Outside Guides

These are not free

Once you figure out where you are going, how long you are staying and what you want to do (lets say fly fish for trout), the next step is to find a guide:

1. Create Options – Use the internet, call a local fly shop, talk to the folks at the local sporting goods store, ask the hotel front desk, even an area Walmart is a good resource for locating one or more guides in the area.  Get a list together and contact a few until you find the right fit.

2. Set Expectations – During the first conversation with the outfitter or guide, you should make it clear what your expectations are for the trip. Are you interested in a beer drinking boat ride with a few casts? Do you want to attempt to land a record brook trout on a dry fly?  Do expect the guide to do all the work or should they just point you in the right direction?  What is for lunch? Can you see yourself spending the day with this person? Now is also the time to talk about any physical limitations and your fishing skills.  You should also discuss how much everything is going to cost.

3. Get Prepared -  Above all else, have your personal items in good order (waders, boots, vest, rain gear, etc.). A guide will have extra rods, flies and reels but ia not likely have an extra set of XXL stout waders. Make sure you have applicable license or permits which you should have worked out in advance with your guide. Know exactly when and where you are meeting your guide to start the day.  It is a good idea to drive to the spot the day or night before, especially if you are not familiar with the area and/or are meeting before daylight.  You should get your payment together plus gratuity.  Don’t force your guide to make change.

4. No Guarantees – Wild animals, the weather and equipment are all unpredictable.  A guide is your best bet but you have to remember, they are taking you fishing…not catching.  Even the best guide can have a bad day and you may be along for the ride.

5. Settling Up – You agreed to the price and you have prepared payment in advance.  So far so good.  The question now…how much do I tip?  No hard and fast rules, but an informal survey, says 15-25% is acceptable based on some factors.  First, did the guide hold up their end of the deal?  Second, did the guide go above and beyond the call (stay out an extra half hour, paddle upstream to save your trophy or provide outstanding customer service)?  Finally, did you cause the guide more than a usual amount of grief (lose three dozen flies, wind knot leaders or show up an hour late)?  The guide has lots of expenses in equipment, fuel and opportunity cost.  In many cases, they have to share your fee with “the shop”. I start at 20% and throw in a few more bucks for any extra effort.

Get a guide and get outside!