Minnesota Fishing Guides

[Fish_on]

There seems to be a large number of full-time and part time guides in Minnesota. I have some questions about that. Does MN require a license to guide? If so is there a test or anything? Is there any guide's league, organization or union of any sort? How can a person know how well-qualified a guide is?

Thanks in advance for the answers to these questions.

[whitetips]

Inland lakes no, Superior Yes.

[stevefellegy]

To my knowledge, being a "Minnesota Fishing Guide" for over 30 years, there's no 'guiding license' involved. However, by law, anyone who uses a boat for hire, has to be a licensed pilot. This license is obtained through the State by passing a test, and is renewable annually.
There are several guiding, organized 'groups' of sorts around the state. One being the famous Nisswa Guides League, another being the Leech Lake Guide Coalition. Generally, local reputations, good or bad, will be easily found regarding guides, anywhere.

[Backwater Eddy]

In addition to DNR requirements for boater safety certification you may also need a Coast Guard Captains license on certain waters that the Coast Guard considers waterways capable of commerce or rated for shipping. Many river and some lake systems fall into this category and require the license and Captains certification. If so this will require a much more complicated insurance and liability bond to operate as a guide.

Check with the DNR and the USCG for full details and requirements.

Backwater Eddy ~ ~><sUMo> ~ ><>

http://home.talkcity.com/ResortRd/backwtr1/index.html

[Jeff Berg]

I haven't heard of a 'pilots license'. Could you please tell me more about it? I searched the license requirements and could not find such a thing. I'm not saying you're wrong, want to know more.