| If you're going fishing in a new spot, you'll want to find | | | | information about his experience and credentials. There |
| the best guide available. Sure, you can use a brochure, | | | | are plenty of well-respected, experienced fishing |
| but a good fishing guide will know where the fish you | | | | guides out there. Don't risk your safety by selecting an |
| want to catch bite. He'll also know the best times to go | | | | uncredentialed fishing guide. |
| and the best ways to get there. Here are a few tips | | | | 5. Get a Detailed Cost Estimate. Know exactly what |
| to help you locate the best guide for your money. | | | | you're paying for when you sign up with a fishing guide. |
| 1. Start with Good Communications. You should give | | | | Be sure the estimate includes the time period covered, |
| your potential guide enough information so that they | | | | what supplies will be provided for you, the price of |
| can plan the most enjoyable fishing trip for you. It's | | | | lodgings and transportation, and any additional fees that |
| important that you are honest about how experienced | | | | might be added later. Your prospective fishing guide |
| you are. If you try to sound like a more seasoned | | | | should be able to give you details about his costs and |
| fisherman than you really are, your guide won't be able | | | | his profits before you sign on the dotted line. |
| to provide the level of advice you need to make the | | | | 6. Get Acquainted with Your Fishing Guide. You'll need |
| most of your fishing experience. | | | | to take some time to be sure you're comfortable with |
| 2. Ask Around. Make it a point to ask your friends and | | | | your prospective fishing guide. If you don't get along |
| family with fishing experience. They may be able to | | | | well, your trip will be a waste of time and money. Chat |
| refer you to fishing guides they've had good | | | | over a cup of coffee, have a long phone conversation, |
| experiences with or steer you away from bad ones. | | | | or find another way to get a feel for who this person |
| Get the details - ask them about their experiences and | | | | is. Will you enjoy their company? Do you trust them |
| what they learned about selecting a good fishing guide. | | | | instinctively? Will your prospective fishing guide be |
| They'll be able to fill you in on your potential fishing | | | | good company out in the wild? |
| guide's level of knowledge and skill at providing advice | | | | 7. Learn About your Prospective Fishing Guide's |
| and guidance in the field. | | | | Experience. How long has your prospective guide |
| 3. Cash in on the Internet. There are many websites | | | | been in the business? Where have they worked |
| on the Internet with information about fishing locations, | | | | before? What type of fishing trips has he been in |
| structured fishing trips, and professional fishing guides. | | | | charge of before? What is his fishing expertise? What |
| Check out blogs and fishing sites for evidence of good | | | | do other people say about his skill and knowledge? |
| fishing guides. A few hours online will save you a lot of | | | | Has he worked with people with the same level of |
| time in the long run. | | | | experience as you? The more you know about your |
| 4. Check your Fishing Guide's Credentials. Does your | | | | fishing guide's experience, the better a decision you'll be |
| prospective fishing guide have the proper licenses for | | | | able to make when you sign the contract. |
| his or her state? Have they been certified by a | | | | There's nothing as relaxing and rewarding as a good |
| professional fishing association? Are they insured in | | | | fishing trip. Coming home with those great fish tales |
| case of accidents or other mishaps? Don't waste your | | | | and several pounds of fresh caught fish will garner you |
| time on a potential guide who's not willing to give you | | | | a warm welcome home. |