Fishing Guide and Charter Listing for Conventional or Fly Fishing Adventures

Welcome to the Online Guide Finder Fishing Guide Index. Whether you are looking for freshwater fishing guides or saltwater charters, conventional or flyfishing, Online Guide Finder is your connection for North America. OGF lists guides from the North Slope of Alaska to the Florida Keys. Your journey begins here. Simply select one of the buttons above and follow the links to the listings of guides in the region that you desire.

Using the services of a professional fishing guide will bring great benefit and huge rewards. They will utilize their local knowledge combined with their fishing expertise to greatly increase your odds of putting fish in the box. Some folks will hire a guide for the first part of the trip to learn the waters, and preferred tackle and techniques. Some people hire a guide simply because they don't have the proper gear or maybe a boat to reach the hot spots. Whatever the case, hiring a professional fishing guide, like those listed here will generate great returns on your investment.

Here are some frequently asked questions:

• There is a broad range of fees for fishing guide services across North America. Much will depend on the specific area, the equipment necessary to adequately fish or access the fishing area, the type of fishing, etc. Figuring on an average fee of $200 per person per day will get you in the general range for fishing guides (prices range from $100-$300) .

• How can I find a quality fishing guide?

  The very simple answer to this question is ask a lot of questions. Speak directly with the fishing guide service, get references, talk to others about this guide service. Ensure that the guide is licensed (where applicable), permitted and insured. For powerboat operations, the guide/boat operator must be licensed as a Captain by the United States Coast Guard. If the service operates out of a park or preserve, contact the managing agency to ensure proper permitting. Does the guide have first aid and CPR certification? Ask how long the person has been guiding. Are the guides residents of the area? Look at the equipment. Does the guide use quality gear and is it well maintained? Is the fishing guide prepared to deal with unexpected circumstances? Check with the local tackle/fly shops for recommendations or reports.

   

• What can I expect from a fishing guide or fishing guide service?
  
1. Expertise and experience on the waters being fished and with the tackle/techniques being used
2. Intimate knowledge of local regulations
3. Professional courtesy and respect
4. Information and answers
5. The fishing guide should supply all tackle and bait as required (common for fly fishers to use their own equipment)
6. Preparation
7. Fish cleaning
8. Punctuality and living up to the expectations advertised/expressed
9. Safe boat or vehicle operations
10. Some fishing guides offer shore lunches or snacks (ask)

 

• How much should I tip a fishing guide?

  This is a very common question and yet very difficult for most fishing guides to answer. In reality, most professional fishing guides do not fish for tips, nevertheless are very blessed by receiving tips. A gratuity is a way of saying, "good job," or, "thank you." This should be a way to show gratitude for going above and beyond the call of duty. Tipping in our society has evolved to the point that some restaurants, for example, actually and legally reduce the hourly wage because they can factor in tips. Tipping has become automatic and no longer carries the meaning that it used to. Most professional fishing guides will give a quality trip without even considering the tip; they shouldn't be standing on the shore with their hands out... If you desire to show your gratitude with a tip, go with your gut. If the fishing guide service was way beyond your expectations, tip very generously, if not, then tip very conservatively, if at all. For a general rule of thumb, anywhere between 10 and 20% is considered a "normal" tip.

   

The Online Guide Finder is your launching point for locating professional fishing guides, charters and outfitters in North America. Simply choose the type of fishing guide that you desire, then choose the region and you will be on your way to booking your trip with a quality fishing guide.