FS Digest

Howdey. Im on my way up to my first guided trip. Three of us fishing, 1 brand new, 1 has landed a few and myself who is fairly independent. We have a full day booked at 600.00. I want to tip well for a good job so am trying to make sure i dont short my guide. He came higly recommended to us. Anyone here able to give me a percentage range? Thanks in advance!

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by bhinsz1984

FS Digest

I'd say $40-$50 per person, but I'll be interested to see what others say.

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by turkeyjerky0101

FS Digest

Thanks for the reply. That is in line with what i was thinking.

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by bhinsz1984

FS Digest

$100 minimum unless it’s a total crapshow. Remember that you’re tipping him for working hard, not for how many fish you catch.

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by IR500

FS Digest

Definetly will keep that in mind. Thank you for the input :)

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by bhinsz1984

FS Digest

Keep in mind that since the guide probably doesn't have an ownership stake in the shop; he's an employee. Most of the $600 you're paying is money he doesn't see; it's going to the fly shop.

I tip guides kind of like in a restaurant: 15% is kind of the minimum (at least in the U.S.) for decent service. But if the guide does something special, give them a special reward for it. Maybe he gets you into a really big fish, or a lot of fish, or works his ass off for you, etc. Make sure he knows you appreciate it.

The brand new guy? The guide is really going to have to bust his ass for him. That should be remembered when it's tip time. If your friend doesn't remember, you might need to remind him or tip extra for him.

Also, tell the guide up front what's up. It's REALLY important for them to know right off what they're facing. If it's OK with you, get a private minute with him and say something like "OK, so Jim doesn't know what's up. So take half your time and spend it with him. Of the remaining 50% of your time, give two-thirds of it (or whatever) to Bob, who's landed a few but who isn't super experienced. As for me, well, I've got a pretty good idea of what I'm doing, so if you just put me over some fish and tell me what to do and I'll probably do OK."

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by DancesWithTrout

FS Digest

Thanks for the reply. I am covering all charges for the new guy, hes my brother and its his birthday present. Totally get your drift re the guide. I have communicated with him and will be assisting with teaching my brother. Im definitely more interested in those two having the majority of the guide time for sure. Thanks again for the input. Much appreciated.

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by bhinsz1984

Eyecrosser Loc: Camdenton Mo. Lake of Ozarks.

The tip, like anywhere, depends on the service.
If you receive quality service then provide a quality tip.
Some guides provide all the equipment, drinks (non-alcoholic) and a lunch.
You will be able to tell by his attention to detail how the service is.
A lot of states require a captain’s license to guide (which is not cheap).
Please advise how your trip goes.
Best of luck.

trlittle Loc: Chico CA

I agree I think you both are in the right area

flyguy Loc: Lake Onalaska, Sunfish Capitol of the World!

I usually go 20%, but he has to put me on fish to get that. If he doesn't, I'll go 10% or someplace in between.

Cleemartin Loc: Hampton, Virginia

What if the guide is the boat owner and there is no mate, just the captain?

eddierbias Loc: Texas Panhandle Pampa 79065

10-20 percent depending on the trip.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

That is they way we do it 10-20 % only ever gave less tip and that is a long story! And it was the day I caught a 225# halibut. Gives you an idea how bad the trip was. Fishing was real good - 6 of us limited on 50# up to my 225# butt.

seborf

I must be really stupid....I never considered giving a tip....however, I have never chartered a boat either. Thanks for the "TIP". Seriously, thanks.

bru Loc: South Central Wisconsin

I think this is a great idea ---- [paraphrasing] Fill the guide in about the people on board. It's REALLY important for him to know what he’s facing. . . . get a private minute with him and say something like "Jim doesn't have any experience so please help him out the most. Bob will need a little help, he isn't super experienced. If you just put me over some fish and tell me what to do I'll probably do OK." by DancesWithTrout – see above.

Tipping is a strange situation as most of the time you are tipping after the fact and therefore have no control over the outcome. I have found in certain situations that I get Superb results by tipping in advance. For example, at the car wash and many other places, you are just another customer. From their point of view some people tip and some don't so you end up getting whatever the "Standard" job is. Watch a few cars before yours comes out and determine who is the lead guy [or hardest worker] of the group who dries your car and cleans the interior. As they start on your car, walk over, be personable and greet the lead guy, talk to him for a few seconds about anything [ e.g., “Wow, you are really a hard worker, I admire that” ] then stuff $10 in his hand and ask him, "Hey Buddy, could you guys do an extra good job on the interior for me?" Or "the inside windows need some help, can you take care of me on that?" and thank him sincerely. A little friendliness, recognition, appreciation and extra cash go a long way. You'll be amazed what happens. I get my money's worth with a better job and they are pleased too. Most times cars are stacking up behind me as they are still working on my car - [snickering] he, he.

Make sure you have a good guide with a good reputation who knows the waters well. [check with friends, internet reviews]

This tipping in advance works almost everywhere. With the fishing guide shortly before you leave, get him aside alone and stuff a $100 bill in his hand. Tell him something like, " These guys are my best friends, can you show them an extra good time today?” **Put in ‘Dances With Trout’s’ ideas (at Top) here ** Now you must also do your part; make sure you are all mannerly and considerate customers. Engage in conversation with your guide, treat him like a friend, ask polite and interesting questions and he’ll be happy to teach you some things. You'll have a great time no matter what and you might just get the fishing trip of a lifetime – sometimes the fish don’t cooperate but I’m sure your guide will be doing his best for you. When you are finished make sure you thank him and if you have a super good trip thank him profusely and you might consider an additional tip.