How to start guide service? Help me settle an argument..

[fish_eat_sleep]

I agree it all depends on the situation at hand. I remember when i was really young we (friends family+me) hired a guide on lotw. We didn't know anything about the lake and really were clueless to the sport back then. The guide fished along side us and handed one of the kids his rod once he had a walleye hooked and tried to coach us on how to reel em in and handle the toothy fish the righty way. Being really young, it was great because i didn't catch anything but an eelpout in 8 hours on my own rod. I probably would have lost interest really quick without his help.

[Sportland_Bait]

I see the concern about the guide fishing. To be honest, usually if the guide is working hard there isn't a lot of time to fish. Between baiting lines, untangling, re-tying, and running the boat it is time consuming. When the bite is slow, most customers do not mind. And it is nice to get a few bites for customers that need a little help, especially the kids. I've seen them fish more for reading the mood of the fish and understanding the conditions. Some customers even encourage the guide to help put a few in the box for them.

Jason Erlandson

[deerminator]

I read one article on running tip ups where the guide fishes around the clients fishing for pike on tip ups. He drills holes in a diamond pattern around them and uses jigs he knows will work well at attracting their attention. Moving from hole to hole on the perimeter to help draw them in. I'd encourage this type of support not get irritated over it.

I have not guide experience or insight in what it takes to be one. But I do know in the business world its best to diversify and not put your eggs into one basket. So if he wants to be a guide and finds he loves the hard work, terrific. But I'd look into other ways to earn income as well. Run a bait shop, resort, lodge, etc. Work at a resort, boat dealership as a salesman for fishing boats, etc. Work hunting of all kinds into your guiding business so you have year round business. Basically, structure his "business" so it is year round and if he has a slow year for fishing clients, he makes up for it with his hunting clients or eeks by on his sales commission at the boat dealership.

One of the local resort owners around here recently added fish houses and ice fishing to his services. And he works as a salesperson year round. Seems to work for him pretty well.

Good luck to him.

[JakeJ_Mn]

When I hire a guide for fishing or hunting, I expect they have the knowledge to find the fish or game. I expect they are able to teach me how to catch the fish or spot the game. I expect they have good equipment that is well maintained. I expect them to be friendly and courteous. I expect them to tell me what I need and what is expected of me other than having fun. Not every trip will be successful - remember guides are human and conditions play a big roll in dictating success.

I have been on several fishing and hunting trips with guides. The thing for this young man to remember is - when people pay money for a product they expect certain things. If the product or service is good they will repeat - if not word of mouth spreads fast especially with the internet.

[UKCM]

Here is one small item your buddy needs to remember. His typical customer will not be someone reading this forum. It will be someone who has caught no or very few fish. Of course there are times that experienced fisherman want help on a specific body or water or for a specific species of fish but it will not be the majority of the time.