subject: How to Choose the Right Charter Fishing Guide [print this page] When you are planning your fishing trip the number of guides you find can be overwhelming. There are a lot of guides out there, but not all are created equal. You are going to be spending a lot of money and are going to want to enjoy yourself out on the water. I can say from experience you are not going to want a guide that yells and screams every time a fish is lost or missed.
Some of the things you should look for:
Is the guide an owner/operator? Guides that own and run thier own business have a serious investment and interest in you enjoyment. They are the face of the business and are in it to have you coming back year after year. As owner/operator he/she knows their boat/tackle better than anybody else. They know the condition of every aspect of their operation and demand the best. Make sure that they are going to be running the trip you book. Ask if they ever hire guides to run their boats.
Experience Level? How long has the boat owner been in business for themselves? It takes a long time and many many days on the water to produce fish and provide a safe enjoyable trip. Everyday is different out there: tides, weather, fish behaviors, and learning this only comes with days on the water.
What is expected of you? Guides get anglers of all skill levels, and they should know yours before the trip. If this is your first time on a charter fishing trip, you should not be expected to make the perfect cast every time. Ask if the guide can tailor the trip to you skill level and wants. For example: If you are new to fishing and just want to go out an "bend the rod" and have a good time, you are not going to want to go with a guide that takes you Bonefishing with a fly rod. This trip is about YOU and what you what to catch, not the guide.
Ask Questions!! One thing good guides like almost as much as fishing is talking about fishing. So ask questions and get comfortable with the guide. Remember you are going to be spending the day with them.
