Poll What is a guide worth?
What is a guide worth?
OptionResults
Guide/150 days a year $3500 Votes - [0%]
Guide/125 days a year $3001 Votes - [6.67%]
Guide/100 days a year $2500 Votes - [0%]
Guide/75 days a year $2000 Votes - [0%]
Guide/50 days a year $1500 Votes - [0%]
Guide/25 days a year $1250 Votes - [0%]
Guide/10 days a year $1000 Votes - [0%]
Guide/5 days a year $750 Votes - [0%]
Guide/1 day in a blue moon $Gas Money!0 Votes - [0%]
Guide/0 and needs a map to find the lake/ $1/2 Gas Money0 Votes - [0%]
Base the fee on the guide's experience, reputation, and success ratio12 Votes - [80%]
New Angler - won't be happy, expectations too high2 Votes - [13.33%]
Add your own option:

New Angler
Posted 9/27/2004 10:44 PM (#119638)
Subject: What is a guide worth?


I see many guides out there, some fish for muskys some fish for everything and sometimes fish for muskys. I see many guides that are weekend guides or just local want a be's. You know the want a be's with so many stickers on there truck they cant see out the windows.

There is a handful of waters I want to learn but with money so tight I want to get the Best Bang for the Buck!!!

I want to learn great boat control
I want learn seasonal patterns
I want the guide to teach, not tell stories of the big one he saw on that spot 5 years ago.
I want to the guide to teach me what 30 days on the water will teach.

I have yet to figure out what a top dollar guide is but I have an idea and here are a few things I thought of so please let me know if you agree. I have broke this down to $ amount of worth and days on the water fishing only for muskies.

Please vote for WHO YOU WOULD RATHER HIRE to get the BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK!!!
sworrall
Posted 9/27/2004 10:58 PM (#119640 - in reply to #119638)
Subject: RE: What is a guide worth?





Posts: 32958


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
New Angler,
I hardly know where to start.

If a guide is busy full time, then like a very busy restaraunt, it indicates something good is happening there. I also know of several who don't guide alot who are consumate top sticks, and in very high demand. Best thing to do is ask about reputation in shops around the Guide's area, in the business, and maybe here, too.

The 'wanna be' statement is out of line. Sponsor stickers on a vehicle might reflect contract obligations and nothing more. In fact, many of the top guides and Pros out there have complete sponsorship 'wraps' done on the tow vehicle now. It's part of the business these days.

Hire a guide who comes highly recommended in general, and you probably will learn all you seek.
sworrall
Posted 9/27/2004 11:10 PM (#119642 - in reply to #119640)
Subject: RE: What is a guide worth?





Posts: 32958


Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin
By the way, in your area I would recommend Mark H from this board. He's a great stick, knows his boat control, and has a great success ratio over there.
marine_1
Posted 9/28/2004 7:44 AM (#119644 - in reply to #119638)
Subject: RE: What is a guide worth?





Posts: 699


Location: Hugo, MN
Ypur perceptions if nothing else are interesting. If a guy does 150 days a year guiding on the water I wouldn't say that makes him the best or you should pay him the most. When you talk to them about hiring them for a day or half day tell them what you expect to learn too.
Pete Stoltman
Posted 9/28/2004 8:50 PM (#119765 - in reply to #119638)
Subject: RE: What is a guide worth?




Posts: 663


I think your basic premise is a bit off track. While experience counts it is not the only factor in determining a choice for guides. Steve made several good points and I know some guys who haven't guided a day in their life that would certainly be worth $350 if they decided to hang out their shingle. The issues you bring up regarding what you would like to learn from a guide are of far more importance and I've known of some guys who will put you on fish but not do much in the "education" department. The key is to do your homework and talk with the guides that you are interested in. Communication should be open and if you're not getting the right "vibe" from the conversation then that should help you in your decision. Also remember that musky fishing is always a challenge regardless of where or who you fish with even the best name in the industry can't guarantee you a fish.