Any fishing guides out there?

[Rodman_Rob]

Thinking about starting a guide service here in north central florida. the location makes it perfect, Rodman Reservoir, Lake George, St. Johns River, Oklawaha River, and plenty of lakes in the ONF make this area a prime spot for vacationers especially considering Lake Okochobee will be wiped off the map as far as fishing is concerned. Woud like to hear from other guides as far as what are some of the biggest expenses? Where do you market your clients? How often do you not catch anything? On those days are the trips free, half price, next trip half price??? Not looking to get rich, but something to supplement my income a little, and it would help make a boat payment as well

[Marty]

I am not a guide. There was an excellent post by one on the bass fishing newsgroup about four years ago that was a fascinating read, even for people who are not in the guiding business. It's pretty sobering, but will inform people about some of the harsh realities of the business. Hope it helps. (It's message #4 in the thread).

http://groups-beta.google.com/group/...31bc83e5335dbd

[AlabamaLakes]

For my average one day trip...15 gal gas for vehicle + or - depending on what lake...25 gal gas for boat + 1/2 gal outboard oil....Guide Insurance ( professional guides are not covered by homeowners ins) $2800.00 per year....Misc expense.. water,GatorAid,First Aid Supplies, Limited Tackle. apx $20.00 per trip... In Alabama Professional guides must be licenesed by the Coast Guard ( 6 pack license) Lots of red tape + yearly out of pocket ( $200.00) for Drug Test, Also must be CPR and First Aid Certified...Learn to live on very limited income during the months of Late Nov thru Feb 1...I must also figure some expense for ware and tear of vehicles, boat,fishing equipment ( many that fly in do not have their own tackle)....I would starve just being a fishing guide if I did not have my website to take up the slack....Thanks Lakeguide Hope I helped...

[Rodman_Rob]

THANKS bamalakes. I was especially concerned about the price of insurance. At over 200 a month seems expensive, but not as bad as I originally thought. I'm hoping to have everything in order in about 8 months. Thanks again.

[George_Welcome]

"Not looking to get rich, but something to supplement my income a little, and it would help make a boat payment as well"

Based on the two reasons that you gave for thinking about guiding, my guess is that you will fail as most do that get into the guiding business. This is a business that many enter but few remain.

During the process you will find that the costs put quite a dent into your pocketbook. The areas you mentioned require a "6-pak", and of course county and city licenses. Insurance will be more in the line of $1000.00 for a boat with a $1,000,000.00 umbrella. Daily operational costs have risen drastically over the last couple of years. Read your warranty information on all your equipment in reference to commercial usage.

Once you get past the cost and risk factors you have to deal with the fishing factors.

"How often do you not catch anything? On those days are the trips free, half price, next trip half price??? "

If you can't produce on a consistant basis you are headed in the wrong direction. Guiding is akin to a daily tournament where you must produce. The big difference however is you can't go home in second place very often and last in this business. In this world of wireless communications, your reputation will quickly spread. There will be the rare day when no matter what you do that the catching is going to be slow. Should the day be free? My answer to that is did you work that day? I am assuming that the answer is yes, hence you should get paid for that day.

Marketing: This medium is your best for your advertising dollar. The majority of clients will come from out of state.

Good luck no matter your decision.

[AlabamaLakes]

I did forget to mention all the city license fees I pay in order to guide on various lakes...And yes,,, You must always finish on top on any given day, no matter what the fish are doing...And advertising is a another expense..These fishing web sites do not allow a guide to post his wares for free...Another item that takes much time is answering emails for those that need fishing tips, but can not afford the trip..I try and answer every email I get, If I don't folks will talk bad about ya...So if you are interested in 16 hour days from Feb thru Nov, then starving in Dec and Jan for a Wal-Mart Salary, by all means, be a fishing guide... LOL..You just have to love it to make it pay!!!! Thanks, Lakeguide

[Fishie]

Alabama what happen if you just want to retire someday. How are you going to do it?

[George_Welcome]

I'm going to try to answer that for Larry. Who would want to retire from fishing? I hope to go down, standing on the front deck, just after I set the hook.

[AlabamaLakes]

Dito George !!

[flachristopherkeene9]

Hey Rodman let us know when you get it up and running!!! Maybe we will come and give you a visit! And so you can show us the spots there on the lakes down there. Never been down there before though!!


Good Luck,
Chris

[Rodman_Rob]

hope to purchase a boat within the next 6 months, hoping to have all the licenses and insurance in place within a year. lots of other things going on right now, but when I'm ready to guide, I'll let yall know.