becoming a fishing guide in Illinois

[papafish]

Just had to take a serious look as to what to do for a living due to an accident at work in 1998,doc just told me that he thinks my tenure as a union carpenter is probably and realistically over ankle and heel will never be the same ,after two serious surgeries to reconstruct it , he wants to cut me again,just to relieve damaged goods in my foot.I live on the fox chain of lakes in lake,Mchenry county, and have fished the chain for ten solid years now,and know the ins and outs of the system.The future of the fishery is very promising,and I think it is my calling,in fact I know it is .For years now my friends and family have suggested to go into business for myself.I was going to be a carpenterfor myself,having been able to accumulate a clientele of VIP~s on our north shore,very prestigious area of fine homes.But my injuries are somewhat too serious to realistically be my own boss,and hire others to work for me , hate to put my name on work that i have not done myself ,sorry to all the fine carpenters out there.I`m sure you would feel the same way.So I am shifting thoughts and want to go into what I love watching people catch fish and helping others have a good time.I want to focus my attentions on family fishing,not the guys who want to guzzle a case of beer and pick my brain so they can do it themselves.Don`t get me wrong,I would take them out ,but if I could fill the openings with dads or mom`s with kids ,the kids would be first in my book.Please respond seriously if you can help with any info.

[scottcny]

Papa,
sorry to hear about the injury. a good place to start would be with you state DNR. there is usally some type of liscensing involved in becoming a registered guide. they can point you in the right direction. i would guess building the business would be much like your used to as far as building a client list and providing quality services.

" if you build it they will come"

[Jeff_IN]

I think Scott's advise is good. There is some licensing involved. Also, the insurance is a must. I had a friend who did this to guide in IL. I remember him telling me all the stuff you have to do to get going. As for the family / kids being your target..make sure to position yourself that way in all material you put out there. Good luck. J

[dragger]

Sorry to hear about your accident. I am in the same situation as you. After working as an Iron Worker for 13 years I broke 20 bones in a building collapse. Crushed my heel and ankle, broke ribs, wrist, elbow, both legs. After several year of rehab I was informed no more construction. I did exactly what you are contemplating. I guided in Illinois for 12 years. The only Illinois liscense you need is a certificate for the boat that you are using. Get this from the DNR. I think it costs $35. Technically you should have a US Coast Guard Pilots License. This is not a requirement by the State of Illinois. Guiding in Illinois is a tough way to make a living. What are you going to do for a living in the winter and in the middle of the summer or when high muddy water hits? The biggest mistake that most guides make when they start out is not charging enough. Remember your clients are not only paying you, they are also paying for fuel and boat rental. It costs $1000 and up to repair a lower unit. That adds up to a lot of guide trips just to pay for this repair. How about boat replacement. If you fish 150 plus days a year your motor will only last 2-4 years and then you will have a major repair. I have had Mercury, OMC and Yamaha. Same result for all of them. Repair or replace in 3-5 years.

[jumbojim]

hi
I am a fishing guide on the lower dells of the wisconsin river. I started guiding around 5 years ago. I find it a great way to meet people and i learn a lot too.
Here are some of my suggestions:

1: Have equipment that is comfortable for you and the clients. Guide in the biggest boat you can for that situation.

2: I try to limit my load to 2 people for the size of my boat because 3 is just not as productive.

3: Find a bait shop that can help you out and buy all your stuff from him I do and i get great support from them.

4: Make sure your ankle is good enough after 7 - 9 days of guiding in a row you are about dead tired.

5: Plan your boat rigging for comfort of the passengers. ( I have electric anchors, A fish finder they can watch,nice chairs, all crap off of the floor.)

6: Supply most of the equipment and make sure it is in good running order. I take at least an hour and a half setting up the boat and poles. Have a plan and have everything tied. Then at the end of the day i take half hour to clean it out.

7: Bring camera and sun screen and extra clothes just in case they forget.

8: Run the boat so they are on the fish not yourself.Explain the method you are using stand beside them and teach them do not sit in the front like you are some kind of pro be their friends.

9: Fish in ways you believe in do not get sidetracked by other info always go with what you know the best first.

10: Relax, sometimes the fish do not bite but 95% of the time they do. Talk ask them questions you will learn a lot.

11. Support a good marina as i have a place i can drop my boat off and they jump on it.

i could go on forever

if you need any info please write me at
jumbojims@aol.com

jumbo

[cisco]

Good luck to you, papafish. The other folks gave good advice, but I'd add that you should also seek to hook up with manufacturers and retailers. The pro-staff for most companies includes guides as well as tournament pros. Make a commitment to them (doing some shows, advertising products, etc.) and they'll help you.
In your location, check out also the Kenosha and
Walworth County opportunities just across the Wis line. Geneva and Delavan already have some good guides, but can use more -- competition doesn't hurt. Also, don't forget the ice-fishing action and the fact some guys like to hire guides (and gear) for hard water. We won't always have such mild winters.
For general info, but also for his ideas on sponsors, read Daryl Christensen's "Journal of a Walleye Pro."