how much to tip a guide?

[irishwalleye]

boy -- after all this discussion I'm almost afraid to hire a guide.

As someone whos entire family has survived on tips at one point or another I am always a little over generous especially when I notice a barber, server, bartender, even my mechanic working a little harder or even more personable and friendly then I expected.

The difficulty for me is when the price layed out and the service/product only meet at the same level or god forbid is not even worth the price on the menu.

For 300 to 500 dollars up front I would have some pretty high expectations for a guide to live up to and that would make it difficult for someone to earn anything up and above the rate that was agreed.

I can certainly agree that if I felt that I was getting one heck of a deal at the end of a day -- I would have no problem reaching into my wallet for an extra C-note or two but to me it really shouldn't be expected.

Nothing is worse then going to teh nearest coffee chain and getting a dirty look from the staff when you dont tip for them taking 30 seconds and making my coffee...

Oh well -- maybe someday I'll get over my new found fear of utilizing service people.

[john.wells]

the word "tip" is actually an acronym that means "to insure promptness". Tipping has gotten out of control, with tip jars popping up everywhere for what used to be everyday services. I would go so far as to say that is annoying and no better than sitting on the side of the freeway exit ramp asking for handouts. I would like to say that I am a VERY generous tipper when the situation warrants it, but I will also throw a penny at someone who typically expects a tip when the service has been dump just to send a message. On that note, I would never tip a guide, or any other professional for that matter, unless there was some kind of "above and beyond" type of service provided (such as staying out longer than what has been contracted). If the fishing was phenomenal, then that is what I would expect from hiring a guide, or if you are into fish when no one else is- that is what you have paid for. In my opinion, there is nothing more rude than sticking your hand out expecting a tip (well, there is probably more rude things to do, but annoying none the less). Want a tip? Go beyond the expected but don't expect to be tipped in doing so.

[Kyle Sandberg]

Here is an interstion aticle that talks about tipping. Enjoy

Tips

[palisade1kid]

I don't know what I was saying.

When I was 16 and bagged groceries and took them out to the car ,I got a tip.

When I waited on tables I got a tip.

When I did landscaping I got a tip.

When I painted homes I got a tip.

Nowadays I guide friends for nothing and others for nothing.

Sometimes there's a tip sometimes not.

I do not expect one. We are just becomming freinds and fishing.

I do not have the big boat filled with sammies & soda's and all of the gear.

I do have some good knowledge of the area lakes and whats working & when to to go.

I've shared my knowledge here & there freely.

Yes ,I still bust my hump finding fish,cleaning fish & eating fish.

My game plan is to have fun on the water & if you want I'll show you how I am doing what I do for a big fat zero,nodda,zilch.

Maybe some day I'll be guiding for Wayne @ Mn. National or Big Sandy Lodge ,but right now funds are limited to invest in all of the things I'd need to charge $300 a day.

So I'm hoping to hone my skills in the meantime.

Tips,that should be up to the payer.

There are no shoulds or have too's. I just think that when a guy works to put you into fish that there should be a bonus ,especially if he did a good job of it.

That's all I was getting at.

You know I've burnt gas,supplied a roof over the guys head.

Brought all of my equipment to bear and not even get a thankyou after catching several fish in a day.So tips what's that.

I'd just as soon have the guy look me square in the eye and give me a firm handshake and say thankyou.

Once my guide service gets going I'd never worry about the money.

I'd worry that my customer is having a blast. Everything else will take care of itself.

[nofishfisherman]

Quote:

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I just think that when a guy works to put you into fish that there should be a bonus ,especially if he did a good job of it.

---

If I pay a guide $300 to put me into some fish I expect him to do so and if he does he did his job and earned the $300 I paid him. He didn't earn anything extra just by putting me on fish he just did what he was supposed to.

Some guides even have a "No fish, No pay" policy.

If a guide does something that I feel is above and beyond I would give a tip accordingly but that tip is up to each person and is dependant upon what kind of EXTRA service you felt you got.

Basically what I am saying is that a guide does not get a tip by simply taking you out fishing and getting you on a few fish since you would have already paid him several hundered dollars to do that. Thats his job.

Now on the other hand CK I know you take guys out for free alot. If that was the case I might not consider tipping if I thought we were just two buddies out fishing not that I don't think you would deserve it but I probably just wouldn't have thought about it. But if you said you were just offering a free guide service to gain experience I would certainly tip you at the end of the day regardless of success on the water.

[uphill]

Sorry Keith, but they way you posted your post it sounded like you guide for money. So I am sorry. Phil

[palisade1kid]

No big deal Uphill.

I'm learning every day.I'll make mistakes every day too.

It's funny how you can take a guy as a client & he turns into a friend.

There's one thing I know is that putting forth your best effort is all anyone can ask of you.

I also agree with NF, no fish no fee.

I think if you are going to guide you should know what the fish are doing .

I may have to hit a few lakes before we hit the mother load ,but it'll happen.

It's great when we do & I get too see that twinkle in the eye's of the guy I'm out with.

Can we go fishing now?

[The Cranker]

I have read all the posts here on tips with guides.

Although, I have guided and have hired guides. I have always tipped my guides when they have provided me with a good day of fishing or hunting. Notice, I said a good day of fishing and hunting, that doesn't mean that I caught allot of fish or shot my game that I was hunting. Its all about having the proper equipment and providing a great experience. Having a good time in the field or on the water and gainning some knowledge about the areas fishing or game is what its all about!

A guide cannot make fish bite or game stay in the field where you are hunting. Nor can a guide catch your fish or shoot your game. I do not agree with the no fish no fee! Here is a example of what I am talking about; Last year while guiding three gentlemen from another state ice fishing on Mille Lacs, I drilled a minimum of a hundred holes throughout the day. I caught a minimum of twenty walleyes and these three guys couldn't catch a fish. I tried to teach them and even basically held their hand while we fished and they were a like babies. When it came time to pay me they didn't want to pay me because they didn't catch any fish. I about dropped dead from exhaustion from the days activities. Needless to say they paid up, but the point is that you cannot go by the no fish no pay comment. Fishing, is not catching! And hunting is not killing game! Its about the experience folks!

Here is some things that to think about in the costs for a guide.

1.) Gas for the vehicle to pull the boat ($3.00 per gallon)

2.) Gas for the boat and oil. (Oil $20.00 a gallon)

3.) Rods and reels and other equipment (Rods and reels get broken all the time by customers) Rods run anywhere from $30.00 to $100.00 per rod or reel.

4.) Tackle (Tackle lost just about every trip out on the lake) Shadraps run around $6.00 a piece!

5.) Bait (A dozen crawlers $3.75, dozen redtail chubs $11.25, dozen fatheads $3.75, dozen suckers $7.00)

6.) Maintanence on boat,vehicle, and fishing equipment (Hourly shop hourly rates range between $60.00 to $80.00 per hour for any mechanical maintenence)It only takes one breakdown to eat your guide fee up!

7.) Insurance on the boat that is allot more commercial boat.

8.) Making sure that everyone is having a good time!

Add up the amount of money you spend on your equipment and your list from above and see how much is left over for your wage. Its not $30.00 plus an hour I can asure you that. Your wage is more on an average of $15 to $20 an hour. Thats not very much when you consider what your time and knowledge of the lake is worth.

The $250.00 TO $350.00 per 4 hour trip is very economical! In fact its cheaper than running your own equipment when you really look at it. So tipping a guide that does a good job is a good thing! Heck, when I go to a nice restaurant to eat and the dinner is $15.00 and the drinks are $3.75 each and the server did a great job on keeping our table clean and getting what we want in a timely manner I always tip well. Tipping is always up to the individual. I also tip at resort, motel and hotel rooms for their services.

So I say yes, tip your guides, tip your resort help, motel help. But only if they deserve it. Its called graditude for services rendered.

Fish On!!!

[papabear]

I do not tip unless the service is exceptional. I do not tip wait staff, barbers, bartenders, or snyone unless they go way above and beyond. I recently took my wife to a restraunt and the waiter took our bill and cash then proceeded to ask if we want the change back. We said yes and we still had to ask for our change 5 minutes later. The idea of giving someone extra money for doing their job is ridiculus. I hired a guide once and was told he needs a tip. I already paid him, not the resort, so why does he get a tip. the idea of tipping to show appreciation or to insure promptness has turned into an intitlment for anyone who sees a customer. If they need the extra money for gs or gear they need to raise their rates to reflect this or expect less pofit.

[Pat K]

Cranker,

I have no problem with tipping a guide for a good day on the water or in the field. I agree that it doesn't matter if we limit out or get skunked, if I have a good time, learn someting about the lake or techniques for the species we're targeting I will gladly tip 15 to 20%.

As a small business owner for 17 years I will disagree with your 8 other points to consider when tipping. Those items are all overhead. Part of the cost of doing business. They should be covered by the fee you are charging not tips.

[palisade1kid]

Hey Cranker you are right about holding hands with some guys.

Thats where patients comes to play.

I've held a few hands myself ,but I can usual run a guy into fish eventually. I mean even a blind squirrel can find a nut.

As to what the other fellow said about the guide asking for a tip.

I'd probally have laughed at him.I've never asked for a tip. If you have to ask then you most assuredly did not earn it.

the beauty of getting a tip is that the person was super happy with the day and his happieness makes the day. Sure it takes cash to pay the bills ,but if there's no joy in what you are doing well I'd pack her in.

[MuleShack]

That brings up a good topic.

Tip the resort. Never thought of that one.

I will have to do that next time.

As far as "papabea"r not tipping restarant wait staff, that is a little different, as they are only making minimum wage and they are dependant on the service provided to get the tips for service to supliment the income.

apples to oranges comparing that to guides. as far as barbers and doctors etc, totally up to the individual, but i feel the listed price is just that for those services.

For guides, if i learned techniques, patterns and locations and had fun, then definately would tip. Probably wouldn't be $100 but still would give something.

[justfishingaround]

Good thing this was brought up I never thought about tipping a guide. (Was this brought up by a guide?) HA HA.

[squeedunk]

Nope, I'm not a guide. But maybe I should start asking my friends for money and tips if I put them on fish. After all of the times I have been the "guide" they owe me! Chances are I would just end up with some beer which is just fine with me! That "No fish no fee" saying would kill my business though

I expect to learn a lot and catch plenty of fish this upcoming weekend and we WILL be tipping the guide a least little bit. I have seen the beating that those guys' bodies and equipment take being on the big water every day!

[vikingmeatwad]

Give them a beer :-)

[jigginjim]

I have been guiding for several years. Getting a tip for the fishing trip is NOT EXPECTED, But very much appreciated. I always do what I can to help, my clients to catch fish. I do feel the no fish, no fee, can cost a guide alot of money. Some guys have a hard time feeling a bite. Everyone wants to catch fish, but maybe don't have the feel for fishing. Thats when the instruction part, of being a guide helps. If clients say they have not done some technique, I show them how, something like how I tie on jigs vs lures. I have shown a few clients how to use a spinning reel, when they have not fished in 21 years, and the last reel they fished with was a Zebco 202.

This past weekend, I took a Dad and 2 kids fishing. The kids had never caught a sunfish or a northern before. They had caught trout at a pay pond. (throw in a bare hook, catch a fish thing.) The kids had never seen leeches, or fished with minnows. These kids were alot of fun, high fives for a 7inch sunny, thats something special. Sure there was still a tangled line here and there. The kids were having fun looking at the Aqua-vu seeing the lake bottom, weeds, and sometimes a fish darting in front.

The 4hr trip lasted 4 1/2, even stop in the bay to fish, while waiting for other boats to clear the dock.

Now should I be givin a tip? I was having as much fun as the kids.

[slotlimit]

Jim,

Lets see....you took them out and had tons of fun and caught lots of fish. That's your job and it sounds like you did it well. That part of it should be included in the fee. Along with if you happened to hit a rock and took out the lower end or put a big hole in the boat. Now you also went beyond the contracted time because you and everyone were having so mych fun. That cost you extra money for gas, bait, time, etc. You should have gotten a tip. But on the other hand you showed those kids so much fun that now they will be on the dad everyday about fishing again (which is a great thing). So in return you might have just cost the dad the guiding fee, tip, new boat and all the gear. I'd get a security alarm for the home he might be coming for ya.

Scratch that! He might be jumping for joy. But his wife will be coming to kick your @#$.

[art321]

As sole proprietor of a business that provides services I've set up my fees so that I can turn a profit at the end of the year. My clients contact me and I do the best job that I can for them in the time that they need it. I do this out of personal joy, pride and business ethics. If a piece of my equipment breaks down insurance covers it and its just a part of doing business. Sure a tip would be great but I've already factored in what my service is worth. Same for a fishing guide in my opinion. Now if they really do go above and beyond what was expected of them and I had a great time, fish or no fish, I don't mind tipping. It's just a way to say thanks, we had fun, you worked hard and you deserve it. What we did when we hired a trip deep sea fishing was had our group pool some money for the first mate. He worked his butt off. The captain owned boat, put us on fish, was likeable and very friendly but that is part of the fee. The mate gets paid a lot less and works very hard setting lines, preparing bait, baiting lines, gaffing fish and cleaning our catch. He's the real service at the end of the line and deserved it.

[nofishfisherman]

The "no fish no pay" policies that I have read on guides websites or brochures usually states that if no one in the boat catches a fish then its either 50% off the price or full refund or another trip at no charge.

I take that as meaning if the guide is able to catch fish and prove he has done his job to put you on top of the fish then the full price should be charged. Even if the client can't catch anything. We all have seen those people that can sit on top of a school of fish that haven't eaten in a month and still they get skunked. That shouldn't cost you your money.

Really how often do most of you guys go out with clients and not catch a single thing? There is always something willing to bite, no matter what I do i always seem to catch a skinny little norhtern every time out, that skinny norhtern might just ensure you of your $300 fee.

[gunflint]

If they ask, I always tell clients that I will guarantee fish but the price is double and I'm fishing.

[BRULEDRIFTER]

We'll after reading these post, if I were guiding, I think i'd ask my clients if there members of FM, and if so, I'd consider turning them down. It's unreal how many of you have an issue with tipping. It's part of the service industry. As a bartender, I personally belive EVERYONE should work in the industry for a week so they then can understand how much of a necessity recieving tips are. I firmly believe if someone has the money to go out to eat, drink at a bar, or hire a guide for ANYTHING a tip should be no big deal and should be factored into the budget. I make minimum wage, $6.15/hr, Getting 40hr weeks in the service industry is next to impossible, but if I were to work a 40, I'd make less then $200 after taxes. Tips are what we do the job for. We work our a$$es off, and try to make the customers experiences as nice as possible to insure return service. If no one tipped, there would be no resturants or bars cause no one would put up w/ the talk for minimum wage. Or prices would be even higher so servers can make a better wage. I'm sure this is the same for guides. If no one tipped them, and all they were doing was breaking even after a trip, there would be none of them left either, or prices would be even higher. Recieving tips are a perk for doing a job that requires dealing with a public that at times just has no respect.

My $.02 tip for ya'll

TIPS= To Insure Prompt Services

You stiff me, suddenly i'm not refilling your beer so promptly, and hoping you leave so there is a spot freed up for someone else who may tip! Get It!!! ?

[slotlimit]

I don't believe anyone one here has said they wouldn't tip waiters/bartenders/etc. Most people have stated they know you make min wage and rely on those tips. Now lets say you were a bartender and could set your own wage would it be min wage? Probably not? Just like a guide can set what ever fee he so chooses. Just like a mechanic. If they are not making a go of it they need to raise their rates. If a bartender isn't making a go of it he can ask for a raise and maybe get it or not. I always tip the bartender but I usually run a tab just because of bartenders with the attitude of T.I.P.S. I should get great service at all times. Not just great service because I gave a tip after every drink.

[palisade1kid]

I believe the post was how much to tip .

[JP Z]

I've been fishing in Florida where the Guide was Subpar at best. We caught a few fish, but I believe were after sailfish or the like, free lining pilchards. Well we hit a great school of Mahi Mahi and were having a blast, but the guide tells us we have to leave as that isn't we are after (or I guess what he wants to fish for) Needless to say at the end of the trip which remember I've said wasn't great he didn't get a tip. He actually pointed out to us that he noticed he didn't get a tip, and that he may not be available next time if that tip isn't given.......you can only assume that gentleman....errr..chump isn't going to be getting our business ever again.

[katoguy]

BRULEDRIFTER, if you are not happy with $6.15 per hour perhaps you should look for another line of work. Do you claim tips on your taxes? (You are required to claim 100% of your tips, of course.) Do you tip McDonalds employees?

Patrons are not required to tip. You need to earn it. Even if you don't get tipped, your task at hand remains. If servers and waiters didn't worry about tips and just performed their jobs well, the decent tips would follow. There will always be good-tippers, bad-tippers, and non-tippers.

I tip at restaurants and bars & for haircuts (15-20%). If I get bad service I will tell everyone and their boss. If someone were to get upset on the amount I tipped I would be all the more vocal. I don't think your boss or owner of the place is compelled to keep high tippers in the chairs. They get the same amount either way. I do understand your reasoning that if all the servers and waiters quit because they weren't making enough it would affect the business. I don't recall this happening, but it could have.

I have a good friend that tips by doubling the sales tax. Mankato has a .5% tax besides the state tax of 6.5%, so he tips at 14% and doesn't tip on the tax dollars. I don't agree with always tipping the same percentage, but his idea of not tipping on tax dollars is logical.

It REALLY bothered me Las Vegas. Everytime I turned around someone had their hand out. (If it is going to cost me, I can open my own door, thank you very much. And don't expect a tip if you deal me a blackjack.)