No dog in this hunt BUT, if you are hiring a guide and going home disappointed, that's your fault. Set realistic expectations. When I see those posts where guys say "I'm coming to Lake Fork and going with so and so. Planning to catch one of those Lake Fork DD's" I feel sorry for both the guide and the client.

Sometimes we set our expectations to high...

I would agree with that Rockie, but my expectations were not set to "high", but only set to catch a few fish. While I'm sure the day will come when I'll land a DD, that is certainly never my expectation on Fork or any other body of water. I just like "catching" as opposed to "fishing", and having the feel of a tug on the line. I'm sure all would agree that zeroing is no fun, even when you're not paying for a guide.

I have learned my lesson and will set my expectation meter down several notches....but I will also try and fish when the percentages are more in my favor.



Jim

Jim, as the king of terrible trips, I know what you mean and perhaps I should have been clear in my comment. Yes, it's ok to be disappointed that you had a bad day, but hiring a guide doesn't guarantee you anything other than (hopefully) a nice boat and a good guide who will teach you something. And keep you entertained. Catching fish is a bonus. Guides can't control mother nature and you guys had a dose of her last Saturday.

I pay a lot of money to fish at Camelot Bell and have been skunked many, many times out there. It disappoints me that I couldn't make them bite. Buit I know they are there and that's what keeps me going back. Same with Fork.

All that said, I can certainly understand your sentiments.

I remember when I had taken a soldier fishing we came into the ramp just as another guide came in with his clients. Him and I walked up to get our vehicles and the soldier I had out was talking to the guide's clients. They had caught plenty of fish but were very pizzed because they didn't catch 10#

Everyone just needs to accept its hard to run a tourney in the dead of winter. You add in the costs of paying guides. . .and the 8 hours of very tough fishing. . .

Its a unique idea. It needs some tweaking.

My best suggestion is simply to have the tourney when the weather is a little warmer. I know the point is to draw in some cash during the slow season, but it sounds like if things don't change there likely won't be many more of these events.

I understand where Richie is coming from, but I think the tournament organizers tried to get a little warmer weather and better fishing this year by moving it to February (last year it was in January). You can't control mother nature. Last year, two sharelunkers came out of Fork in February.

I think people will show up if you move it, and I will do my best to be there regardless of when it's held.

Next year the weather could be totally different. We've had 48 freezes this season when we normally have 28. Also remember what fouzman said about all the smiling going on. It's about the guides and community not catching fish.

Man do i feel foolish for just fun fishing sat. Bogey n I went to try to outfish some guides just for sport. If we could have afforded to pay a guide we would have. This event was a hoot and i dont care if it is snownado next yr I will fish it with or without a guide. We did spend money and did what we could go support who we could. Just my .02

The challenge was just intensified by the weather imo.

IMO February is better than January.....I did expect to catch a 12lber....I do every time I go to Fork. The weekend was great....Friday afternoon-night was really fun...it was great to see everyone. If I am not busy I will fish it. I think it is a great weekend and the fishing part is just part of it....it has nothing to do with who caught the most fish or who is the best guide. It is all about getting together and having fun when times are slow at Fork....

Stax!
If you will let me be,
I will try a Green Egg with spam.
You will see.

Say!
I like a Green Egg with spam!
I do!! I like them, Sam-I-am!
And I would eat them in a boat!
And I would eat them with a Cam...
And I will eat them in the rain.
And in the cold. And in the snow.
And in a gar hole. And in a tree.
They are so good so good you see!

So I will eat them in a Nitro.
And I will eat them with a Skeeter.
And I will eat them in some ice.
And I will eat them with live bait (aka "Crappie swim bait").
And I will eat them here and there.
Say! I will eat them ANYWHERE!

I do so like
a Green Egg with spam!
Thank you!
Thank you,
Sam-I-am

I must be getting ripped off if the average cost of a guide is $350. sure would like to see the list of guides that have that price. lol

I think the guides gave deals because this was to help them and the business around Lake Fork and they appreciate the thought behind what was done

There are still a couple of guys that aren't charging folks a small forture to fish. And these guys actually cary scales in the boat.

Their is a advertisement here on the TFF for a guide trip on Lake Fork for 2 people for 200 dollars a day if you need one not sure if he provides a scale.
200 dollars a day minus boat,truck, and gear he is not going to make a living or be in business by the end of the year. I am not sure why any one would want the guides to go broke just to take you fishing. theses guys have families to take care of to. I think most guides on fork struggle to get 200 days a year and 200 a day is still only 40,000 a year and that is before he buys a boat, truck, gear, insurance, and drinks for his client. I am not sure why people want theses guides to take them fishing and only make 10 or 15 thousand dollars a year. I am guessing but at that price he his making about 1500 a month before taxes.