When I have fished with a guide I've always gone out with a partner or a group and we have agreed up front on a tip amount based on a good trip - However I have been on a couple of saltwater trips where our guide was more involved with his own fishing or more concerned about getting home then about our fishing day and the tip was renegotiated or cancelled completely.

I guess I'm the odd man out, but I've never felt a necessity to tip. Endentured servitude is illegal, therefore each person chooses a job/profession of their own free will. If an individual chooses a job/profession that includes a fluctuating income based upon the generiousity of others, so be it. No one twisted their arm to take the job.

I've worked in all kinds of inclimate weather, but choose jobs that provided a steady income based on skills. Not one based on tips.

Aside from that, a guides base income minus overhead (by my best estimate) is still a 'damn' good hourly wage. In addition, they are constantly learning what's effective by gearing their clients with various baits/lures/setups.

I tip, but never out of guilt for someone elses life choices.

just my thoughts

If this is your perception, then I really hope you don't ever expect above average service or exceptional service. It is this kind of attitude towards service industry workers that leads to bad service.

im with ya burnetbass! couldnt have said it better!

To each his own on tips. I have hired a guide only once in my life. This was out in Texas last November. We did not load the boat, far from it. But, the day was one of enjoyment and pure pleasure to be fishing with a knowledgable "personality" that loved what he did and was willing to share his skill and educate me on the water we were fishing. We tipped. Not a lot, but it was something to show we appreciated for what we felt was that little something extra. The day ended with us following our guide to his home where he gave us some nice large packs of catfish filets to enjoy. This was not expected at all but most appreciated. This is what I call a high quality guide that cared about his clients. Will I make a return trip with him one day? As we say in this neck of the woods, "you mighty right I will".

Most Guides Tip Me when I fish with them....

That's because you're the most interesting man in the world

Lucas Loafman
Pro Angler

Registered: 03-11-2007
Posts: 561
Loc: Belton, TX 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.
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I think a tip is in order even with a shutout if the guide worked his tail off...I have "learned "
much more on a fishing trip when the fish were not bitting ....more locations,tactics and go to baits when things are Tough...Knowlege is why i hire a guide not to fill my freezer although would be a great bonus to the trip...just my 02

One thing you have to remember is that guides don't get to work every day.. assume they work 150 days per year and net $300/day that is only $45K. I suspect that they net closer to $200 on average so the tip might be their food or clothing budget. If they are good give them some money. If they are bad they won't be in business long so don't worry about them.