Ok, so here is my question, this summer my family is looking to go on vacation out west, we have gone out west before when I was young, but never gone fishing out there. I would like to go but have never really used a guide service before. I would assume (interject here please) that a guide would be the best option since I do not know where to go and it seems guides have access to areas where the public does not go, which can help as far as being crowded. I don’t know if I feel comfortable just trying to find a spot. I also am ignorant on the etiquete of tipping. Is there a percentage or a usual rate? Please help, I would like all views, and if any members live out there that would have better ideas/advice I would love them. Also any of the places that I “should” visit that is family friendly, my family likes outdoor activities, especially horse riding, and the indoor activities of shopping. Thanks.
drew
A bum-legged old man and a drunk. That’s all you got?
That’s WHAT I got.
First things first, I think we should help you find an area to visit. Would you like a guest ranch type experience? A place that more or less takes care of all the details? Would you prefer to be close to the resort type areas? IE Breckenridge, Vail, West Yellowstone, etc. Is fishing the primary part of the trip?
Regarding the use of a guide. I think a guide can be a good way to start a trip. You can tell that person the type of fishing you would like to do over the next few days(weeks) and he/she can hopefully get you keyed in on the bugs and various access points. If you go to areas, like Montana, a guide can be invaluable for rowing the boat all day long.
Tipping wise, I’ve been told that many guides get tipped starting at $40. I would think 20% of the original cost would be a good tip for a guide that worked hard all day long. Note that working hard doesn’t always translate into 50 fish days. Fishing is fishing and somedays it can be tough…
