Five Things You Need to do to Have a Successful Guide Trip.
We have all had trips that did not go the way that we had hoped, and often times I hear that it is the guides fault. Sometimes it is, but other times a lot of the problems could have been prevented by communicating with the guide. The guide cannot make the fish bite, or the winds not blow, or change the weather. That is just part of being outdoors. But the guide can help with these conditions if you will let them.
- Tell your guide your abilities and be HONEST. I would rather have a client tell me that they can comfortably cast 35 feet, than to have someone tell me that they can cast fifty with no problem. It is usually then when we get on the water they have a hard time casting 30. If a guide knows your ability he will pick the piece of water that suites your ability.
- Listen to your guide. If he suggests that you move to a different section of the river because of the weather that is coming in later that day, and you say no I want to stay and fish this section, I can guarantee you that he will feel no mercy on you as you are trying to casting into the wind. Most guides are better than weatherman on predicting the day’s weather. Also if they suggest a different section of water, it could be to suit your ability better.
- Make your best effort to fish the way that you guide wants to fish. They live on that river for days at a time, and can probably tell you what every fishes name is and where they live. They also want you to catch fish; it is not in their best interest for you to not catch fish.
- Ask for guidance. If you are not used to fishing in the wind and the wind is raging that day, then ask your guide to give you some pointers while still in the parking lot or anchored at the ramp. Once you ask for the help try to do what your guide says or ask them to demonstrate the technique. The guides want to share their knowledge. They appreciate being asked questions and having a client try to improve their knowledge base.
- Try and have a good time. I often see clients with guides and the clients are talking about business and not paying attention to the fishing. Then at the end of the day they do not understand why they did not catch any fish. There is a lot of business done on guide trips; I understand that, I have even done some myself. But do not sacrifice a good day of fishing for something that can be worked out over dinner at the end of the day when you are both relaxed and there is no pressure to make another cast.