Retirement Living

[clKiekhafer]

With some lady luck I will be retiring in about 5 years and plan on supplimenting my income with what I love to do and that is fish.

I was wondering what it takes to be a guide on Rainy. I've been fishing the lake for the past 20 years and have fairly good knowledge of the lake. What do you think would be a good guide boat and what size. I think my current boat might be a little too small to guide with.

P.S.

What do you think the costs would be to get started as a guide not counting the fishing equipment.

[fishmeister_86]

HI CLK.,

CONGRATS ON YOUR RETIREMENT!!! AS FAR AS BEING A GUIDE ON RAINY, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO HAVE A CAPTIANS LICENSE. ITS SPENDY TO GET, BUT IS REQUIRED ON ALL BORDER WATERS. I GUESS YOU CAN GUIDE WITH ANY SIZE BOAT, HOWEVER I GUESS IF YOU WANT REPEAT BUSINESS, A DECENT SIZE BOAT WOULD BE MY CHOICE. WHEN I TAKE PEOPLE FISHING, I MAKE SURE I HAVE GOOD QUALITY ROD & REEL FOR EACH PERSON + TACKLE,ETC. SO IF YOU GOT TO BUY A NEW BOAT, GET A CAPTIAN LICENSE + ALL THE OTHER NEEDED ITEMS., YOU ARE TALKING 1,000'S.

SINCERELY,

FISHMEISTER

[Northlander]

I would say a 18' boat at least. 20' would be a lot more comfortable for clients and better in rough weather. Boarder waters are expensive to guide on. Too many people think guides make a lot of money. Hour per hour its like any other job but no O.T.

[clKiekhafer]

fishmiester,

Can you tell me more about the captian's license? What is required and how do you prepare for it and what are the costs to getting one ? Are there any other requirements to being a legit guide for the lake?

Thanks

[croixeyes]

Go to the US coast guard web site.They should have info on getting a charter captains license,otherwise known as a sixpack license.

[Mooseart]

The only requirement for a guide’s license is residency and a few dollars. Last year, there were no age or proficiency requirements. I don’t believe this has changed.

The Ontario guide’s license applies to both fishing and hunting.

[IFallsRon]

Is there a place a person can research to see who is a licensed guide?

[Black_Bay]

I would choose an 18 to 20 foot boat with a full windshield and full top for bad/rough weather. Personally I would look at what the local dealers sell so if/when something happens you can get it fixed fast and be back on the water. Hewscraft makes one heck of a tough big water boat and is available at one of the local dealerships. They're no frills boats but a guide boat doesn't really need to be.

[fwp]

CLK, you can contact Ted Gephart a [email protected], he teaches the class. Quite expensive and a lot of hassle for renewal from what I understand. Classes are at IFalls and Baudette once or twice a year depending on who signs up. Good Luck.

[fishmeister_86]

HI MOOSEFART,

GOOD TO HEAR FROM YOU, GUIDING ON THE U.S. SIDE OF RAINY IS MUCH MORE EXTENSIVE, AND IS SPENDY. I THINK ITS PRETTY EASY FOR YOU GUYS ON THE CANADIAN SIDE. YOU BEEN FISHING???

SINCERELY,

FISHMEISTER

[clKiekhafer]

fwp

Thanks for the info.

I was searching the Coast Guard's website and it was a little difficult to find what I was looking for.

I followed up with and email and I hope something becomes of it.

[Mooseart]

Hello Fishmiester,

Yeh, it was worrisome getting a guides license. I expected that I’d need to know how to sign my name, but I need not have worried.

Fishing has been pretty good! Aside from the regular stuff, the size and abundance of the saugers is incredible! We also got into some really big mid day crappies, not far from your sacred “Border” reef, on Sand Bay. Lately, huge jackfish shredded some of our slot walleyes before they can make it safely to the stringer.

Do you know if an Ontario resident can get a non-resident Minnesota license and fish on the USA side of Rainy Lake without clearing customs? Do you know regulations regarding possession of fish, under those circumstances? It’s just a thought for next year, since it’s time to figure out how to use a firearm, so I can be a licensed hunting guide!

[Windy]

I recently renewed my Captains License and it isn't a big deal to do. It is however alot of paperwork and other misc. things you have to do before you take the test to get your license. When I got mine, Capt. Ted G. had a two day course in IFalls and then another gentleman by the name of Earl Bibee came in and gave the test. Get in touch with Ted and he will give you all the info you need. He is a Great guy!!

[clKiekhafer]

Thanks to everyone how has helped me with this. I sent the email to Ted tonight so I'm waiting to hear from him.

How long does your license last before it expires?

Thanks Again!

[fishmeister_86]

HI WINDY,

THAT MAY CHANGE, AS THERE IS TALK THAT TO RENEW A CAPTIANS LICENSE, YOU MAY HAVE TO GO TO OHIO., TALKING WITH OUR LEAD BORDER PATROL GUY IN THE FALLS, SAID IF THIS GOES THRU, IT WOULD BE CRAZY. SOMEBODY HAS WAY TO MUCH TIME ON THEIR HANDS TO THINK UP NEW REGULATIONS LIKE THAT.

SINCERELY,

FISHMEISTER

[Windy]

Your license lasts for 5 years from the date of issuance.

Wow Fishmeister, that would definately be a pain if we had to go to Ohio just to renew! Somebody obviously has to much time on their hands! Thanks for that info too and I sure hope that it doesn't go through.

[LalicLily21]

Fishmiester_86,

The fishing here has been good cause I person i live with has done really good this yr. for summer fishing and now when winter fishing beigns he will probably do really good cause he has a six ice fishing and has a stove and a t.v in it and 2 beds in it and it's on wheels. Talk to u later! Ciao!