Tips on selecting a guide

[Roger S]

Anyone have any tips on selecting a guide for a lake / area that you have never been to other than price?

Thanks in advance

Roger Roger

[Glenn]

Here ya go!

http://bassresource.com/fishing/guides.html

http://bassresource.com/fishing/finding_fishing_guide.html

http://bassresource.com/fishing/florida_guide.html

Enjoy!

[Guest bigtex]

I don't use guides.  I have found that the reall information lies within the age.  What I mean by this is that I will find the coffee shop that holds the older age anglers that can't or don't fish anymore and pick them for all the information that the hold about the lake that I'm interested in.  This is by far the best and most accurate information out there.  They have nothing to lose by giving you the information and it may only cost you some coffee vs. $500-$2000.

They will have just as much info if not more than a guide.

[senile1]

Good info, bigtex.  After all these years of trying to decipher new lakes on my own, you have opened my eyes.  You can't be shy.  Gotta' talk to the aged locals.  Thanks.

[George Welcome]

Roger: pick a guide for an area and put his name up on the internet. That will get you some answers. Check his internet pages - look for references that you can contact - contact the references. Look for longevity - lots of guys out there that are "have boat am guide" types. Look for a guide that works the lake you wish to fish - not a guide that advertises half the state.

It won't take that much homework to find out what you want to know.

*Edited...roadwarrior

[roadwarrior]

After you read the three articles Glenn posted, visit George Welcome's website. I think you will get a good feel for what you should look for in a guide and you might develope some specific questions you should ask your prospective host. The right guide will make your trip one to remember.

This is my best tip:  If possible, get a reference from someone you know. I have some specific guides to recommend in Tennessee and Arkansas, others on this forum might have a guide in their area. So, ask around and be specific.

Note: There are at least four guides, maybe more, that are forum members.

[Guest bigtex]

What I meant was ask the anglers that have fished that lake but can no longer do it due to old age, illnesses, or some other reasons. By doing this you just accomplished two things. You made a new friend and you got what you were seeking for. I love talking with the older and wiser generation. They hold a lot of great information. I hope I didn't imply not to use a guide. I just stated that I don't perfer to. Just ask LBH about his experience with his guide. I know that all guides aren't like the one he had but I don't want to take that chance. But if you want to use a guide go for it. This was just my opinion.

*Edited for clarity and cordiality...roadwarrior

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

My experience with a guide was a bad one but I think I'm the rare case.  We had a situation.

I personally wouldn't go to a large lake like Fork without a guide.  I'll have 3 different ones next year.

[djs fishing]

I think that asking the locals might be fine for a local lake you have never fished before.

However, if you're planning a trip to another state and on to a big lake then I would strongly recommend a guide. They know the lake and the seasonal patters etc

Think about how you do on your local spots compared to the new lake you just found.

I have hired several guides over the years. I had some bad experiences and some good ones.

Here is an article I used when planning my last trip to BigO. I think it covers everything. Most IMPORTANT is know what you're getting. Once you know then there is no surprise.

http://www.guideservice.com/select.htm

[Matt Fly]

Communication, communication, communication.    You should ask every question in the book, and some that aren't.

Do you guide on this lake exclusively?

Do you guide on multiple species or bass only?

How many years on said lake?

How do you handle bad weather days?

Do you furnish tackle?

What do I need to bring?

How many days have you been out in the last 30 days?  

Do you have current references?

Do you take time off to chase tournaments?  If so when, what series?

I hope you get a guide that gives you a memory of a lifetime, a good memory that is.  

I think guides are worth it.  

hookem

matt