I'm thinking about using a guide but have never done this before. So I was wondering as far as payment for the trip, is it customary to tip the guide, or is just the trip rate typical?
Thanks
Ryan

I think you should tip them especially if they put you on some good fish..

It has been my experience that if a guide works hard for
me and I tip him well, he will work even harder the
next time we go.
MO

Guiding is a CAKEWALK! Taking guys fishing for a living is too easy. The Guide should pay you for letting them go with you! LOL!

Just kidding. The good ones will work their tail off for you. As far as the tip goes you should do whatever you feel led to do at the end of the day. There is no hard fast rule about tipping. If you learned something that will benefit you for years to come give him a tip. If not, You Hired The Wrong Guide. Do your homework BEFORE you hire a guide then talk to him about what your expectations are BEFORE you hit the water. There are several good ones on here. Ask around and talk to the guys that have used them before.

This way you will have a great trip and neither one of you will be disappointed in the day.

Hope this helps,

Ken

if you get exceptional service then "tip", if you don't then don't. Simple.

This definitely helps. I have a part time job where tips are the main way I make money, so I completely understand the concept and importance of tipping based on service. I just didn't want to have someone take me out treat me right, teach me some tricks, put me on some fish and then not tip just because I didn't have the knowledge. I'm looking at several of the guides on here and didn't want to leave a bad impression of myself out of ignorance. I'll plan to bring extra cash!

I am curious to know from the guides how often they get tips.

Same as out at a restaurant or whatever. If the service is really good give your guide a good tip. Personally I've never had a guide who didn't work hard to put me on fish so I always give a good tip.

As a former guide, I'll say that I priced trips based on a solid day of fishing and never counted on tips. I actually refunded if it was below average or would refuse tips. I did not expect tips, but considered them the bonus and most did tip if we had a great day of catching.

I always tip on my personal trips based on the following criteria...usally 5% is automatic, though I have tipped nothing on shutouts. I also look for the attitude of the guide. Was he nice? Helpful? Appear hardworking? Do everything you asked? Had his act together? If so, then we look at 10-20% of the trip rate.

I would say it is NOT equivalent to a restaurant, because waiters make about 3 dollars an hour- you should tip them regardless. Tip well if service was good. Never punish a waiter when food sucks.

I can't stand it when vendors of mine leave crappy tips.

Any good service, regardless the vocation deserves a tip. For inshore fishing my tip rate is 50 per head if the fishing was good.

I'll tip 20 bux a head if fishing was so-so because I know it can be a tough living.

Just my .02

Where are you wanting to fish?

+1. I am a full time guide, but I hire saltwater guides once a year. Thats the rule I use.

If he was competent at all, tip him. Guiding is a tough way to make a living. Most of them are doing it because they love to see people catch fish. There are much easier ways to make money.

In my opinion, and my philosophy is...tips are never expected, but always appreciated.

Tips are truly up to the customer. I've had great trips with no tip, and had tough trips with large tips. Either way, I put everything I can into every trip.

Same here

I was probably just looking to hit up Lavon. It's close to my house so would make it easier getting the teenager out of bed. the closer to the house, the longer he gets to sleep.