Thread: Guide etiquette?

A guides job is to put you on fish and show ya what it takes to catch em. I don't charge much but make it clear no GPS allowed in my boat. But I will give them some spots (gps coordinates). I have had folks say other guides let them mark everything fished. My question to them is what did they charge ? Usually it is 2 to 3 times what i charge. I tell them if they will pay me the same then bring GPS , but they decline . On my Catfishing trips they are spots I bait almost daily so it is definitely a no GPS rule. Most understand and some even thank me later when they take info learned home and repeat the process.

I would not do it . you might ask for advise as to where to try . No he does not own the lake but Would be as professional as he was when he was guiding .

I'm on the fence about this. pressed to answer I would say to have the courtesy to ask first and be prepared for the answer to go either way. It's a persons livelihood and time and money have been invested. If I was to pay top dollar for the service I would like to have the spots to return to, but also realize that regardless whether you get the spots or not, you are being taught. Those lessons will build your confidence, got a price for that?

I'm on the fence about. A guide cost a lot of money. But I would feel like I was cheating him and have trouble looking him in the eyes if I was in the same spot the next day. I wonder if being from out of state would make a difference you wouldnt be there but a couple days so it really wouldnt hurt. On the other side I wonder if you asked up front if he would take you to worse spots knowing you were coming back.

I heard somewhere " treat others as you would like to be treated". Be up front, and do your best to not take advantage of the man, it will be what it will be.

I would definitely ask first and communicate what you are looking for in a trip. Choosing a guide that fits your needs is very important. It's a no no to bring a GPS on any gulf offshore guides boats. They will end the trip and escort you to the bank. I would accommodate a group as far as finding fish for a trip, but would want to know in advance to be prepared. When you go to the grocery store and buy bread they don't give you the keys to the store. Spots aren't what you should want out of a guide trip. Some want a great fishing experience, some want to learn.

Originally Posted by skeetbum

I heard somewhere " treat others as you would like to be treated". Be up front, and do your best to not take advantage of the man, it will be what it will be.

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Originally Posted by Abu65

Just curious how everyone feels about guided trips? Say you fish with a guide 1 day and go back to his spots the next 2 days, is this acceptable? I have mixed emotions on this subject. Maybe some guides will chime in as well.

Thanks,
Abu65

Unless he is fishing them when you pull up and you try to set up right on top of him, I dont see what the problem would be.

Even if he were to pull up while you were fishing I would assume a good guide would have more than one spot.