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Fishing Guide Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

Pure Fishing

Manufacturing Shift Supervisor

Mendota, IL · On-site

About Pure Fishing Pure Fishing is a global leader in the fishing tackle industry, with a portfolio ... The supervisor is expected to be out in the plant throughout the shift, guiding staff for efficient ...

McKendree University

Head Coach Bass Fishing

Lebanon, IL · On-site

$30K/yr

Athletics Division: Bass Fishing Opening Date: 08/11/2026 FLSA: Exempt McKendree University ... We guide our students in the pursuit of academic excellence, which will prepare them for leadership ...

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All JobsFishing Guide JobsFishing Guide Jobs in Illinois

Fishing Guide information

See Illinois salary details

$7

$19

$38

How much do fishing guide jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for fishing guide in Illinois is $19.09, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.27 and $19.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a fishing guide?

Fishing guides are experienced anglers who provide professional guidance and instruction to individuals or groups looking to fish in specific waters. They help clients find the best fishing spots, choose the right equipment and bait, and teach various fishing techniques. Fishing guides often have extensive knowledge of local fish species, weather patterns, and safety protocols, ensuring a successful and enjoyable fishing experience for their clients.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a fishing guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fishing Guide, you need extensive knowledge of local fish species, fishing techniques, boating safety, and typically a relevant license or certification. Familiarity with GPS navigation, fish finders, and safety equipment is also important for guiding successful excursions. Outstanding communication, patience, and customer service skills help create memorable experiences and manage group dynamics. These skills ensure both client safety and satisfaction while maximizing opportunities for successful fishing trips.

What are some common challenges fishing guides face when leading groups on fishing excursions?

Fishing Guides often navigate unpredictable weather, varying water conditions, and the differing skill levels of guests. Adapting to these challenges while ensuring safety and delivering a positive client experience is key. Guides must also manage equipment, offer instruction, and stay knowledgeable about local regulations and fish behaviors. Strong communication and problem-solving skills are essential to address customer needs and changing environmental factors during each trip.

What is the difference between Fishing Guide vs Boat Captain?

AspectFishing GuideBoat Captain
CertificationsFishing licenses, safety certificationsCaptain's license, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentFreshwater or saltwater fishing trips, outdoor settingsOperating boats, overseeing crew, navigation
Employer & IndustryTourism, outdoor recreation, fishing chartersMarinas, commercial fishing, passenger transport
Search & Comparison IntentFishing trips, outdoor guides, fishing servicesBoat operation, maritime jobs, vessel management

While both Fishing Guides and Boat Captains work on water and require safety certifications, Fishing Guides focus on leading fishing trips and providing fishing expertise. Boat Captains operate and navigate vessels, often overseeing crew and ensuring safety during various water activities. The roles overlap in certifications and outdoor work environments but differ in responsibilities and industry focus.

How hard is it to become a fishing guide?

Becoming a fishing guide requires knowledge of local fishing spots, strong customer service skills, and often a fishing license or certification. Gaining experience on the water and understanding safety procedures are also important steps in the process.

How much money do fishing guides make?

Fishing guides typically earn between $25,000 and $75,000 annually, with income varying based on experience, location, and the number of clients served. Many guides supplement their income through tips and may work seasonally or part-time, often requiring knowledge of local waters and good customer service skills.

What do you need to be a fishing guide?

To become a fishing guide, you typically need fishing experience, knowledge of local waters, and relevant certifications such as first aid or CPR. Many guides also obtain a professional license or permit depending on regional regulations and should have good customer service skills and familiarity with fishing equipment and techniques.
More about Fishing Guide jobs

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The most popular types of Fishing Guide jobs in Illinois are:

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For Fishing Guide jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:

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The top searched job categories for Fishing Guide jobs in Illinois are:

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Fishing Guide jobs near you
Infographic showing various Fishing Guide job openings in Illinois as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 62% Full Time, 34% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $39,717 per year, or $19.1 per hour.

Manufacturing Shift Supervisor

Pure Fishing

Mendota, IL • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 8 days ago

Pure Fishing rating

5.3

Company rating: 5.3 out of 10

Based on 13 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

About Pure Fishing
Pure Fishing is a global leader in the fishing tackle industry, with a portfolio of iconic brands that includes Abu Garcia®, Berkley®, Fenwick®, Frabill®, PENN®, Pflueger®, Plano®, Savage Gear®, Shakespeare®, SpiderWire®, Ugly Stik®, and many more. The brands that came together to form Pure Fishing were founded by inventors and innovators responsible for many of the advancements in the fishing tackle industry that anglers worldwide benefit from today. Our team of industry-leading experts and our global network of operations and innovation hubs strive to find those next innovations and produce world-class products designed to delight our consumers, strengthen business for our customers, and build love for our brands globally.
But to us fishing is not just about business, it is about time shared with family and friends, for some the peace derived from time on the water or for others the thrill of the battle and satisfaction of the earned triumph, and for all that feeling you get with every catch. We are a passionate team hungry to win while dedicated to creating memorable experiences with our brands and products and helping anglers everywhere have more fun catching more fish. We want your next day on the water to be your best day on the water. At Pure Fishing we have high expectations for Execution, we strive to Empower our people every day, expect and encourage Authenticity.
Pure Fishing
is looking for its next
Mendota PM/Overnight Shift Supervisor!!
What you will do:
  • The Shift Supervisor oversees all operations for the shift: injection molding and assembly, technical support, warehousing, and plant operations. The supervisor is expected to be out in the plant throughout the shift, guiding staff for efficient operations and following a continuous improvement philosophy.

The ideal candidate will have:
  • Lead shift personnel, assign duties, coordinate all activities on shift: job changes, rework, maintenance, and technical activities.
  • Assure staff is trained properly in safety, quality, and operations.
  • Communicate shift status, issues to other shifts and upper management.
  • Understand and follow company policy and apply disciplinary actions if necessary.
  • Understand and follow quality standard for start-up and production of all jobs.
  • Participate, support, and lead PSH continuous improvement objectives.
  • Execute quality decisions when manufacturing processes are not running efficiently and seek resolutions.
  • Maintain record keeping for attendance, production paperwork, shift notes.
  • Participate in various meetings off shift.
  • Provide training for new employees.
  • Provide a safe work environment. Investigate/resolve any safety incident.
  • Supervise multiple activities in plant (molding, technical, warehouse, quality).
  • Evaluate staff performance toward company goals.

Additional qualifications that will help you be successful in this role:
  • SAP, MRP, Simply Works, Exponent HR, ADP, Mattec
  • Previous supervisory experience required
  • Experience with Lean manufacturing a plus
  • MS office, Outlook, Excel, Word (used daily in status reports, attendance logs, CI reports, mold date)
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements, labor laws, OSHA is desired
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Strong leadership, decision making, and problem-solving skills
  • Ability to maintain confidentiality
  • Background in injection molding or plastics is preferred

Travel:
  • Local monthly travel to Illinois facilities

What Pure Fishing employees say

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