how much to tip a guide?

[katoguy]

No, we aren't there to see a guide getting a boat ready, but prep work should be included in their salary. Just like when you cut lemons, fill the peanut bowl, or fill the cooler.

Like someone said, tips may be justified if they keep you out longer, run your kid into the restrooms (extra gas), etc... (above and beyond -- not for reaching into a cooler).

If 2 other boats had fantastic fishing and my boat had terrible fishing because of 2 rookies in charge, no way would I tip. I would also let the owner know of the situation and disappointing catch (relative to the other boats). I would also let all my friends and neighbors know to be careful with that guide service. Is this tough love for the poor rookie captain? You betcha. The rough sea will teach him to get in ship-shape or to ship out.

[harvey lee]

4wnaderingeyes. You should go and enjoy the trip. If you cannot or dont believe that you should, that is also fine. They are being paid a good wage to take you fishing for the time purchased.

I personally choose to tip a guide if I believe that they went above and beyond the call of duty. One does not have to do it.

Go fishing and enjoy and dont think you have to tip. It is a personal choice just like buying a car, we all dont buy chevy's.

[bottomfeeder]

My barber now runs her shop out of her house. Should I still tip her?

[harvey lee]

If you would like. I usually tip my barber.

[Nate McVey]

Everytime I get a haircut

[The_Duckslayer]

Mine gets at least $4.00 each time I get a haircut. Back in my GI days it was typical that everyone gave them a buck, but then the haircuts were not that tough and GI's do not make a ton of money either :-( Take care and N Joy the Hunt././Jimbo

[harvey lee]

I guess I got this topic off subject with tipping barbers and we should try to keep it with the guides, the original question.

Sorry.

[Rainydaze]

Hey Guys!

Interesting thread. I'm a guide here on Rainy Lake. Personal experience it that I'm tipped almost always. Don't expect one, but certainly always appreciate one. I've been tipped $200.00 on a day trip at the most, but typically receive around 15%. Here on Rainy your typically talking around $300-350.00 per day including bait and gas. I'll say that none of us are getting rich, but do enjoy what we are doing. I'll also add that our toughest days on the water as guides are when the fish aren't going like you we would prefer. Nobody wants the fish to bite more than the guide. I also guide during the winter months, but for the most part up in this country your business revolves in a 6 month season. I don't necessarily think it is a fair comparison between doctors/lawyers and fishing guides. There is a slight pay scale difference. I guide because it is what I like to do, and subsequently make a moderate living doing so. I have first class equipment and am on the water 6-7 days a week. Tips in my mind are rendered when you feel your guide is above average, works his butt off for you, and you had fun. Last I checked most fisherman fish because they enjoy themselves on the water. Yep we catch a lot of fish too, but when I was younger the lessons I learned from experienced guys on their home waters far far far outweighed the days catch. A days catch is just that, but a education of the lake coupled with a nice catch will pay huge dividends in the future for you. Bottom line is especially when heading up on a 7 day trip a fishing guide will most always be able to bring you up to speed on fish movements and tacticts to not only make the day enjoyable, but also the rest of your trip. Good Fishing Guys and have fun out there.

RD

[harvey lee]

Rainy

Thanks for a guides view.

[Nate McVey]

Well put Rainy