How do you choose the right fishing guide? I talk with all my clients about how they found me, how I compare to other fishing guides they have been with, and what they like and don’t like about guides. Here are some things that can help you find the right and credible fishing guide:
Finding the right, credible and qualified guide can be a little hard with all the information available these days. If you want a great guide, not just a good guide; take your time and do some homework. It will payoff when you hit the water with your guide. I’m not just talking; drag screaming, rod bent all day long fishing guide. I am talking about a safe, patient and knowledgeable fishing guide that will show you a great day on the water. It is not only about catching fish all day long, it is much more than that.
Here are some guidelines and questions to ask guides about what they offer:
Is the guide credible and qualified for the fishing you want to do?
Many clients tell me that they look for a guide that works full-time as a fishing guide. Full time guides are typically on the water daily. They know the fishing trends for that area well and can better plan a good day of fishing for the date you choose based on previous days/weeks experience. If there is a specific species you would like to fish for, let the guide know that. If a client does not tell me what they want to fish for I put them on the best bite we’ve had lately. Have a open mind, if the guides tells you that the fish you want to chase is not biting good; let them know if you still want to try for that species but be willing try what he/she recommends.
Does the guide have the gear you desire to fish with?
I mostly bring spinning tackle for my charters, but I have baitcasters and fly gear as well. I always ask my clients if they would like to use baitcasters and/or fly gear before our trip. If you would like to bring your own tackle, let the guide know that. Most guides don’t mind, but let them know you are bringing your fishing gear and ask what they recommend you bring. If you want to use fly gear ask what weight fly rods, lines, tippets and patterns that are working for what you will be fishing for.
What does the guide provide for your trip?
Do you need a fishing license or does the guide provide a license? In North Carolina captains can purchase what is called a blanket fishing license for the boat, which I have. Any clients that fish on my boat are covered under my license. Some guides choose not to get this license and their clients would need to have a current fishing license. As be sure to ask if the guide provides ice, drinks, food and sunscreen.
What should you bring on the trip?
A few things I tell all my clients to bring are sunscreen, a hat, a camera and any food or drinks they want for the day. Ask if there is a chance of rain, you may need to bring a rain jacket. Don’t forget that is always cooler on the water, so bring the appropriate apparel while fishing during cooler months of the year. It is always a good idea to dress in layers when on the water.
What is the right price?
With a lot of people price usually the first consideration when hiring a guide, but be careful! You get what you PAY FOR!!! Be weary of guides that charge considerably less than other local guides. Running a credible guide service is costly for the guide. Fuel, insurance, tackle, ice, etc…I could go on and on about expenses! A guide that charges a little more will usually be the guide that will work harder and go further to find fish for you.
How many people can or should I bring on the fishing trip?
Every guide is different on the amount of people they allow per trip. It really depends on boat size, what kind of fishing you will be doing and what you want to get out of the trip. Some people just want to go fishing and others want to go to learn more about fishing than actually catching fish. Let your guide know if you are bringing kids fishing with you. Here again talk with your guide; tell them what you want to do and ask how many people can come for a quality fishing trip.
Can I keep the fish I catch?
Most guides will allow you to keep your limit of the fish you catch. It is recommended that you only keep the fish that you will use (eat). If you don’t know if you will eat them all, let them (fish) go for another day of fishing. There is nothing worst as a guide than getting back to the dock with a box full of fish that the customer does not want. Most guides will clean your catch or give you info where you can have them cleaned locally.
Does the guide guarantee that you will catch fish?
All guides have bad fishing days from time to time, it is called fishing not catching don’t forget this! Some guides may guarantee fish, but the clients I’ve talked to with this experience say the better guides that they have fished with don’t guarantee fish.
Don’t forget to tip the mate/guide.
They have worked hard to show you a good day on the water. Ten to twenty percent is average but you make that decision; remember it’s not always catching but it is always fishing! I’ve said it and heard it said a million times; “A bad day of fishing is better than a good day at work”!
I hope this will help you find a credible fishing guide for your next outing.
Thanks for reading,
Capt. Jot Owens
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