allstar1 Loc: Corpus Christi tx

I'm an amateur fishing guide in Corpus Christi. I am looking to plan my very first trip with 4 customers. I'm not sure about this platform to learn some tips and experience from your audience.I am looking for someone who remembers their First trip. Share your story.again I don't know what to expect from this fishstage platform.Thanks

Spiritof27 Loc: Lincoln, CA

Welcome to the stage allstar1. What you can expect is a really hard time from members like me. What is an "amateur fishing guide" and if you're really an amateur, how can you have customers? I have never purchased the services of a guide, so I wouldn't know what to reasonably expect. But here's what I would unreasonably expect, having absolutely no experience. I would want to know exactly what your rules are on your boat. No surprises. I would expect you to show up and get underway at our agreed upon time. I would expect you to provide the fishing equipment and bait. I would expect you to show/teach me how to properly present the bait for best results. I would expect you to do your best to put us on some fish. That's about it.

EasternOZ Loc: Kansas City Metro

Sounds good Spirit.

ripogenu Loc: norfolk, MA

it would be helpful if you told us how big your boat is, what kind of gear you have and what you "plan" on fishing for. then the captains here will be able to help you out. I don't personally charter my boat but when I take people out there is definitely a plan.

Mustang66 Loc: Lake Palestine,TX

Hi Allstar 1. I’m an avid crappie fishermen on a lake in Texas. I am considering trying Part time guiding. I really prefer part time as supposed to amateur. I have fished with many professional guides in both salt and freshwater. My conclusion is that is hard work with multiple talents involved. Being able to put clients on fish, catch limits, management of bookings, and being fun to fish with are all important.
Before I commit to charging to fish I plan to take friends, neighbors, and my brother in laws (not sure about it).
Don’t want to discourage you but it is a commitment. Good luck and fish on.

FixorFish Loc: SW Oregon

I'm with Spirit on this one. Either you ARE a paid guide or you are simply "sharing your boat" for the day, with "new acquaintances sharing expenses".
In Oregon, if you take "a client's money".... you ARE a professional guide and better be licensed, have liability insurance, have First aid and CPR training, proper safety gear onboard, etc., or prepare to face a large fine or even seizure of equipment. In addition, most , as Spirit said, provide bait & tackle equipment and provide some expertise in the targeted species and be abundantly familiar with the waterbody.
If you intend to do this on regular basis, you should definitely do some studying....of both the rules/regs and what others in your area are providing for the $$$ you will garner. Be safe, play fair.

USAF Major Loc: Sea Bright, NJ

Inform your customers what your alcohol policy is for them. Obviously you won't be consuming any.

Huntm22 Loc: Northern Utah. - West Haven

Amateur or Novice?

Jeremy Loc: America

I agree with Spirit too. If you are planning to take anyone for a fishing trip and expect to get paid. A license is definitely required including Coast Guard Certification. Fishing Guides are Federally Controlled and not for Many people that think Safety is Bogus. Follow Your Dreams but don't get caught being an Outlaw....you will regret it. Much easier to comply with Regulations and do it right.

DozerDave Loc: Port Orchard Wa.

I would be sure to let them know that you’ll be doing your best to put them on fish but it’s fishing... not necessarily catching Not everyone understands that. Your a guide...🐟on

Weekend Hooker Loc: Clyde, Texas

I have a friend who Captains out of Port Isabel. He has done it for awhile. He would have some great tips check FB for Chris Montalvo. He Captains Hula Girl.

Jeremy Loc: America

Does everyone get Leigh’s on that boat?

Rutinbuck Loc: Haysville, Kansas

Be honest with your clients. Don’t sugarcoat how good the fishing is. If it’s only fair and he’s not putting you on the fish you aren’t going to get a repeat customer and you can forget about getting referrals from that client.

NoCal Steve Loc: Dunnigan, CA

Allstar (what a self gloss name that is!).... O think you've been given some great advice here but, more important I hope the Stage has taught you that being condescending or rude to folks isn't the best way to get on their good side. Here is a freebie....if you act that way towards your clients you better start looking for a new line of work.

bapabear Loc: Blaine, Washington

If you take any kind of pay, including barter, You need USCG six person Masters License minimum. In most areas you also need a guide license current first aid and cpr. Don't try to fake it if stopped by the coastguard and or game warden. If you do, you will likely loose your boat and a lot more. Guiding is not the glamor job it appears to be. It is a job: very long hours, high overhead, large liability risk, and about 80% babysitting and 20% fishing and other stuff. I made a full time living at it for 15 years and would do it all over again, but it is not for everyone and it is definitely not about getting paid to fish. In some locations, the guide is not even allowed to fish. Take a few different charters and watch what the guide and deck hand (if a deck hand is aboard) do during the day. Put your rod down and watch when the fishing is hot, as that is what guides have to do.

Now for a new subject. Armature guide. Some people refer to themselves as armature guides when they take beginners out for fun if they have not been out before. That is a great thing to do, just be sure the people know you are not a guide or licensed captain as you are still liable and responsible for everyone on board. Again, be sure all of your guests know the boat rules especially drinking rules. Also be sure, even with friends, what the policy is for lost or broken tackle. Make sure everyone knows in advance what the policy is for fish sharing after cleaned. If your guests can not follow your rules, Hull up and head home. You don't need friends like that anyway. No surprises, no problems.