Canoe Rental at Cooks landing in Little Rock

[budrow6]

*** I have been canoeing around cooks landing this last year. I know its not white water, I occasionally see other kayack and canoe owners use this area.

I am considering opening up a canoe rental in this area. I am not in it for big profit. what ideas does this group have. Also in the rental will be a small flat bottom to taxi or rescue paddlers and two way radios.

any suggestions. thanks

Shallow Water Canoe Rentals

[Steve S]

Since this area is controlled by the Corp of Engineers, you should check with the district office to determine if you need a permit.

[budrow6]

Hello,

I have talked with the Arkansas Game and Fish and they said I have to have one if I accept any money from person. I would be considered a "fishing guide". Later I have a few contacts to see how the operation will go and they said they will consider "teaching people to fish out of the conoes" there is good bass fishing, yo yo fishing right in that area.

Since this area is controlled by the Corp of Engineers, you should check with the district office to determine if you need a permit.

[Gink]

As long as you're not in for a profit, its a go -- because by the time you purchase a business license, procure needed liability and business insurance, develop a marketing and advertising program, set up the accounting for tax preparation, purchase equipment, maintain said equipment, deal with theft and repairs and find yourself working odd hours in a business in which there is a small and seasonal market -- you will lose money -- pretty well guaranteed. Some people can afford to lose a lot of money in pursuit of their passion, others much less -- all depends on how much exposure and risk you are willing to incur.

That said -- I would certainly try to direct some business your way -- it's juct going to be a tough sale outside of a few isolated fishermen (most of whom have their own boats or simply enjoy bank fishing as it's "free and safe") and those individuals who do not have access to a "more pleasurable, scenic setting such as the Buffalo, Lake Ouachita, Spring river or 100 plus other options.

And that said -- I really think the best opportunity for a seasonal boat livery in central Arkansas is at Malvern serving Rockport and the run down from Remmel Dam. I'd set up shop each year around June 15 (when the other alternatives go dry) and work it until school starts -- I think you'd proably even have "walk up" business during the heat of the summer, Surf and Turf, etc.

[Cowper]

And that said -- I really think the best opportunity for a seasonal boat livery in central Arkansas is at Malvern serving Rockport and the run down from Remmel Dam.

I agree that Malvern is a better location, but of course we don't know any of your specifics, like whether or not you already own some property near Cook's landing. Also, I thought I should chime in and mention that another poster on this board is already operating down at Malvern, so you'd have some established competion there. I haven't had any personal interactions with them yet, but their website is http://www.ouachitaoutfitters.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Dave Thomas]

There's also going to be some red tape from the Coast Guard to cut through. Contact the USCG Marine Safety Detachment-Fort Smith, at (479) 484-7021, for further information.

[turboturtle]

Do you know how to make a small fortune doing this canoe rental thing at Cooks!

Start with a large one!

My $0.02

aka Bob