The "tipping your fishing guide" thread brings up and interesting issue; what's your opinion on what makes a fishing guide either a good one or a bad one?

Is it the number of fish that you catch while you're fishing in their boat, or is there something else that makes you forms your opinion? What do you believe is a fair price to pay for a days fishing (per person) in Washington State?

Cowlitzfisherman

Is the taste of the bait worth the sting of the hook????

I paid close attention to that thread and learned that the most important attributes of a good guide are that he have a charismatic personality and be able to tell good jokes.

Oh, and if he has a boat that doesn't leak and knows how to fish, well that's a bonus. Maybe worth giving a tip for. 8^)

t.i.c.

Salmo g.

I have been on about 5 guided trips total in my life and only 1 was a terrible time.

I think people have different answers depending on their skill level. Some guys want to be instructed on how to even fish correctly and some guys are just looking for something different than the same old water they usually fish. Personally, I have only fished with a guide when I have not been able to take advantage of certain water myself ie....Quinalt-Deschutes-Rogue or wasnt willing to donate several trips to learn a good section of river. I dont really need instruction, just a seat on the boat and a guy that knows his stuff and is fun to be around!
Number of fish in the boat is secondary to how much effort and knowledge a guide is willing to put in for your trip. The only bummer trip I ever had was when the guide completely disregarded our desires and did things his way--no compromise! I paid for one thing and got another.

I have always paid around 125-150 for a trip and never really felt that that was to much. Far away places take gas, lodging, time to learn and I think taking a guided trip is cheaper in the long run.

My .02

Crayfin

Reliable equipment, boat doesn't have to be pretty, but it does have to be safe.
Knows the river, and works for you.
Good rapport with clients.
Teaches me how to catch fish in a way I've never tried before.
Listens to the wishes of his client.
Gets the boat into at least one fish.
Brings the appropriate sense of humor for the crowd (eg. a plaid, a pink and a beige walk into a bar....)

This would be the minimum requirements, anything more would make for a great trip.

I have been on party boats but never a guided trip, to me i think the single most important thing would be how much you learn about all the aspects of fishing. Rigs, Holding water, ect...
Tyler

Apparently, "AkKings" has gotten all bent out of shape and has stared a new thread about "clients". That's OK, but I must have hit his nerve center! It will be interesting to hear from both sides of this story.


Cowlitzfisherman

Is the taste of the bait worth the sting of the hook????

I have to say attitude. They also have to have a good sense of humor. I think catching fish is only half a reason to get a guide. The other half is split on learning new rivers, and learning new techniques. Being a good teacher and patience is key also. A boat with heater is nice, especially on those days in W WA or on the Pen that we all know about. Looking for a good guide? Go with Pat Graham.

www.pgguideservice.com

Justin

Cowlitzfisherman, I'm not bent out of shape, far from it as a matter of fact, just want to hear both sides of the story.

akkings,
As a guide your paid for your services and your knowledge and any guide that would lower himself down to the level of even posting a reply to your thread dosen't deserve to even have a guide lic.
It aint a guides job to rate our clients it's our
job to take them out and teach them new skills, hone the skills they already have and give them a enjoyable experiance on the river.
If your a guide you had better find a new proffesion or take a vaction.

Hey Plugs,
I've been fishing with AkKings.You have not.You are way off base here pal.AK is fun to be with pulls his weight and knows is sh!t.
And then you have the nerve to advertise another guide on the post.I have never fished with "Rod's",Hell,it may even be you.But I wouldn't comment on that because that would be ignorant. (Do you get the thinly veiled analogy?)
Why not hear both sides?Got something to hide,Plugs?HMMMM????
Why do you have to turn this into a dick measuring contest???

thanks Bigdog, hey I have next Sun. off, got any plans?

I like the thread ... maybe before I head off on vacation, I'll rack my brain and think of some specifics

Plugs ... I think you're fooling yourself here. Do you mean to tell me that you don't have a couple of regular fellas that you wish you could fish for days on end?

The clients can rate us, not reason we can't rate them It's no different than every customer service job: everyone working in the service industry is going to have favorites and not-so-favorites. It's human nature and there's nothing wrong with it!

Bob,
I think you want to go on the client thread!?
Never mind, I thought you were posting about clients.

How about this one:

Being able to row your clients through a rapid without flipping her boat.