Just out of curiosity and general discussion, is the rising cost of gasoline affecting the cost of a guided fishing trip?
Are the guides trying to hold the cost down and raising prices?

It's not too bad yet. I am keeping my trips close to Waco for the time being, I will have to raise my rates for trips a little further away from home. But I will try to keep it reasonable. I will probably raise my Limestone rates by $25 to cover the cost of diesel when it gets $4 a gallon.

$3.50 by this weekend.

Everything will go up, it always does,.....except for wages..

I'm not planning on raising my rates. I live close enough to both Grapevine and Lewisville and even won't burn a gallon of gas in my truck round trip. My boat doesn't burn a lot of fuel either.

The biggest change in price you will see is from the off-shore captains. Most charge for their guide fees and fuel separately.

Some guides have already raised their prices over last year prices,...I also see that some of the extras that were once free are now being charged for, like use of rods. I'm sure that the cost of gas for their boats is certainly on their mind. Last year one guide we were out with said that he looses money when he takes his boat over 40 mph. I'm ok with that, but some high-rollers may think the guide is slow-playing the day, so damned if ya do, damed if ya don't. The amount of money that they pocket at the end of the day depends on their out of pocket expenses. I hate to see a good guide loose his business, or price himself out of the market. Tough call. But hey, I'm in the same boat, cost me more each day to do the same things, I'm thinking about 4 day work weeks for some of my folks that have longer drives...we all have to be more aware, jim
I see that some coastal guides even requier a gas top charge when they get back at the end of the day.

Im glad that people are finally showing interest in the MOST important factor of the economy The price of fuel i wish more people would have taken notice when we broke 2.00 a gallon.

No plans to raise prices here.

For many of us who guide, there is a certain amount of profit versus loss on every trip. If my clients lose 10 $4 jigs, that is gonna be a heavy loss, but it will offset on a trip where clients don't lose but 1-2 jigs. Days I have to run and run to keep up with fish are offset by trips where we limit in 3 close areas.

Really it is difficult to determine your profit/loss position until you are already into season. I think most inshore/lake guides will hold the same costs or have only minimal increases. Those that are asked to travel more to lakes that are farther away than they would normally fish when the same fish is available in their home lakes will have to charge a mild gas fee to cover that expense.

The offshore Capt's I know are already trying to figure fuel surcharges into their position. At somepoint, the business either makes money or it isn't feasible to continue.

Not raising prices here and I still offer free water and Gatorade on the trips. My guide service is all inclusive; a lot of folks don't have the gear for bass fishing, so they depend on me to supply it. At least I know with my gear, the line is correct for the areas, and the rods and reels will get the job done.