| 14 March 2011
Capt Jason Stock (JM Kayak Fishing Charters) guides Amanda Pewes to nice gator trout.Shorten the Learning Curve - Save Money & Time - More Productive Fishing - all good reasons. Here's one more....
We are sometimes asked – why do you list guide services on snookfoundation.org? [What a Snook Foundation member guide can do for you?] The answer goes back to our core belief: "the future of fishing lies is in the hands of informed anglers" – the more anglers know about fish, fishing gear and techniques, and fish habitat, the more they will enjoy and take action to preserve and build up the resource.
A well-matched guide has much to offer anglers of all skill and knowledge levels. No matter where you are in your development as an angler, there are new things to learn by spending a day with a guide.
Capt Rich Smith guided Gail Kay to this trophy snook. Capt. Ron Presley, an experienced fishing guide and author of Secrets from Florida’s Master Anglers, writes, “When I visit a new fishing location, I often hire a guide because the first trip to any fishing destination is filled with uncertainty. I expect a guide to relieve some of that uncertainty.”
For novices, a guide is likely to save you, and the environment, from common blunders such as running aground, wasting bait, gear and line through uninformed planning and rigging, and spending precious time at unproductive spots.
"When you think about it, hiring a guide can be an economically sound decision. Consider the cost of buying, insuring, maintaining and storing a boat, purchasing licenses, bait, tackle, plus the time required to obtain the local knowledge one needs to catch fish, the cost of a professional guide service is minor, " says Ron
Capt. Ron Presley with award. His Secrets from FL Master Anglers was chosen as top Outdoor book in the South East.How to Find a Guide
(excerpt from Secrets from Florida's Master Anglers)
Do a little research before booking a guide. Friends and acquaintances are good sources for recommendations, but if none are available for your intended destination, use the internet. Most professional guides maintain web sites that can be found by Googling the location you want to fish. Organizations such as the Florida Guides Association (florida-guides.com) are also good sources. “These organizations,” says Capt. Tom Van Horn, “hold their members to high standards. Members are required to provide their legitimacy annually.” Proof of a Coast Guard captain’s license, a state issued vessel license that covers all anglers on the boat, marine insurance that includes liability coverage and adherence to a stated code of ethics are some of the things to look for in a qualified guide. You can email the captain and ask questions before you book.
Capt Tom Van Horn helps anglers find Red Drum, and more in Indian River Lagoon.Make the Best of Your Trip
Now here's your part. These are just a few of the responses given to Ron when he asked top guides “What do you expect from a client on a charter fishing trip?”
Guide #1: Guests should recognize that not every day will be full of fish and aim to share a fun day on the water.
Guide #2: I value clients who discuss their experience and level of fishing skills before the trip. Let me know if inexperienced anglers, small children or special needs persons will be accompanying them. This assists me in planning the strategy for the day.
Guide #3: Patience and willingness to listen is the best virtue of a prospective client. I want to accommodate them in every way. Their willingness to trust me and follow instructions will normally improve the day’s productivity.
Guide #4: I really appreciate it when my clients show up on time and are prepared to deal with the weather and willing to listen and learn. I expect them to stay sober... Read 'the rest of the story,' in "Secrets from Florida's Master Anglers."
More about Ron Presley, and insights into Guiding
Snook Foundation Member Guides
New: Snook Foundation Member Guides can now Register their customers in Club 40
Member Guides are listed by region on Snook Foundation.org. Snook Foundation does not screen guides for their credentials, but many if not all are members of credentialing organizations such as the Florida Guides Association. Although we have never received a complaint about a listed Member guide, we suggest readers screen guides through the process outlined above before hiring.
Find SF - FL Guides by Region: TX Guides
