DJ,

Apparently what I said was offensive to you, and I never ment to come off that way. Here is exactly what I said, "So simple rule. Judge it like eating out. How was the service? Was it good? Did you have a good time? If you did, then a 15-20% tip is pretty standard."

I waited tables for several years in college, Uncle Julios, Passados, Harrigans, and a couple of other places. 15% has been the standard for "average" service for years. Good service 20%. Excellent Service 25% and higher. When did 15% become below average?

Know what a quarter left on a table stands for?

By the way, a server gernerally doesn't have $25,000-$100,000 invested in their business like a guide does either. So there is a much bigger fincial risk involved. So to make $10-15 bucks an hour after spending the money to buy a boat and truck is peanuts vs. the financial risks involved. Imagine blowing a powerhead on a guidetrip. You think the charter will help in the cost of a $5000 rebuild?

No, not offensive, I just wanted to convey the same tone as you did in your post. If it came across differently, then my apologies indeed.

As for %15 being below averaqe, I believe the situations that I outlined pretty much would require a higher tip percentage. If the optimal condition of a table staying for an hour or less and receiving average service is the case, then yes, %15 is the average expected tip.

And pertaining to initial investment, sorry, but a guide understands the cost of business in entering his or her line of work. If the guide knowingly invests your assumption of $25,000-$100,000 to make $10-$15 bucks an hour, then obviously, it is worth it to him or her, is it not? I may be mistaken, but it would seem to myself that the guide has already taken all of these situations into account, and willingly invests that amount of money to do what they enjoy doing for $10-$15 bucks an hour.

But let me make myself clear. I quite enjoy using guided trips as a way to get to know a new lake, and often do find myself tipping a guide for good service and knowledge. I also pay the guide at the beginning of the trip as well (I figured everyone did, but I seem to be in the minority from the posts on here). I believe that when a guide shares his knowledge of the lake, his areas and techniques, he is sharing part of his livelihood with you. Now surely, there have been a few grumpy guides over the years, but the majority of the guides I have enjoyed most definitely deserved their tips. People should definitely understand that when a guide stays out on the water longer and cleans their take for them that it is not always included. The guide is offering his extra services and being extra helpful to ensure that you have a good experience when doing those things. And the best way to acknowledge your appreciation is to tip them accordingly.

Just like your server.

Also, I think most guides here will tell you that tipping is appreciated, but never expected.