Do You Need A Fishing Guide?

 by Lee Dobbins
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Often times when one is planning a fishing trip, the question of a fishing guide comes up. They're costly so the first reaction is to forgo a guide - after all, you already know how to fish, right?

This may or may not be true. You might very well be an expert fisherman that can get along quite well without a guide but if you are traveling to a far away area and are not familiar with the fishing condition, then a guide could really come in handy.

Now having said that, I will say that a guide is simply that - a guide. He can tell you where he thinks the fish will be and even help you land one, but the real work is up to you. Just because you spend a lot of money on a guide does not mean you will catch a fish or even see one, but it could greatly increase your chances.

Most guides are great fishermen themselves and know the local area like the back of their hands. They are up on current conditions and know where the fish are right at the moment. They spend all their time fishing the river or lake, and probably have for many years, so they know where the best fish can be caught. Without a guide, you can waste a lot of time just trying to find those fish.

If you do decide to hire a guide, you need to make your fishing goals clear to him or her at the outset in order to make sure he can deliver what you want. Some things to discuss include the type of fish you want to catch, if you want to catch a lot of fish or just big ones, and the technique you prefer to use.

You should also find out if the guide has experience in your desired area. During these discussions you may find out that the guide recommends a different fishing style that what you have proposed in order to catch the kinds of fish you want. These are things you will have to consider.

A guide can cost you anywhere between $100 to $200 a day and please don't forget to tip him - even if you don't catch any fish. For your money you will get expert advice on the best fishing locations, expert tips on how to catch those fish and a wonderfully delicious shore lunch.

One thing that some anglers do on an extended trip is to hire the guide for the first few days and then go it alone for the rest of the trip. This way you can benefit from his advice and save a few bucks too. Don't be afraid to let the guide know this is your plan, he might be able to leave you with some parting tips so the rest of your trip is just as fruitful as the beginning.

The question of whether or not a guide is worth it does not have the same answer for every angler. If this is your one big vacation and catching fish is of the utmost importance, then springing for a guide is probably well worth it.

7 Easy Tips on Finding a Fishing Guide

1. Open Communication matters. It is important that you provide the guide all the information they need so that they will figure out what kind of fishing trip is best for you. Be sure to be honest in telling the guide how much experience you have regarding fishing. This will help them to know what advice and tips to give you so that you can make the most out of your time.

2. Seek the help of friends and relatives. Ask your friends and relatives who have fished and if not they may be able to provide you with some referrals. It is better to ask them about their experiences, the things that you need to do and things that you have to look for in a guide. They may be also to provide you referrals of the guides they have tried and found effective for them. This will be a chance for you to ask if the guide they are referring you to has enough knowledge or is accommodating to clients.

3. Browse the Internet. The Internet can provide a lot of websites where you can find the best guides in a certain location. You can also post messages and questions regarding the website and they may be able to find the information you need.

4. Determine if your prospective guide is licensed. It is better that you know that the person you are working with is working according to the law. A licensed guide is also sure to be relied on especially with the matters of integrity and trust. Ask the guide of their name and phone numbers including the state-licensing bureau. A guide who is not willing to provide you the information you are asking for is not worth your time.

5. Find out exactly what you are paying for and how long the amount would cover. You need to know this information for you to be able to manage your schedule before the fishing trip and plan the things that you need to bring which are not covered by the payment you made. Some include the price for lodging in the package while other guides may charge extra for that. Asking the coverage of your fees will also help you assess if the services you will get is worth the money you will be spending.

6. Get to know the guide. Evaluate if the guide that you will be working with can get along with you. If not, you will just be wasting your time and money. Fishing is a time to learn and enjoy but if the two of you will not get along well, the whole trip might just be ruined. Get to know the guide first before you set foot on the boat. Exert a little effort to call the guide and make a small chat to break the ice and make the two of you comfortable on the day of the actual fishing.

7. Also make time to find out how long the prospective guide has been on his job. This will make it easier for you to assess the level of experience the guide has earned in that field. It is better that you choose a guide that has been in fishing for many years. They are the ones who usually have the skills and teaching techniques that will be of great help to you.

Here's two of the best fishing guides in the 4 state area.  If you're looking for a great fishing guide then give one of these guys a call.  You won't regret it!