Guiding? Profitable?

[Vollmer]

I've always wondered if guiding is a viable business. It would be so much fun. But can you really make a full time living of it? Does it only really work if you have your own room and board?

 

[Captainbrad]

As a guide there is so much to it besides the fishing. In fact, don't plan on catching all that many fish if you are a good guide. You will be a really great net man though.

Most guys think "oh hey I like to fish I can make a few bucks." Well that is not how it works when done right. First you have to get a good insurance policy (I have found that most guide insurance isn't all that good so you have to go to general liability.) Second, ND outfitter license, Third, if you plan to guide on Federal waterway you need at last an OUPV from the Coast Guard. You have to have all the gear, a nice enough boat to fit everyone into a safe and clean environment. After those expenses the biggest one becomes gas. To do it full time you have to have customers so then comes the marketing part of it and that isn't cheap but has to be done until you get a regular clientele and a reputation as a guide.

Get past those steps and one can do pretty well. I can tell you I am not getting rich but I am having a great time and starting to make this thing work.

Any more questions are welcome via PM

 

[Vollmer]

Great info.
I assumed it was not an easy task.
Best of luck to you in your guiding this season.

 

[eyexer]

it's so seasonal. and you are out in crappy weather a lot. I think it could pretty much ruin a good hobby/leisure activity.

 

[Captainbrad]

it's so seasonal. and you are out in crappy weather a lot. I think it could pretty much ruin a good hobby/leisure activity.

I still really love to fish but I can tell you that on my day off the wind better not be blowing or it better not be raining or I am staying home.

 

[LiebelsGuide]

Captainbrad nailed it!

I am still in the marketing process and that can definitely be expensive. I'm still a ways from making it to full time....need to get more ice fishing gear and explore that market although they say ice fishing is more busy work than open water...

 

[Vollmer]

Welcome back Leibel.

I'm thinking that maybe there is a way for me to help you guys. I'll see if I can design a rotating banner. Put it in the header of the website. "Featured Guide" or something like that. A picture Ad that would randomly be chosen from the Guides on our site. Linked to your site. All I'd ask in return is an occassional fishing report. What do you guys think ?

 

[LiebelsGuide]

Sounds good to me... Not many fishing reports coming from me yet since I'm coaching golf and patiently waiting on the new boat to arrive! Caught a couple pike from shore with my 19 month old son this spring! Once June hits I'll be fishing regularly.

 

[Vollmer]

Well whatever NDA can do to help the local guides, count us in.

 

[Wrkn2hunt]

I spent 2 years guiding in Mt and went through a guide school. Loved hunting but didn't get time to do any myself. Worked harder than I ever have before for tiddlywinks and room and board. I was single with no expenses otherwise I wouldn't have survived at all. It also put a bad taste in my mouth for outfitters as the first guy I worked for only cared about running as many hunters through as possible. I felt like after the 3rd week we were merely sight seeing.

 

[Vollmer]

Yeah I don't know what it is with some people. Money is nice and all, but how much do you really need to be happy? I think that is one of the reasons that I love the outdoors. It's simple, and in general, the people are amazing.

 

[Captainbrad]

Welcome back Leibel.

I'm thinking that maybe there is a way for me to help you guys. I'll see if I can design a rotating banner. Put it in the header of the website. "Featured Guide" or something like that. A picture Ad that would randomly be chosen from the Guides on our site. Linked to your site. All I'd ask in return is an occassional fishing report. What do you guys think ?

Great Idea, Thanks

 

[Norske]

A fishing guide is a teacher to his inexperienced clients and he is an entertainer to all his clients.
If a guide service can't provide an experience I can't do for myself because of specialized equipment, location, or knowledge, I have no use for them. I'm unlikely to hire a walleye guide, maybe not even a panfish guide. However, I do hire MT trout guides with drift boats, wade fishing guides in Alaska, and Florida salt water guides without batting an eye.
Guiding can be quite profitable. I know of a Devils Lake walleye guide who grosses an income with around five zeros, counting tips.