How to Start a Marine Fishing Business in Arkansas

Guide overview

While Arkansas is landlocked, the state has a thriving aquaculture sector centered on catfish farming, particularly in the eastern Delta region, which offers established supply chains and expertise. Profitability depends on pricing discipline, customer demand, and efficient operations.

Startup steps

1. Confirm Your Business Model Within Arkansas Regulations

   Arkansas distinguishes between wild-capture fishing, aquaculture (fish farming), and processing operations, each with different regulatory requirements. Contact the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission (AGFC) in Little Rock to determine which permits apply to your specific operation, whether that's pond construction, species farming, or water use rights. Understand that any operation involving water extraction or discharge will require review from the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality (ADEQ).

2. Register Your Business as an LLC in Arkansas

   You'll need to choose a unique business name, designate a registered agent in Arkansas, and decide on your management structure (member-managed or manager-managed). Get an Employer Identification Number (EIN) from the IRS immediately afterward, even if you're a sole proprietor, because AGFC permit applications and fish sales require it.

3. Obtain AGFC Aquaculture or Fishing Permits

   The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission issues aquaculture permits for fish farming, which is the primary opportunity in the state; these permits require proof of water rights, land ownership or lease, and water quality testing. If you're operating a processing facility or selling fish commercially, you'll need separate commercial license endorsements from AGFC. Success requires thoughtful capital planning and disciplined execution.

4. Secure Water Rights and Environmental Approval

   Arkansas has abundant groundwater in the eastern Delta, but you must file for water rights with the Arkansas Natural Resources Commission if your operation will pump significant volumes. The ADEQ will also review your operation's stormwater management, discharge permits, and environmental impact, particularly for aquaculture facilities. Catfish farming typically requires water discharge permits since ponds must be managed to prevent overflow and contamination. Success requires thoughtful capital planning and disciplined execution.

5. Establish Your Supply Chain and Infrastructure

   Arkansas catfish farmers benefit from established feed suppliers, equipment vendors, and hatcheries concentrated in eastern Arkansas towns like Stuttgart and Arkadelphia. Secure leases or purchase land suitable for pond construction; most viable aquaculture land is in Craighead, Mississippi, or Poinsett counties. Success requires thoughtful capital planning and disciplined execution. Join industry associations like the Arkansas Catfish Farmers Association to access networks, bulk purchasing power, and market information.

6. Handle Sales Tax Registration and Tax Planning

   Profitability depends on pricing discipline, customer demand, and efficient operations. You'll file sales tax returns monthly or quarterly depending on your volume.

7. Obtain Business Insurance and Facility Licensing

   Purchase general liability insurance and property coverage for ponds, equipment, and facilities; aquaculture operations face specific risks like disease outbreaks and water loss, so specialized agricultural or aquaculture insurance is critical. If you're processing or selling directly to consumers or restaurants, contact the Arkansas Department of Health's Food Protection Division in Little Rock for food handler licensing and facility inspections. Processing facilities require separate commercial kitchen permits if you're planning value-added products like smoked fish or fillets. Success requires thoughtful capital planning and disciplined execution.

8. Build Your Market and Develop Operations

   Identify your primary buyers before full production; options include local restaurants, fish markets, processors, or direct-to-consumer sales at farmers markets or online. Arkansas has a robust existing catfish wholesale market, particularly through buyers in Memphis and surrounding regions, which reduces your sales risk if you're farming established species. Plan your production calendar, including fingerling purchases, feeding schedules, water quality monitoring, and harvest timing. Success requires thoughtful capital planning and disciplined execution.