Tipping Fishing guides

[ac777]

Ok get this, once a good friend offered to take me and a few of my family members fishing, We used our boat, our gas, our food, our hotel, our gps. The only thing he did was show us how to use his lead core lines which we did use of his. He was also with us in the boat for a couple days just doing tasks that anyone of us could do, and he did show us a few good reefs. He never told me he wanted to be paid guide rates for the trip, I thought he was just coming along for the heck of it. We tipped him at the end of the trip and a few days later he get back to me saying he wanted to be paid guide rates! we did pay him something but I was just kinda shocked at this. Sorry if this is off topic, it just came to mind when I saw this thread. What would you have done?

[traveler]

How about when you go to Florida and take a guided trip. I wouldn't be there to learn, I would be there to catch fish.

So.. Would you tip a Florida guide if you didn't catch fish?

Same advice...you tip for effort, expertise, attitude. NOT fish caught. Even in an exotic/tropical location, it's called "fishing" not "catching".

As for teaching me something... I look at it this way;

I'm somewhere far from home, usually useing tackle/techniques I'm anything from a little unfamilar with to totally foreign to me. Fishing for (usually) bigger, more challenging fish than I'm used to. So...do I want my guide to be useing this very expensive time that I'm paying for to teach me the in's and out's of outrigger releases or jet planers, or concentrating on getting me hooked up?? I'm saying "hook me up"! As for learning, heres a good example of where that'll get you...

I've been fishing Mexican waters for mostly striped marlin for over 10 years now. The first couple of years it was totally foreign to me (as was the language barrier) and I did what most gringo tourist fishermen do...let the guide do it all. Heck, with only 1 shot at a marlin per day a possibility, I was sure as heck not going to do anything to muck it up. (that phase cost me a few grand:)

Fast forward a few years...now I have a few big fish under my belt, and some understanding of whats going on. I've learned better places/times/crews to go with, and I actually buy some tackle to practice with at home and become familar with. I'm starting to pressure the crews to let me do stuff, and it's easier to do so if it's my own gear I may mess up:) This phase was more expensive, oweing to the expense of purchasing tackle:)

Fast forward to the present...I tote my own rod tube thru the airports (pita!)...cast to and hook my own marlin (much of the time anyway) can rig a ballyhoo (not neary as quickly or as good as the mate, of course!) and can tell the difference between a blue, a stripe, and a tuna by how it hits the lure (sometimes:)

I don't even KNOW how much this phase has cost me..(and thank god neither does my lovely wife:)

So...learning is a VERY dangerous, and expensive thing, especially when it's done a couple thousand miles away on somebody elese boat! It can lead to obsession, poverty, and possibly even divorce!

Wish me luck:) I leave for Mazatlan in a month...

[iffwalleyes]

I have fished out of alot of places at LOW and there is only place I have ever tipped and that is at Arnesens and that is strickly based on their performance. They are being paid to transport, rental house, and bait. If it is someone that only does that then forget it. It they are checking on you steady and real going out of there way then yes. All the guys are Arnesens are top notch and probably deserve them but they have a couple that really take care of us.

[trapperdirk]

I guide and really hustle for folks to catch fish and sometimes I really get a sweat on if the bite is dead . Do I expect a tip . Well yes I kind of do because of the extra I do that others do not . If I think even my personal gear from tackle to electronics will help a customer catch a fish then that's what I will do . If the lads in a sleeper or day hut need beer or snack food then I run to town to get it for them .

Telling some good ol hunting and fishing stories are free . LOL .I don't get mad if I don't get tipped but I may not help you load your gear into your truck the next trip .

I as a rule always tip when I receive good service and I'm just a guide . What does a waiter or waitress have tied up in their gear . Not much in comparison and everybody tips them .

TD

[panfishpounder00]

as a guide myself, i generally dont ask or expect a tip if no fish were caught. but have gotten tips regardless. i only guide part time so its just extra mula anyhow. i'm 100% with the client at all times, i run a run and gun approach with porties. i also provide a grilled lunch on ice. i'm always on the move.. i actually work harder on the weekends then my full time job on the weekdays! more hours, very little fam. time! but like i said, the extra money helps. i put it into the clients hands if they want to tip, but it seems to be the same rate as any other resturant rate would be. which is fair.

[mixxedbagg]

Quote:

What does a waiter or waitress have tied up in their gear . Not much in comparison and everybody tips them .

I agree that they have no gear in it. However, please tip them SOMETHING (if you receive good service)...many places don't pay their wait staff minimum wage and expect them to make up the difference in tips. I worked one of those jobs years ago--they paid me $2.86/hr and I had to earn the rest through tips.

A waitress can't raise the price of food like you could raise the price for your expertise.

[ac777]

I agree that they have no gear in it. However, please tip them SOMETHING (if you receive good service)...many places don't pay their wait staff minimum wage and expect them to make up the difference in tips. I worked one of those jobs years ago--they paid me $2.86/hr and I had to earn the rest through tips.

A waitress can't raise the price of food like you could raise the price for your expertise.

[mixxedbagg]

That's why I included this:

"if you receive good service"

[trapperdirk]

Actually here in Ontario there is a minimum wage set by the government for guides working for outfitters and resorts so the guide has not always got the control to raise his prices . I don't make minimum wage by any means although I do guide for outfitters and private . When doing the outfitting scene though a part of my wage is based on my tips I should be receiving and some folks just plain do not tip ever or some are stuck in the 1970's mind thought and think a quarter is enough .

Most days I do very well but there are cheapos out there too and I especially feel for some of the young lads who are just starting out .If they hustle PLEASE TIP .

TD