Renting a Guide

[Redtail]

How does this work? Do you usually rent a guide by the hour or day and about how much are you looking at to rent one. And also where would you even find a guide for one of your local lakes.

Thanks

[Chris]

Fee is usually half day or full day. Cost depends on the guide my cost I think was $200 half and $300 for full and (x) amount for large parties. RW (Roadwarrior)would be a good one to answer.

[DDbasser]

Redtail,

I've been searching for guides on some lakes here in Oklahoma.

Most have been between $125 and $200 per person for a full day.

The way I have located them is searching for a web page for the lake I want to fish. Most lakes have some kind of website with guides, hotels, gas, food etc. advertised on them.

Hope this helps.

 

[roadwarrior]

Hi guys!

Regarding the topic, Guide services are almost always a half day or a full day and can sometimes be set up for multiple days at a slightly reduced rate. As Chris said, usually $175-$200 for one or two guys and another $50 for a third. On some lakes/ rivers the fee will be $275-$300 for a day and many guides will not guide half days or will charge you for a full day anyhow. Gas, lures and bait may or may not be included and you have to ask. So, prices vary.

What is really important is to find a guide that fits your expectations. You need to tell him how you like to fish, your level of experience, equipment and techniques you are familar with and just some general information about your fishing. Discuss whether or not he fishes with you and discuss certain specifics: numbers vs. size, species (although you may only care about largemouth, Kentucky could be on a tear), what is provided and what you are expected to bring along. Sometimes lunch is provided as part of the package, often not.

Talk with a guide as a businessman, not as your friend. Be specific and make sure you are well suited. If not, most guides will refer you to another guide or guide service. Guides are in business to help you catch fish, that doesn't mean you will, but you can expect him to put you on them. Let your professional guide, guide- he doesn't need a lot of suggestions from you.

Another suggestion is to let your guide pick lures and colors. You are playing his game with his cards at his house. He probably knows a thing or two about his water. You can fish something else on a different day.

Tips? Whether you catch a fish or not, if everything else is no worse than okay, a 10% tip is in order. More if it's much better than you expect. These days I usually fish with a guide I've been using for years and I tip about 25% total, divided by the guys I'm with. Now I get to fish all the best spots and my man often takes me out at night for free. Don't expect that unless you have been fishing with the same guy for awhile, it's not part of the deal.

[paparock]

Why rent when you can buy??? Now seriously ask for references and check them. Many of the guys here can also give you good advice on who to choose. Roadwarrior covered the points very well so best of luck and have a great trip.

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

We just booked Ritchie WHite for Lake Fork in March. The avg for Fork guides is $200 1/2 day and $300 full (full day is 10 hrs!)

We did our research and Ritchie excels at taking accomplished anglers and putting them on trophies.

Most guides have equipment for you to use if you need it. We are bringing our gear of course but our guide uses all Kistler rods so I'm going to double-up on my opportunity and give an LTA a try.

[L.D.]

Gee, I've been hired before but never rented(I feel so cheap)

I suggest you also find out if they are a full time guide or part time. Often part time guides don't have insurance, up to date certification in CPR and First Aid, and haven't been following the daily movement of the bass.

Fee's vary greatly. I give a 8 hr day, with my tackle, and can throw in a cottage on the river to stay for $210.00/day for two people.

L.D.