So You Wanna Be a Fishing Content Creator?

A fishing publication founded before World War II now delivers killer content to your pocket television. Salt Water Sportsman Adventures is a new generation of storytellers, creating content across every channel, powered by the original voice in saltwater fishing. Since this pro team for the social media era was founded in 2023, they have produced more than 1,000 videos and generated 220 million views. Here, four members of the Adventures squad offer up advice for how to make a career out of clicks.

Known for his inshore skills, Aaron Benzrihem has amassed more than 100 million views. Courtesy Aaron Benzrihem Aaron Benzrihem (@abenzfishing)

“Be ready for a marathon, not a sprint.”

“Getting started can be a daunting task, similar to the first steps you’d take climbing a seemingly impossible mountain. The best advice I can give is to take the first step – and keep stepping. Stay consistently aware of the brand you want to create. In a space extremely saturated with content, you need an understanding of what you want to represent. From the minute I started making content that I wanted to be taken seriously as an experienced angler. A fisherman first, and a creator second. That doesn’t mean that it’s the right path, it’s just my path, and everyone’s will be different. So take the first step and be ready for a marathon, not a sprint.” 

Aaron Benzrihem (@abenzfishing) has over 200,000 followers across YouTube, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook. Known for his inshore skills, Benzrihem has amassed more than 100 million views.

Ryan Izquierdo travels the world targeting bucket list fish, and has hundreds of millions of views to show for it. Courtesy Ryan Izquierdo Ryan Izquierdo (@ryanizfishing)

“A viral YouTube video is 80 percent packaging, and 20 percent engaging content.”

“If you have a phone in your pocket, you have everything you need to start creating on every platform. Almost all content can be filmed, edited, and published directly from your phone and if done correctly, the quality and results can be great. I have had multiple iPhone videos reach over 100 million views on many platforms. You don’t need fancy and expensive equipment to kill it nowadays.

If you intend on starting a YouTube Channel, here are my three biggest tips. The first thing is packaging. A fantastic video without proper packaging may never live to its fullest potential. Put time into creating a captivating thumbnail and title. Look at some of the most popular channels and see how their titles and thumbnails play into each other. A viral YouTube video consists of 80 percent packaging, and 20 percent engaging content.

Second is consistency. Establish a set posting regimen. I’ve found that posting at a certain day and time every week is the best way to build consistent growth. YouTube rewards consistency. So does life. 

And lastly, create content that you are happy with. Don’t get discouraged if it takes you a while to get traction. All it takes is one post to change your channel’s trajectory.” 

Ryan Izquierdo (@ryanizfishing) has 4 million followers across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok. He travels the world targeting bucket list fish, and has hundreds of millions of views to show for it.

Brent Schirmer’s combined following across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok is 150,000. Courtesy Brent Schirmer Brent Schirmer (@seeyadude)

“The first video will be your worst.”

“First thing you need to do is research. Watch videos from successful fishing content creators to understand what makes them stand out. Next, buy an action camera and mount (head, neck, or chest). Try free trials of different video editing software and watch editing tutorial videos to see which one you prefer. When you’re filming, make sure you’re both entertaining and educational. Know that the first video you post will be your worst video. Don’t get discouraged at the beginning. Your videos will get better with time and practice. Most importantly, post videos that you would want to watch.”

Brent Schirmer (@seeyadude) has a YouTube channel with over 200 videos totaling 77 million views. His combined following across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok is 150,000.

Ryan Morie has more than 1.1 million followers across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. Courtesy Ryan Morie Ryan Morie (@ryanmorie)

“Repetition pays off, and quality of content naturally improves over time.” 

“For those looking to replace their full-time job with a career as a content creator, I’d encourage them to make a 3-5-year plan. In the first two years, a new creator will make little to no money. Understanding this is crucial to help manage their expectations and plan their life. Many aspiring creators have deficiencies in one or more of these four key areas: a top tier work ethic, above average fishing ability, storytelling ability, and the technical know-how of cameras and editing software. Using those first two years to build up those skills is crucial. 

Additionally, the first two years should be spent creating a large volume of content on a regular basis. The repetition pays off, and quality of content naturally improves over time. By Year Three, most creators will have built some type of following that can be monetized. Typical monetization streams include advertising revenue directly from social media platforms and brand sponsorships. So start by establishing an intentional goal that will determine what the next three to five years looks like.” 

Ryan Morie (@ryanmorie) is a U.S. Marine Corp veteran and Florida-based creator whose channel description is “fishing videos that don’t suck.” Morie has more than 1.1 million followers across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok and YouTube. 

Essential Gear for Fishing Content Creators The DJI Mic 2 can handle up to 14 hours of internal recording. Courtesy DJI BUY NOW DJI Mic 2

On the water, where wind and weather are constantly a factor, relying on in-camera audio is a bad idea. DJI’s slick lavalier set-up has transmitters that can handle up to 14 hours of internal recording. You’ll also appreciate the 18 hours of battery life which means not having to fuss with gear when the bite is on. 

What the reviews say: “As an audiophile who needed something ‘quick and reliable,’ I’ve been through various wireless mic options. None fit the bill, until the DJI Mic 2 came along. The good: Bluetooth! Yes, the mics can be ‘standalone’ connected to your Bluetooth device. Is it perfect? No. Is it perfect for the run and gun scenario when capturing something for social media? You bet.” 

The DJI Osmo Action 5 features enhanced subject tracking and delivers ultra-stable footage. Courtesy DJI BUY NOW DJI Osmo Action 5

When on the move in a wet, unpredictable environment, it helps to have gear that doesn’t have you calling warranty hotlines after every trip. Not only is this action camera waterproof, it features enhanced subject tracking and delivers ultra-stable footage thanks to its 360-degree HorizonSteady technology. 

What the reviews say: “It can quickly switch between photo and video while in the underwater case, which I used to keep the saltwater out. No issues with battery at all, especially if I wasn’t running video the whole time. I got tired before it did.”

The TELESIN neck mount uses a magnetic connection to simplify mounting. Courtesy TELESIN BUY NOW TELESIN Neck Mount

A small accessory that makes a huge difference. This necklace-style holder uses magnetic connecting to simplify the mount. While the inside is made from stainless steel, it’s wrapped in a flexible silicone material that doesn’t irritate the skin on hot, sweaty days.  

What the reviews say: “It is easy to put on, and doesn’t feel as if I have it hanging around my neck because it’s not heavy. I’m able to maneuver and bend it the way I like. Overall, this thing is awesome. I use it when I’m fishing, riding the quad and just walking through the woods.”

The Insta360 X5 captures a full 360-degrees of action in 8K video. Courtesy Insta360 BUY NOW Insta360 X5

No sticks or gimbals! Capture a full 360 degrees of action in 8K video, then choose your angles later using its AI-assisted reframing software. The X5’s FlowState stabilization feature means smooth, stable footage even when things get rough. 

What the reviews say: “What Insta360 has done with the audio on the X5 is amazing. The microphone capsule hidden under the mesh on the camera delivers an incredible balanced and clear sound quality.”

The DJI Mini Pro 4 holds up to 34 minutes of battery life and can transmit from up to 12 miles away. Courtesy DJI BUY NOW DJI Mini Pro 4 Drone

Ideal for amateur creators with a penchant for travel, this small drone package makes for easy packing. It holds up to 34 minutes of battery life and can transmit from up to 12 miles away, while capturing 4K video and 48-megapixel RAW stills. And it’s as social media-savvy as it is cinema-ready: the gimbal can rotate for vertical shooting so the content can go straight from drone to Instagram. 

What the reviews say: “This thing is tiny, but don’t let its size fool you. The image quality? Stunning. 4K HDR video that’ll make your eyeballs weep tears of joy. The detail is so crisp, you can practically count the individual blades of grass. And the low-light performance? Chef’s kiss! Forget grainy, pixelated nightmares – this thing handles the dark like a ninja in velvet pajamas.”

The Pelican Air 1535 is a waterproof and crushproof case built to protect your most precious gear. Courtesy Pelican BUY NOW Pelican Air 1535 Hard Case

The perfect size for a carry-on, the Pelican Air 1535 lets you keep your gear handy and avoid any issues with checked luggage. This waterproof and crushproof case has plenty of soft-sided packing cubes that can be changed up for various sizes of gear, as well as zippered storage compartments. 

What the reviews say: “I have gone on many trips with this case. I take my camera with me everywhere. This is the perfect case for it. I can fit my 200-600, 35-150, 20mm, camera and cleaning kit. Fits perfectly in overhead bin. Locks tight and never opens when I don’t want it to.”

The YETI Cayo 25L is made for rough-and-tumble trips into the outdoors. Courtesy YETI BUY NOW YETI Cayo 25L Backpack

At 3.5 pounds empty, this water-resistant (read as: not waterproof) backpack is compact and convenient, but made for rough-and-tumble trips into the outdoors. The sturdy, polyurethane-coated zipper will make you feel like you’re breaking into a vault, but there are several pockets that provide quick and easy access.

What the reviews say: “Really nice details. Finish looks amazing. Really spacious and comfortable.”

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