Fly Fishing Guides, What You Should Know

Fly fishing guides are to be found on almost every renowned river. They come in all
shapes and sizes and both sexes.

It doesn't take much for someone to set himself up as a fly fishing guide. Put on a fly
fishing vest and a strange hat and you'll fool a lot of people.

Getting paid to spend time fishing on a river, with the occasional word of encouragement
to a beginner doesn't sound like a bad job to me. Plus there's the scenery and often
praises from the fellow who believes you are personally responsible for having a 6-inch
fish gulp down a poorly presented fly.

Of course fly fishing guides generally don't have it that easy and are as likely to be
cursed as praised when a fish spits out the fly or ignores it totally. The frustrated angler
may not consider the fact that the fly is hanging from a branch six feet above the water.

There are guides and there are guides. You'll find good ones and bad ones. The bad ones
are generally looking for a good day on the river for themselves; you're just along to line
their pockets while they fill their creels.

The professional guide is out to ensure that your fishing experience is successful no
matter what your creel count. He wants you to return to fishing, and he wants you to be
able to take the skills he has taught you to any water you want to fish.

Where to find fly fishing guides

Finding good fly fishing guides is not all that hard. Because of intense competition, any
guide who wants to make a living will know his stuff and be prepared to give you his
best.

Fishermen are big talkers (as long as it's not about their secret fishing spot). You've
probably heard their lost fish stories. If they have a good experience with a guide, they'll
let others know about it.

Word of mouth recommendations are the best kind. You'll soon know if a guide is worth
the asking price.

For interest's sake I did a Google search on American fly fishing guides and came up
with 150,000 hits. Go figure.

Fly fishing guiding is a big business and there are many choices to make. One bad
recommendation will have a huge impact.

Have a chat with others who have used a guiding service that you are considering. It's
worth your time and could well save you money.

What makes good fly fishing guides?

No it really isn't the clothing. The best fly fishing guides are those who spend most of
their time out on the water. They keep up with changes both on and off the streams.

They know general fly fishing tactics and they have expert knowledge of their area.
Competent guides are both leaders and teachers.

Good fly fishing guides are willing to make suggestions to improve your techniques.
They'll happily remove the hooks you've snagged in your vest, and theirs.

Professional guides will tell you what you are likely to encounter without unrealistic
expectations. They will also tell you what you are getting for your money. I am reluctant
to return to a guiding service that hits me with hidden extras every time I cast.

A good fly fishing guide should have spent a lot of hours on the water. He should know
his stuff and not have to refer to a training manual to teach you. It's okay to ask a
potential guide questions about his or her experience before you buy.

If you're about to fish in new waters you might consider checking out some fly fishing
guides. You'll pay for the individual coaching so you need to make sure that the guide
you employ is familiar with the area you are going to fish. I'm still thinking about
applying for the job!