What SHOULD it take be a bass fishing guide? Currently in a Texas it seems like all one needs to do to be a guide in freshwater is to get on the Internet on forums like this and label yourself a guide. Then jump on any and all threads about the lake to give yourself exposure until some unfortunate out of towner goes looking on the Internet for a "guide" and hires the one they see advertising. Should Texas set standards as to what it takes to demonstrate some type experience such as prior proven success in the field ( such as tournament history)? Should we set some type of system that people rate the guides abilities after each paid trip for others to see? Or should we just leave it alone so anyone who wants to say they are a guide can be?

Mama says I make a Good Guide and Net man

It may sound easy, but I guarantee you if anyone starts taking people out on a regular basis and not catching fish, then the life of a guide will be short lived. Its very much a results driven career. So the credentials don't matter near as much as the results. If someone can produce the results on a consistent basis, then everything else will take care of itself. But I would think that it is one of those jobs that looks easy, but those guys work their butts off, and work longer hours than most of us.

Well you should have a TPWD permit I would think. Other than that it's like any other occupation ie. mechanic, painter, etc. That's why you should do your homework before soliciting any service.

Yep I agree it seems like every tom dick and harry are calling themselves guides these days!!! In fact I think that during this convo I just became a guide!!! Call me if you wanna go fishing on a lake somewhere for some fish cause I have been killing em at whatever lake you pick on deep,shallow point rock stumps on a deep diving crank brush lizard in stained clear dirty water in the back of main lake points. I currently have availabilities so call me for the best fishing experience of your life and oh by the way there are no refunds if we happen to not get on them!!! lol

In order to guide in Texas a person has to obtain a license from TP&W. There is no way to test for the right to get a license. Leave it the way it is. If you want to fish with a guide use the internet to research who ever you are looking at for a trip.

LOL that sounds like most reports!

That's an interesting question. I knew a gentleman over at Cedar Creek who guided for years. Cliff (sorry, I forget his last name), was a great guide from what I've heard. His clients loved him and he had many repeats. He put people on fish. He was pleasant, and was very good at instructional techniques, depending on what his clients wanted and their skill levels.
As far as I know...he never fished tournaments....thought they were kinda silly. So, I'm not sure that tournament fishing is the indicator of "success in the field". I'm not sure what a good indicator system would be. It seems that offshore guides have to pass some pretty intense tests....maybe that's the answer but, who's gonna write the tests and what would be their content? Would you have a test for technique knowledge?
It's sure something to think about though.

Pretend guides don't last more than a season. Its fine the way it is.

+1

You knew a guide for years and you don't know his last name. Come on man

Don't forget about that insurance that is required.

I'm 58. I do good to remember what I ate for dinner yesterday. Break given.

There was also a lady at Cedar Creek who had a deck boat and guided for sand bass exclusively. Sorry, I don't remember her name either but I worked for Northland Cable News at the time and these guides did periodic fishing reports for the cable news. What sort of a test should a sand bass guide take? I can imagine the questions: "Please indicate the proper wiggle for a slab spoon in 20' water at 60 degrees"

I do have an observed opinion on what we don't need:
We don't need a system like Montana has on their flyfishing and hunting guides. The state issues a limited number of "outfitter licenses" and they are pricey. It's a good-ol-boy network and no matter how good of a guide you may be....you can't guide unless you work for an "outfitter". It's awful.

I BEEN KILLIN EM LATELY, COME FISH WITH ME!!!!!!!

When you have your car worked on do you just take it to a person that calls himself a mechanic?
When you need a plumber do you just call one that says he's a plumber?
If you were hiring entertainment for your kids birthday party, wouldn't you require references?

There comes a point where it's YOUR responsibility to check out who you pay your money to. Don't blame the guide, mechanic, plumber or clown...do your homework and make a wise choice.