Fishing Guides

A quick guide to choosing the right guide.

Photo: Hamish Carnachan

Ask your guide What there experience level is, Where they guide and for how long?
Also ask about equipment and what you need to bring, What is the cost, Hours on the water, License requirement, Is Lunch provided? Ask to describe a typical day on the water.


If you don’t fish regularly you should do some practice casting on the lawn a few days before your trip. Set up targets at different casting lengths from 10' to 40'.
This may save you some time on the day of your trip.

Photo: Stu Hastie

Before your day out with the guide, Be truthfull of your skills. This will help the guide tailor the day to give you the best chances for success.

The Lake/River the guide takes you to that day, He has probably been fishing it all season and knows what to expect. Ask about the conditions/hatches/etc and listen to what the guide says.

Photo: Rob Vaz

If you would like to use your own Gear, let the guide know that. Most guides provide all the necessary equipment for your day on the water. Let them know you are bringing your own fishing gear and ask what they recommend you bring. Ask what weight fly rods, lines, tippets and patterns that are working for what you will be fishing for on the day.

Photo: Jimmy Baroutsos

 Listen to the guide’s instructions and suggestions, The guide knows the water better than you, That’s why you’re paying him. 
  If you want a great guide, not just a good guide take your time and do some research. It will payoff when you hit the water with your guide. I’m not just talking rod bent all day long fishing guide. I am talking about a safe, patient and knowledgable fishing guide that will show you a great day on the water, Some people just want to go fishing and others want to go to learn more about fishing than actually catching fish. 

Photo: Stu Hastie

Websites now have all the right tools you need to find the right guide for you. Its a good Idea to call and have a conversation with who ever you might be hiring. It’s important to get a sense of who someone is by hearing their voice instead of just knowing how well they type   E-mails. By having a conversation you can more effeciently decide what guide is best for you.

Photo: Paul McDonald

   

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