I know this subject has been discussed many times in the past but wondering about current thinking.

Ever since guide fees were in the $200 range I've left a tip if I felt that the guide had tried hard to find fish and we've had a pleasant outing --- this regardless of the number caught.

These days, with the average guide fee around $450/day and some at $500/day or higher, I find myself questioning the need to do that any more. Wondering what others think about it these days -- has the escalation of guide rates caused you to rethink the practice. Are you still tipping the same %?

In some of the past discussions some of those that guide have weighed in saying that tips were appreciated but not required. Is your thinking the same these days? Do you think any less of a client that doesn't tip versus one that does?

Just as a matter of info., I'm not a frequent guide client, averaging a couple of guided trips per year.

Appreciate any/all inputs/opinions.

C.

Going on my first guided trip soon and I intend on tipping, as long as the guide works hard for us and we are able to learn a few things I think its the right thing to do.

I stopped tipping the pizza delivery dude when they started charging delivery "fees."

But I tipped on both the guided bass trips I've been on.

When guide trips were $200, fuel was $.79/gal, boats were $15k and a pack of worms was $.99. You tipped them $50 and life was good on both ends.

Now everything has quadrupled except for the cost of the guide trip. Maybe guides need to be charging closer to $800?

Back when guide rates were $200 a day. Gas was $1.25 a gallon, Boats were $18,000 brand new and Trucks were $20,000. Gas is now $3.75 a gallon, Trucks are $60,000 and Boats are $50,000

YES you need to tip your fishing guide! He is providing a personalized service.

If you do not plan on tipping your guide then tell him up front that you do not plan on tipping. But if the guide ties on all your lures, gets your bait un-hung, takes your fish off, takes your picture, picks your backlashes, etc. Then you need to tip him.

I will still tip a guide no matter what the price, but I don't tip 20%. My tip will usually be right at 10% of the guide fee unless we catch 4 SAL's, then it might go up to 20%.

I always tip min 15%. I know how much work goes into it before we even meet the guide to launch. If I land a trophy or the trip exceeds my expectation I will tip more.

Most people don't understand that Guides don't work 8hr work days....they start at 3-4am and are usually done around 10pm. They deserve what we pay. Everyone once in a while you will come across a guide that isn't A+ quality....your choice on tip. Personally I always ask around and find reviews before I schedule anything. I expect awesome trips when I'm paying for it.

Just my opinion. If you need any recommendations for guides....I've taken plenty of trips and am willing to recommend a few!

i hate having to feel obligated tip and figure out what makes them happy. Just add the tip in the dam price of the trip and quit the guessing game.

You don't NEED a $60,000 truck to pull a $50,000 boat...

I can understand tipping when someone goes above and beyond what is expected, or you just enjoyed their company so much that you feel a tip is deserved, but why is the several hundred dollars you paid for the trip already not considered enough? It's a tough job and much of the work goes unnoticed, I get it. But why would they charge less than what is required to compensate their costs and effort? (Not calling anyone out or anything, just curious as to the logic behind expecting a tip for services you've already been paid to provide)

^^^^

If you can afford the Guide, you should be able to afford to tip.

I'm glad all guides do NOT build in the tip...all guides are different and all days fishing are different. I will dang sure tip a guide if we go out and have a good time OR he provides me valuable information, but I will not tip someone that doesn't meet my expectations. The guide that allows me to have a good time and is fun deserves more $$ than the guide that failed.

Here is another example:
I go out to eat at a nice restaurant and part of the "package" is a waiter/waitress. If this person meets or exceeds his/her job duties and has a good personality, then I will be very generous. If he/she only leaves my glass empty or is rude, I will leave zero tip. I hope you're not a person that tips the same no matter what kind of service you receive.

I've never been on a guided fishing trip but would love to next spring, and would base the tip on the quality of the trip. 15%-20% would seem reasonable.

On the flip side...would a guide give you some of your money back or offer to take you out again for free or at a severely discounted rate if you spend 8 hours on the lake and catch one 2lb bass??

Perfectly logical. I haven't used a guide and therefor never really thought about it. My initial thought of an average day not getting a tip wouldn't leave room to punish a guide for poor effort. Although, it does get annoying when the stated price is not actually what it's going to end up costing for a service. Anywho, standing corrected.