I have my first guide trip at the end of this month. I was wondering I am I supposed to be prepared to tip or give the guide extra if the fishing is exceptionally good? Thank you guys

You should be prepared to tip if the guide is friendly and does his job professionally. How many fish you catch that particular day is not the only litmus test you go by. You also have to assess current conditions and what you have been taught. Remember it should not only be a catching trip, but a learning trip as well. Most tip anywhere from $20.00 to $50.00.

Yes, but that's totally up to you. Never feel that you have to tip anyone. You tip because you want to, not because you have to.

Good post!

That is correct....

"I don't tip."

I would agree with the above posts. Tip if you want to, but you never have to.

Of course, tips are appreciated, but should never be expected.

Just remember there are no guarantee's. The guide will take you out and will show you good places to fish, and then you take what he has shown you and try and find good water that duplicates his. Also, he will teach you techniques you want to learn, but you want to let him know those techniques ahead of time. Some guides specialize in certain techniques such as finesse, jig fishing, crankbait fishing or whatever. But they all know how to fish all the above. Lastly, by no guarantee's I mean about catching fish. Everyday is different and you will probabaly catch fish on any day with a guide, but judge your trip on how good a time you had, and what you learned, and how many fish and how big a fish I would consider a bonus. Just remember, he will be doing his best for you his customer. No guide ever wants to have a bad day on the water, but mother nature has other idea's. Tips are appreciated, and you should tip what you want.

The first time tip may make a difference on your second trip...I alway tip a guide and bartender.

If the guide did his job.I would.Also it helps when you adventure to the lake on your own and you can give them a call and ask for some advise.

If the guide takes care of you, take care of him. Whether he puts you onto to fish may be secondary. You'll certainly learn from him.

Tips are a guides way of knowing he did a good job. When I dont get a tip I tend to think that I may have done something wrong. No guide works as hard as when the fish arent biting. Actually if a person is really paying close attention he will learn more when the fishing is slow than when it is hot. When the fishing is great I might only have to hit a few spots doing only one technique. When the fishing is tough you might see a guide hit 10 spots and try lots of different things. My point is a guide probably deserves a tip if you see him trying his absolute hardest to put fish in the boat. Instead of just giving up and calling it a day. The amount should be whatever you think is good. Any amount you give is a compliment to the guide.

Tipping...........this has to be the worst question I am asked! Bar none! This is a very touchy subject to me. I have heard that everything from;

1.) You never tip the owner of the company.

2.) If the guide wants more money he should charge more.

3.) Why tip a guide? When he is charging $200 - $300 dollars a day.

And several other things that I just won't go into. Let me answer my own post;

1.) Yes, most likely the guide is the owner of his company, but he is the grunt too.

2.) From the above statement, true, but if he did charge more most likely you would not hire him.

3.) Although a guide charges a set rate, "IF" he truly runs it as the business it is he is hardly getting by. The cost of gas, oil, tackle, commercial insurance, tow vehicle, and advertising is very expensive. Once all of this is considered there is not a lot left.

It is unfortunate that we live in a world that if he does not put me on numbers or the fish of a lifetime he does not warrant re-hire or a tip. I have always felt that the day on the water is a learning experience, although there are times where conditions do not warrant much (if any) of a teaching experience. Where I feel I have done my job is when you leave me and my boat, fish on your own and catch fish on your own water using the techniques you've been taught.

One more thing, hire a full-time guide, your chances of success are much greater as he is on the water far more than a part-timer.

As for tipping, some people do not tip, but a repeat trip is letting that guide know that he is and has done his job. Even a bad waitress gets a tip! On how much..........that is totally up to you as each tip varies from customer to customer and trip to trip.

I hope this helps,

Jeff
Fishin' with Jeff

P.S.
This is my last weekend to spend with my family, I opted not to go to Rayburn this weekend to fish a tourney.

I agree with Jeff on his post except with his comment . Maybe with bass fishing but not all types. You can always ask a guide for refrences. I have been fishing the lakes I fish for quit a few years and I do pretty darn well for a part-timer

In the past I have and have not tipped a guide.I think you should show some form of thank you. Now,I only use the same people over and over when I need help and become a repeat customer,but I always like to buy them at least a nice lunch or a nice dinner of their choosing. I agree with what " MV " states above in that if you are a repeat customer it will pay off in the future when you can call them anytime and they will help you out. I am experiecning this situation right now and it is great to know,but most important it builds along time friendship with the guide when you can just sit down together over a beer or food and talk about other things than how the fishing day went. Jusy my 2 cents.