Fishing Guides Should Offer...
As a paying customer, you should expect certain services from fishing guides and charters. But, at the same time professional guides have rules and regulations to adhere to so don't expect more than they can provide.
First we will summarize what you should expect as well as a few things you should not expect or ask for. Then we will provide you with a list of questions to ask your guide that will help you determine if the guide is right for you.
Professionals will bring to your trip real experience -- don't hire rookies. Good guys fish particular bodies of water (fresh or saltwater) DAILY. You do not want to fish with a part-time guide.
A guide providing regular fishing reports is indeed a pro, serious about his business, and knows that without him the reports really do anglers no good.
Good fishing guides not only take care of your fishing needs, but also provide valuable information on lodging, eating and local attractions. In many cases you can expect them to have arranged for discounts at local hotels or lodges.
Experienced guides can provide a lot of personal attention and care to the less experienced angler -- especially kids and wives.
Look for a GOOD boat. If your guide's boat is a piece of trash, his service is likely to be the same as the condition of the boat.
The better ones will have vacation packages custom designed for families, businesses, private and corporate groups.
Make sure your guide lives close to the location you plan to fish. Guides that have to travel great distances should be suspect.
They should be fully licensed and insured -- this shows they have a reputable business and are serious about it.
Expect your guide to furnish ALL the following: fishing equipment, bait, fish cleaning, life jackets -- basically everything but the fishing license and food.
They generally offer full and half day trips. The half day trips are definitely best for kids.
The best fishing guides love their sport -- they have to, it's hard work. They will have extreme patience for kids and beginners. They will have developed creative ways of catching fish. Many times this creativity shows up in the form of guides that specialize in certain things. Like trophy fish, guaranteed catches, etc.
What NOT to Expect or Ask For from your Guide
Many guides do not allow consumption of alcohol on their boat. If that's the case do not ask for an exception!
Do not tell the guide what to do -- EVER. Like where you think you should fish, etc.
Do not ask or expect you guide to break any regulations. For example, if the limit of a particular species is 5 per person, that means just that. Just because your wife is on board sunning herself and not fishing don't expect to catch 5 for her!
A Few Interesting Resources
The Fishing Guide Home Page has a lot to offer as a single site. It is well worth a look as you start you search for a guide.
Government rules for fishing guides will give you a good idea of just what types of rules, regulations and restrictions are placed on fishing charters and their Captains. If nothing else, this should help to learn to respect a guide's rules on his boat.
| If you would like to publish an article with us, please send it to us at
You will get all the credit -- and, don't worry about the writing: we will help you clean it up if necessary!
If you are a guide or charter boat captain and would like to advertise on our site, feel free to contact us at same email address. |
|
