Tipping Guides

[DRat]

I have two guided trips set up for this year. Both or inshore in the Keys. Does anyone know how much I am supposed to tip the guide or if I am even supposed to?? I have never done this before so I need some advise.

[roadwarrior]

10-20% is expected

8-)

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Definitely tip but as for the amount, that's up to you, and up to him/her.

If everything goes "status quo", 20%,...if the guide goes above and beyond like having great patience with your g/f , or really sets you straight with a pattern you've been trying to learn, or puts you on the fish of your life etc,...you adjust accordingly.

[Garnet]

Thats if you get good serivice good equipment and the trip you want.

20%

Garnet

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Exactly.  I've had the epitome of a bad guide experience.  We never left the dock (thank God).  Not only did he not see a dime, never mind a tip, he's lucky he got out of there uninjured.

This is the odd case though.

Most guides are going to go out of their way to take care of business.

A good reference would be to PM some of the top guides that are members and ask them their opinion.

i.e.

George Welcome-Stick Marsh

Tom Redington-Fork

[powerman970]

I fish with Joey Mines regularly on West Point.  He is his own boss, owns his own boat and equipment and makes pretty good money for a day on the water.  He also has put me on a ton of fish, always has a smile on his face when dealing with my 11 year old son, manages to find a cold beer sometimes, catches live bait himself at 4 am, and didn't charge us for a trip once when we had awful conditions and didn't catch what he considered "enough" fish.

He gets 20% on a bad day and I've gone as high as 40% on one occasion when I brought 2 beginner fisherman and he had to fool with them all day.

[Popeye]

I always try to tip at least 20% for good service and LOTS more for great service from anyone who takes tips. I drove a taxi in Coronado, Ca for about 6 months years ago and my family of 3 at the time had to basically live off the tips I made. We did so comfortably and it really made me aware of how appreciative most folks are when you tip them accordingly (especially the ones you become a repeat customer for like barbers, waiters, etc.).

[Guest muddy]

Hey I was reaching for a fish in the front of the boat, the guide was standing in the back , he tipped over and fell in. The water was waist high so I guess that was a 50% tip

[Garnet]

Another thing I try to do is pay cash.

Garnet

[Branuss04]

when I went to Alaska, i just judged it on how well he stuck us on fish.  Our Halibut trips the guide was awesome, limiting out both times he got tipped by both my dad and I $40.  When we went on the river salmon fishing, 2 days the guides stuck us on good fish, same thing $40 a piece, the last day on the river we had a differnet guide.  He never tried different techniques and just wasn't giving it his all.  He didn't put us on any fish, so he didn't get any tips from anyone.  

[George Welcome]

Expected: deposit - can be credit card or check. Credit card ensures immediate guarantee of day wanted.

Expected: cash at the ramp for payment.

Expected: take care of boat as if it was your own.

Expected: payment for broken equipment.

Rates vary by location - tips are not expected but certainly are appreciated.

In my case I don't supply bait or tackle, but invariably I end up giving both out due to shortage, or something being hot that client does not have.

Someone mentioned that his guide makes a good days pay. I do this year around and I do it because I truly enjoy it. If I did it for the money I would be long gone.

So again: tips are very much appreciated, but certainly not required. As to the amount - do what you feel is right.