UpperC62
Posts: 2
Joined: 11/7/2009
Status: offline
|
Tipping a guide has developed on this forum into an interesting discussion. I agree with tipping anywhere from 10 to 25% depending on the commitment to you, experience and the ability and willingness of the guide to share that experience. To me hiring a guide is like going to a fine restaurant. If you are lucky enough to receive service from a waiter or waitress which has complimented a fine meal then they deserve a minimum 20% gratuity. If you do not feel the same, I guarantee the service and meal will not offer the same positive experience the second time around.
The competence level of those who fish can be broken down basically into three levels - Beginner,
Intermediate and Expereinced with diferent level within each. The millions upon millions of folks who are avid fishermen or fisherwomen consider their fishing time as something special. They are very passionate about their fishing and would like very much to become Experienced at the particular type they enjoy but do not have the time or the know how. They generally become proficient to a certain level and spend the rest of their fishing lives at that level. That is where a good guide comes in. They can help an avid angler gain 5 or more years of experience in a trip of two. A good guide can teach an interested guest how to fish certain types of water under different conditions along with the riggings and offerings necesary and usually productive. They can give their guests a gift which can be used productively while fishing on their own. This usually translates to the guest having many years of fishing pleasure and fond memories while fishing themsleves along with an increased enjoyment and understanding of the sport they love. In turn they have the option of sharring this with others who are important to them. This is because a good guide took the time to give these skills to their guest. There are over $40,000,000,000.00 spent each year on fishing in this country which generates to over a million jobs. Guiding is part of this.
I believe the most important possesion a person can own is their fond, memorable experiences. All things physical which can be touched will eventually come and go. A fond memory lasts a lifetime and offers the most substancial substance one can hold on to. When this is factored in, I think it is easy to realize that when we find it in ourselves to willingly tip a waiter or waitress for good service then it would likey become questionable behavior to begrudge a good guide who has given you 25 times the work and so much more time dedicated to be at the top of their game than a good waiter or waitress. I think a person who is not informed or is comfortable in controversy would continue to pursue the argument - A Guide Does Not Deserve a Tip.
A guide does do not run 5 days a week every week. Most are lucky to run half that. When the river blows out for a week or two that traslates to lost income unless they can convince their clients for an alternative. Sick or not they have to run and be on top of their game. They need to keep equipment in top condition and purchase up to date gear. Guests do not like to see or use outdated equipment. A guide needs to adapt to the level of expertise of each person making it possible for them to hook up and land their fish. In some cases this is like performing a miracle. Salmon River guides are on the river Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter. Some days they should recieve a medal for just showing up. A guest can endure almost any kind of weather for a day but try doing a string of floats in sub 10 or 20 degree weather with wind and produce for your guests. They need to spend time getting gear ready for each trip and cleaning their boat between trips. Sure this is a guides chosen field but they deserve respect for being special men with special skills. If you doubt what I am saying try going steelheading as a beginner or intermediate angler on the Salmon River or any other river. Unless you hit it perfect there will be a lot of fishless days. Hire a good guide for a couple of days and you will come away with a new understanding and appreciation for this species and possess the ability to pursue them most anywhere on your own. If there is anyone who believes that kind of servcie is not worth a gratuity consideration then I wish you good luck and hope I never meet you.
There are also sweethearts, father and sons, mother and sons, mother and daughters etc., who would like to share a fishing experience with a good chance for being successful but do not know how to go about it. There are many older gentlemen or women who enjoy fishing but are not as stable in waders as when they were younger. A good guides makes it possible for them to all enjoy a safe and productive day on the river. It is very seldom that a fish catching opportunity does not present itself on every float with most offering several. This enables a guides guests to share a fond memory with each other.
After all is said and done, it is up to each individual guest if they should tip. I feel that unless the guide was extremely rude, late showing up or it was evident they were only going through the motions then a tip is deserved. The percentage of tip is dependent upon the effort applied, the willingness to share information and a guides competence in being able to help you in all facets throughout the day including playing and landing your fish. If a guide meets or exceeds these and you also have a big day fishing 30% is not too much. He just gave you an everlasting fond memory and the knowledge to have many more on your own.
|
Printable Version
RE: Tipping a guide - 
New Messages 
Hot Topic w/ New Messages 
Locked w/ New Messages
No New Messages 
Hot Topic w/o New Messages 
Locked w/o New Messages