Guiding Considerations?

[Dan (MI)]

Over the past year I have been considering the possibility of using my skills as a guide on two river systems here in Mi. I was just wondering the do's and don'ts of starting up if I decide to start up something. My plan would be to start small with aquaintances and friends and go from there. I know there are some licensing considerations with the coast guard.
My thoughts are that I'm very competent on the water and love to be on the water and if I can make a few bucks while doing it. Then I should try it.
I would appreciate any thoughts from any of you who have tried it and have had success or have failed.
Thanks in advance.
Dan

[Rip Lips]

Dont bother there are enough of us out there!All kidding aside good luck and dont give up all your secrets,and dont be surprized if one day you go to your honey holes and find 20 boats on them.

[GullGuide]

A biggie that I have learned, is do not offer a "cut-rate" service. A few reasons for this are 1) some people see a guide who is cheaper than the rest as someone who is desperate for buisness. If they are desperate for buisness, there might be something wrong, and people tend to avoid those types of services. 2) You will only irritate other guides by undercutting them. Sure, it's a free country and you can charge what you want, but DO NOT burn bridges. There might be a time when you will need another guide to help you with a group or they might need your help one day. The fastest way to loose respect amongst fellow guides is to give them the impression that you are trying to take away their buisness by being cheap. Most will have no problems if it is your skill at what you do that takes away buisness.
Another thing to consider is you have to be a good teacher. You must have paitence with your clients, because things will happen that you can't even immagine in your wildest nightmares. And also, above all else, you must be able to show your clients that you know what you are doing. I'm not saying to act like a know-it-all, but be able to answer their questions as best as possible. The last thing a client wants to hear over and over again is "I don't know"...or..."I'm not sure" They are paying you for knowledge, and lack of it can turn a good trip sour in a hurry.
Good luck, and glad you're in MI not MN....KIDDING!!!
GullGuide
>"////=<

[Larry]

Another way to break into the business would be to work for another guide as a start. Many times guides need help with large parties or prime times of the year. It's a great way to get your foot in the door and start networking with other guides.

[Gilligan]

Dan.. I guided (part time) for a lodge here for some years, it really helped me in that I drew a paycheck and didn't have the tax hassle as well as worries and repairs of equiptment, insurance etc. Might be a good way for you to get started to see if it's really what you want to do. I gave it up last year as I didn't see it growing to be a full time bill paying job and it cut into my fishing and family time. My wife and had our first vacation in 4 years last year and I had enough vacation left to fish 2 tournaments!

[Dutchman]

Keep your boat clean, your bait lively, your sense of humor intact and you breath fresh.....:)

[Backwater Eddy]

I have fished all my life and just recently took up guiding full time in the spring, summer, & fall.

It's a lot of work!
If your not guiding your scouting for fish or bait.
Planning and prep work seems to never stop.
You really need to love teaching fishing to do it well.
If your just in it to make a buck it won't fly, you need your heart to be there too.

I love guiding and all the new people I meet and fish with makes it worth all the work and long hours. Being on the river makes me whole, if ya can understand that? If it became no fun I would stop guiding professionally is a heartbeat. But I love it!

You are the only one who knows if you can do it.

Good luck I wish you well.

BE...

{Patience is said to be a virtue, so lets all hurry up and find some!}

[coondog]

I have been guiding part time for a couple of years, quiting this year though. Backwater edy brought up a couple of good points, the work never stops also the insurance will eat a big part of what you make, your regular insurance is void when you go "for hire" last years premium was over 1200.00, and I would strongly suggest that you have it. Some people are great and want to learn, and some want to drink and step on 150.oo St. croix rods, I actually had one guy out that fell out of the boat while trying to tinkle over the side, he weighed over 300lbs. (soaking wet) and I had to tow him to shore so he could get back in,no more boze in my boat. If you want to get rich buy a lottery ticket, it aint happen'n guiding. Dont want to discourage you but go into it with both eyes open. Also rember when somebody books a certain date, it doesnt matter what the weather is, your rep. is on the line to put fish in the boat, they dont care that the wind is blowing 40mph. and the temp. dropped 30 degrees. Just some things to consider

[fishguy]

Coondog and Eddy had some good points. I started guideing in MN when I was 19--I'm 30 now. I hit it hard made plenty of money (for a 19 yr old) had fun, bla bla bla. The best job I had was working for an instructional fishing camp in Mn. No pay though, but a life time of Mems. Anyway, still doing it part time. You will not get rich, you will always be tired/busy, your wife will wonder about your "other commitement", and it is not as glamorous as you think--just some things to consider. But.. you will get to fish everyday, you'll get to meet a lot of nice people, and probably get a good tan. My real pointers would be this: Stay humorous, be patient, learn a lake or two well-first, always have atleast 5 spots to try for any given condition, don't get the "I'm the best fisherman around because I'm a guide "flu--it will kill ya, and last but not least, make the customer hold the date with a deposit, so when they cancel your not loosing out--remember, you sell time, not fish. Good Luck

[Dan(MI)]

Great responses I appreciate your thoughts. There were some things I have and hadn't considered.
Like I said before I'm just considering it. I'm currently in a job that I'll never get rich in, but it would give me time to guide part-time in the mornings.
I enjoy teaching outdoor related topics to others and there is probably more reward in that than financially.
Once again thanks for the advice.
Dan