Ive had guides that NEVER threw a cast net(full of holes) or pulled a anchor, yes me and my buddy did all that, all they did was drive the boat, well he did bait a couple lines. And then had the nerve to hint for a tip.think we caught 6 or 8 fish

My question is would a guide rather work for his advertised rate or the client stay home if he can't afford to tip? Many times I think of booking but don't have a fishing buddy and the trip is pricey enough by yourself. Then when you go with a buddy and he doesn't want to pony up I can't afford to cover his tip. These make what should be a fun trip somewhat stressful.

You guys should hang out, this way, you both would have at least one friend each.

I was not going to post but WTH...

REALLY ! No tip? What is charged is to be competitive and cover costs like fuel, bait, rods/reels, lures, maintenance, insurance, boat payments, guides license, driving to/from lake (with boat) on and on and on... A tip says thank you for your effort and hard work to give "me" a chance for a day to remember. If you are not lucky enough to have one of those days keep try'n it will happen. Most of us are still snooz'n when these guys are at teh ramp waiting for a customer, when it's freezing or 100 plus they will fish. Add the pressure to find fish and get a customer to set the hook or not lose the fish is enough to frustrate any one.. but most guides work their azz's off because they know you the customer would love to have a great day!
I'm done!!!

Treat others as you want to be treated.Might makes someones day.

Its really simple guys a tip is a gratuity for service over and above normal, it shouldn't be expected or I shouldn't feel like I NEED to tip its a personal thing IF ya feel like ya got more than ya paid for and can afford it give um a tip if ya don't or cant don't, if a guide cant make it on what he charges needs to find a new line of work. just my simple opinion

Having just read what Opus wrote ... its hard to disagree with clear thinking like that.

From reading all of these posts, I'm so glad I'm not a guide I get stressed out just trying to get the wife and kids on some fish

I agree.

If I pay for a product (a meal for example), then I tip the service that comes with it. If I pay for a service (a fishing guide for example) then I've already paid him. If he does go above and beyond, I'll tip him, but if I've paid him $425 for his service and had an enjoyable day on the water I don't see any NEED to tip him. If I were a guide, I'd be grateful for any tips, but I'd never expect them after having got a pretty good chunk of change already.

First trip I ever went on I didn't tip. I didn't know it was common. He is a great guide, I've been out with him many times since, he is a friend and we fish together sometimes not as a guide trip. But I made up for the first lack of a tip. If you find a good hard working guide, I'd say tip them, they really do work hard.

Guides in particular.... Aside from Parker(I know where you stand) please chime in --would you rather fish for your advertised rates or not go out? I honestly am asking this question. As mentioned earlier these trips are pricey at least from where I sit and with given budget constraints I need to plan ahead to make a trip. If a tip is required for the guide to feel paid then so be it . Probably less trips for me. Some guides run a special to perhaps get some close budget guys on board. Clearly they realize a few dollars can matter. OK guides let us have it.

been watching this and i will answer ya.tip or no tip i just want to get booked. much appreciated but not expected and i have learned many lessons on this topic over the years. speaking for myself without trips i go broke so tip if you want to but most important just come.

Tight a$$e$ are not going to tip. No matter what. Justify it however you wish. You are cheap. If your budget is tight, pay your bills, you don't need to be blowing it on a fishing trip. If you can't afford a tip you can't afford a trip. Stay home and take care of business.

Totally agree with you Chris. Had a great trip about a year ago and the guy told me he didn't have the money for a tip, but felt I deserved one. I told him I appreciated his comments and the best tip he can give me is to let others know about my business or book another trip in the future. He has since done both of those things.