Growing up, I used to wake up early on Saturday mornings to watch fishing shows on ESPN and the Outdoor Network. This used to bug my brothers to no end because I would beat them to the TV and they couldn’t watch cartoons. I loved watching anything about fishing, from Jimmy Houston Outdoors to Fly Fishing The World. Most of the TV shows that were about fishing included the use of an experienced fishing guide. I learned at a young age to associate fishing success with the use of a seasoned guide.
Why Use A Fishing Guide?
I have since been on many different fishing trips across the country and into Alaska. I notice that when I take the time and spend the money to hire a guide or charter service, I end up enjoying the experience more. This is for a few reasons. First, I catch more fish. How can you not enjoy yourself more when you are landing more fish? Second, I don’t have to think and strategize as much. This reason is slightly complicated, but let me explain further. If I were to go fly fishing alone to a river I have never fished before, it might take me a few hours to find out what the fish are eating. It might take me longer to search for and find feeding fish. Utilizing a guide that has many years of experience fishing specific water or a specific location will get rid of all the guesswork and put you right where you need to be to catch fish.
Don’t get me wrong – I enjoy fly fishing on new waters and learning how to catch fish at new places. But on a fishing trip to a new destination, spending a few days getting acquainted with the waters without any success can almost waste the trip.
Find The Best Fishing Guides
I am a firm believer in utilizing fishing guides. The professional anglers on those Saturday morning fishing shows weren’t too good to use them, and neither am I. Not all fishing guides are the same, however. I have had my fair share of duds over the years. I have learned a few tips when looking to find a fishing guide. First of all, read online fishing guide reviews. These reviews will allow you to see what other anglers liked and disliked about their services. If they were good at locating fish and getting other anglers into the action, then they will most likely be able to do the same for you. These reviews can be found on travel websites, online fishing forums, and fishing destination websites.
Also, look for guides that are experienced and have several years fishing on the same waters. Time is experience in the fishing business. I spent 4 years during my undergraduate studies fishing the same stretch of river, and I learned where the fish were at different times of the day and year. I know what flies work and what scenarios to use each one in. A guide that has time and experience on a certain river, lake, or stretch of ocean will be able to do the same for you.
Summary
Whether you are planning to utilize an Alaska fishing guide, a fly fishing guide, or a deep sea fishing guide, be sure to do your homework. Utilize the tools listed above to find fishing guides that have time and experience on the water. Once you find one, get ready to follow their instructions with exactness, and get ready to catch fish! Happy fishing!
What are your experiences with fishing guides? Leave your feedback in the comment section below. Thanks!
