Try our hand at guiding

[David Waters]

well, we finally decided to do it. My freind has really wanted to try his hand at crappie guide fishing. We finally decided to go for it when he was contacted by the Muscle Shoals Chamber of Commerce. Becuase of some of the Crappie USA tournaments out of pickwick, they have been getting some e-mails and phone calls about wanting guide fishing trips. They didn't have anyone, and someone knew Brad so they called him to see if he would do it. After long deliberation, we decided to go for it. We are freinds with a couple of other fisherman who have dabbled in guiding; one of them Tim Horton, BASS fisherman. He also talked us into it. To make a long story short, I have made us up some business cards. Wanted to post them to see if you guys thought they loked good. The Chamber of COmmerce actually put a flier together and has sent out 16 already. We have recieved 3 confirmed trips so far; all of them being from the extreme northern part of the country. All trips are in May. Anyway, here is the business card. Tell me what you think.

[Kokanee King]

I would go if I lived closer. Good jod and good luck!

[Jerry Blake]

Hey David:

Guiding is the most rewarding thing I have every done (and I've done a lot of different things).

I would suggest getting a digital camera (if you don't have one) and a website. My website brings in about 80% of my new business and costs me less than $100 a year. My second most productive advertising is “Rack Cards” – two sided brochures with details of my services and fees. There is a company here that has display racks in all the restaurants, motels and tourist traps and they keep them stocked (around 100) with my rack cards for $40 a month.

Even if you just start out part time all your fishing expenses can be tax deductible. Go for it and have fun. If I can help you in any way just let me know.

[FalconSmitty]

Great David. Go for it. I am trying to get started myself here in east central alabama and west central Ga. Should've saved the big one for a client I guess.... not. lol
I am building several nice holes with the bamboo condos. I hope to have 25 in the water by april 1st. It is a lot of work but I think it will pay off. If the fish come back to the bamboo after spawning I will be in good shape. Good Luck and if I can help, let me know.

[Crapbie]

Here in Florida we have these weird paddle boats that collect weeds in the water and have a huge back for storing what it collects. DOes a huge dump truck back full every time. Anyway I bet you could fit atleast 40-50 crappie homes in it and they do rental services where you tell tem what to do and they do it so I bet they would. You could get them to clean out areas in the middle of weed beds and drop some in there. WOuldn't that make it hard for people to spot your beds on there finders?

If I ever come up to Alabama I'll shout your way David. Have you guys deceided on prices yet?

[Darryl Morris]

David - go for it. Jerry got me started and I'm glad he did. I was anxious about taking people at first, but now I just look at it like I'm taking some new friends fishing. No big deal and have fun. Stay organized and don't be afraid to be the leader, after all they are hiring you to do so.

[slabzilla]

The Crappie USA tournament coming to Pickwick is a regional tournament, therefore any one usng a guide to pre fish is breaking the rules and should be disqualified. It's called the Wally Marshall rule on the trail.

[Kamper]

..

[Jason Piper]

Guiding for me is very rewarding! I get to be out on the lake where I love to be and meet all sorts of new people, and we all have one thing for sure in common.... WE LOVE CRAPPIE FISHING!!! And like darryl said I get to make a lot of new friendships!
I only truly guide part time right now throughout the week, but I hope to make it a full time thing within a few years!
You will enjoy guiding David, and if I'm in the area I'll stop in and fish with you sometime! I vacation in the panhandle of Florida at least once a year.

[FIREHELMENT]

could have got a better looking person for the card. lol I know yall will do great. Folks couldnt ask for two better people to take them fishing. Get me some cards so we can get them out an about.