concern is with the "second shift": anytime we've been to the MR, the wind and waves invariably kick up after lunch; that may be problematic for families. Could it still be a profitable venture with only a morning run?

Michele · #7 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MWC

I think it's a great idea, especially if you can come in at a family-friendly price point. My only concern is with the "second shift": anytime we've been to the MR, the wind and waves invariably kick up after lunch; that may be problematic for families. Could it still be a profitable venture with only a morning run?

What would you consider a family friendly price point?

I am hoping that based on the type of fishing we would be doing, in shallower waters, hopefully our afternoon spots could be in more protected waters. We are not looking to make our fortune doing this but of course it must be profitable after the captain's pay, boat/engine maintenance, general operating costs, advertisement etc...

I don't think we would provide transportation at this point in the venture. Possibly in the future as the business grows. We'll see. Nothing is set in stone.

Dan-0 · #8 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 10:25 AM

For the last 2-3 years, we've taken a little trimaran cruise from Cancun-Isla Mujeres. Here's a link to their website: Catamaran Lupita The boat holds about 20-30 passengers and it cruises slowly to Isla Mujeres. Free drinks on the way over and back. When you get to Isla, you spend about an hour snorkeling, then you visit a nurse shark, then you have lunch on the island. Then, after spending a couple of leisurely hours on the island, you meet up and slowly head back, drinking and partying the whole way.

Prices for adults are $55 and $35 for minors.

The fishing idea sounds good, but I'm not sure how you go about "keeping something on their line".

. You could do something similar to the catamaran cruise with a cruise to Cozumel. I think the key is getting connections with the hotels and travel agents. The guy who does the catamaran cruises in Cancun has been so successful he has added another boat to the fleet.

Jillian · #9 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 10:33 AM

That sounds like a really great idea! I know my 4 y/o would love that, he loves fishing.

How long would it last? IMO, i think 1 1/2 - 2 would be good, but I have never been fishing down there so I don't know if that would work, but as you know sometimes with children, that just enough time to keep them interested, without getting to the flip out stage. Although they would probably like just being out on a boat in the middle of the ocean, so who knows.

Michele · #10 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 10:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan-0

The fishing idea sounds good, but I'm not sure how you go about "keeping something on their line".

. You could do something similar to the catamaran cruise with a cruise to Cozumel. I think the key is getting connections with the hotels and travel agents. The guy who does the catamaran cruises in Cancun has been so successful he has added another boat to the fleet.

When we were in Belize, we stressed to the captain that since the fishing was for the children's benefit, it only mattered that they caught something...even if it was just little fish. We ended up bringing in over 35 snapper, about half of which we were able to keep and cook up that night. I think as long as the expectation is to catch something...not the mother of all fish...that is an attainable goal. We are NOT catering to adult sport fishermen so the expectations are different.

Marketing and promotion will fall to me. I'm not worried about that aspect. I have friends.

synestere · #11 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 10:43 AM

Could be a great business for the high season but don't forget all the associated crap when the harbour master shuts down all the dive boats etc . Your capitan would have to be very flexible ...... hey I'm flexible and I can put a worm on a hook !

Michele · #12 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 10:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jillian

That sounds like a really great idea! I know my 4 y/o would love that, he loves fishing.

How long would it last? IMO, i think 1 1/2 - 2 would be good, but I have never been fishing down there so I don't know if that would work, but as you know sometimes with children, that just enough time to keep them interested, without getting to the flip out stage. Although they would probably like just being out on a boat in the middle of the ocean, so who knows.

We were out for three hours with our kids, ages 5 and 6. We made several stops in different location looking for the hot spots. The captain made sure the kids were busy at all times so they did not get bored. If the fishing is slower, they can always go for a snorkle or head in to a beach for a swim. I do think the length of time will depend on the kids and that needs to be taken into consideration.

Michele · #13 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 10:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by synestere

Could be a great business for the high season but don't forget all the associated crap when the harbour master shuts down all the dive boats etc . Your capitan would have to be very flexible ...... hey I'm flexible and I can put a worm on a hook !

Great! You're hired. Bring your own worms.

Jillian · #14 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Michele

We were out for three hours with our kids, ages 5 and 6. We made several stops in different location looking for the hot spots. The captain made sure the kids were busy at all times so they did not get bored. If the fishing is slower, they can always go for a snorkle or head in to a beach for a swim. I do think the length of time will depend on the kids and that needs to be taken into consideration.

That sounds great, a swim and snorkle. If it's not just fishng, then 3 hours sounds perfect. Also a light snack would help too (some guac and chips or something like that).

So where can we sign up for this?!

Michele · #15 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 10:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jillian

That sounds great, a swim and snorkle. If it's not just fishng, then 3 hours sounds perfect. Also a light snack would help too (some guac and chips or something like that).

So where can we sign up for this?!

We are about 90 days out on this venture...but you are already in the right place to book it.....I hope!

bufante · #16 (**permalink**) 04-24-2008, 12:25 PM

The family focus is great and you should run with that. Having said that, I am kinda interested in it for myself (maybe I am a big kid?) But bottom fishing has always been a lot more entertaining for me. More then one person can do it, there is usually some more action, and it isn't boring!

I was on a Captain Rick boat once where a guy fought with a Sailfish for four hours and I never even touched a pole. There goes a hundred bucks (can't remember what it cost).

I think just having a boat that specializes in bottom fishing will be a good venture and catering to families would be gravy on top of it!

So how many people can you hold? And if it was all adults can we bring beer?