Until someone has walked through fire, they have no idea how hot it can get....
Guiding involves serious work (and I've worked construction, farming, newspaper, etc.), in-spite of the fact we're just going fishing.
Serious costs as well.
Try buying enough equipment for a small group, Sage rods and Simm's non-leaking waders, Galvin reels, many flies/leaders, a reliable vehicle, boat, Ins. GAS, etc......That's what you pay for.
To me, tips are for the special stuff. After you go with a few guides, you'll understand.
Not all are created equal.
Maybe alertly saving you from swimming, or producing a rain jacket for an unexpected shower, perhaps fixing your recalcitrant cast, chasing your hat down stream, and much much more.
As an independent guide, I don't work for tips, but I've learned not to turn them down....
Just like guides, clients run the gamut of types.
A good example for me was early this year.
Did a half day trip with three guys, ran myself silly, they all caught fish. No tip.
Second half, was an older couple, and only she fished.
I found a big riser and we tried hard. She missed his take, and that was it on the day.
She had never seen hunting a big fish before. Boy was she stoked!
I got a nice tip, then they took me out to dinner at a place I couldn't normally visit.
Later, she emailed me, that she wanted to send some duck feathers from a hunt.
If I had scheduling conflict in the future, and had to make a choice between the two groups next time....
Guess which trip I'd remember more.
Don't stress too much. Just remember, a little love goes a long way.
jim
