Fly fishing guide expertly positions a client for a strike, showcasing the teamwork and anticipation in guided fly fishing experiences.
Fly fishing, an art as much as a sport, often leads anglers to seek the expertise of Fly Fishing Guides. These professionals are not merely boat drivers; they are river stewards, teachers, and passionate anglers who can unlock the secrets of the water. As Kirk Deeter aptly puts it, a good guide is invaluable to fly fishing and trout conservation. While most interactions between guides and clients are positive, misunderstandings can arise, diminishing the experience for everyone involved. To ensure your guided fly fishing trip is successful and enjoyable, understanding the etiquette involved is crucial. This guide outlines the essential dos and don’ts to help you become an ideal client, fostering a rewarding partnership with your fly fishing guide and maximizing your time on the water.
Dos for a Successful Guided Fly Fishing Trip
• Do Embrace Enthusiasm and Positivity
Your attitude sets the tone for the entire day. Approach your guided fly fishing experience with enthusiasm and a relaxed mindset. Tension is the enemy of a good cast and a fun day. A positive attitude not only makes the day more enjoyable for you but also for your guide. Remember, you are there to enjoy the outdoors and the pursuit of fish, regardless of the catch count.
• Do Clearly Communicate Your Expectations
Open and honest communication with your fly fishing guide from the outset is paramount. What are you hoping to achieve from this day on the water? Are you aiming to improve your casting technique, capture stunning photographs, or perhaps land a trophy fish? Be upfront about your goals. While guides are dedicated to helping you achieve your fishing aspirations, it’s essential to be realistic. Heed your guide’s advice on what to expect regarding fishing conditions and potential outcomes. Understand that pursuing larger fish might sometimes mean facing periods without catching anything, but the opportunity is always there.
• Do Be Honest About Your Fly Fishing Skill Level
Honesty about your current fly fishing abilities is crucial for a productive day. There’s no need to exaggerate your skills; your guide will quickly assess your level within the first few casts. Experienced fly fishing guides appreciate a client who is eager to learn, regardless of their starting point. Leave your ego ashore and be receptive to guidance. Embracing a learning mindset will accelerate your progress and ultimately enhance your skills as an angler.
• Do Listen Attentively to Your Fly Fishing Guide’s Expertise
You’ve hired a fly fishing guide for their extensive knowledge and experience of the local waters and fish behavior. Allow them to share their insights with you. Clients sometimes hesitate or second-guess their guide’s advice, wanting to stick to familiar methods. Instead of questioning their approach, view it as a chance to broaden your angling knowledge and learn new techniques. Your guide’s expertise is a valuable resource – utilize it to your advantage.
• Do Welcome Constructive Feedback and Instruction
Fly fishing guides are natural teachers. They are invested in helping you improve your angling skills. If you are not open to learning, a guided trip might not fully meet its potential for you. Accept your guide’s instructions as they are intended: to help you become a more proficient and successful angler. Constructive criticism is part of the learning process and is aimed at enhancing your overall fly fishing experience.
• Do Operate as a Team with Your Guide
Effective teamwork and communication between you and your fly fishing guide can significantly enhance your fishing success. Develop good communication throughout the day. Work together, sharing observations and responding to each other’s cues. This collaborative approach not only increases your chances of catching fish but also fosters a more enjoyable and connected experience on the water.
• Do Provide Regular Feedback to Your Guide
Maintain open communication throughout your guided fly fishing trip. Let your guide know your preferences and how you’re feeling about the day’s activities. Are you enjoying the current fishing style? Would you prefer to try a different approach or location? Are you feeling rushed or pressured? Your guide is not a mind reader. By providing feedback, you empower your guide to tailor the experience to better suit your preferences and ensure your comfort and satisfaction.
• Do Practice Your Casting Beforehand
If you are not a frequent fly fisher, it’s highly beneficial to practice your casting technique before your guided trip. A few practice sessions on a lawn can make a significant difference, especially for saltwater fly fishing trips where techniques like the double haul are essential. Arriving prepared with some casting proficiency maximizes your fishing time and allows you to focus on learning more advanced skills from your guide.
• Do Come Prepared with Gear and Essentials
Being well-prepared is a sign of respect for your guide’s time and ensures a smoother start to your day. Have your gear ready – rod rigged, fly tied on (though your guide may suggest changes). Ensure your lines are cleaned and dressed, and your leaders are fresh. Bring essential personal items such as sunscreen, toilet paper, and polarized sunglasses. Being mentally prepared is equally important. Be punctual, get adequate rest the night before, and avoid arriving hungover to make the most of your guided experience.
• Do Respect the Boat and Equipment
Treat the boat and all provided equipment with respect. Fly fishing guides invest significantly in their boats and gear, and they take pride in maintaining them. Avoid tracking mud or dirt onto the boat, remove cleats from wading boots, and refrain from wearing black-soled shoes on flats boats. Be mindful of where you step and place your gear. Treat the boat as if it were your own to show consideration for your guide’s investment and effort in providing a comfortable and functional fishing platform.
• Do Respect the Fishery and Environment
Show respect for the natural environment and the fishery. Never litter – it’s irresponsible and harmful to the ecosystem. Handle fish with care, keeping them wet whenever possible, especially if practicing catch and release. Embrace and practice ethical catch and release techniques. Accept the use of barbless hooks as a conservation-minded practice. Appreciate all fish you catch, regardless of size, recognizing the beauty and value of each one within the ecosystem.
• Do Respect Your Fly Fishing Guide as a Professional
Recognize your fly fishing guide as a skilled professional. Many guides are highly educated and choose guiding out of passion, not necessity. They are consultants offering specialized expertise, not just hired help. Treat them with the courtesy and respect they deserve. Value their knowledge, experience, and dedication to providing you with a memorable and successful fly fishing experience.
• Do Tip Your Fly Fishing Guide Appropriately
Tipping is a standard and important aspect of guided fly fishing. Tips constitute a significant portion of a guide’s income and help them sustain their livelihood. While discussing tips can be uncomfortable, it’s an expected part of the service. A general guideline is to tip at least 20% of the trip cost as a minimum, considering exceptional service may warrant more. Base your tip on your guide’s effort, professionalism, and dedication to making your day successful, rather than solely on the number of fish caught. Even on slow fishing days, a guide’s hard work and expertise deserve recognition through a fair tip.
Don’ts to Ensure a Smooth Guided Fly Fishing Trip
• Don’t Disrespect Booking Policies and Commitments
Guiding is a professional business, and fly fishing guides rely on bookings to earn a living. Familiarize yourself with and respect their booking policies, especially regarding cancellations and deposits. Avoid expecting refunds for last-minute cancellations due to weather or personal reasons unless explicitly stated in their policy. Similarly, don’t expect guides to hold dates without a deposit. Finalize your plans and schedule before booking to avoid inconveniencing your guide and potentially losing your deposit. Avoid repeatedly changing dates while searching for cheaper travel options, as this is disrespectful of your guide’s time and schedule.
• Don’t Be Late for Your Guided Trip
Punctuality is crucial. Being late is not only disrespectful to your fly fishing guide but can also negatively impact your fishing day. Start times are often synchronized with optimal fishing conditions like hatches or tides. Arriving late can cause you to miss the prime fishing window, reducing your chances of success and cutting into your valuable time on the water.
• Don’t Set Unrealistic Expectations for Your Fishing Day
Be realistic about your fly fishing goals and abilities. If you are new to a specific type of fishing, like tarpon on the fly, don’t expect to break records on your first attempt. If your casting range is limited, aiming for large fish with streamer techniques might be overly ambitious. Set challenging yet achievable goals. Focus on learning and improving during your guided trip, and with experience, you will progress towards your more ambitious fishing aspirations.
• Don’t Be Inflexible or Stubborn in Your Approach
Avoid being rigid in your fishing preferences. Insisting on fishing only with dry flies when fish aren’t rising, for example, can limit your success. Be adaptable and willing to learn and adjust your techniques based on the conditions and your guide’s recommendations. Flexibility is key to effective fly fishing, and being open to trying different methods will enhance your overall experience and increase your chances of catching fish.
• Don’t Be Overly Sensitive to Constructive Criticism
Don’t take your fly fishing guide’s feedback personally. If they suggest your casting needs improvement or your gear is not suitable, it’s meant to be helpful, not critical. Your guide is there to assist you in becoming a better angler. Being defensive or taking feedback personally can hinder your progress. Embrace constructive criticism as a valuable part of the learning process and an opportunity to refine your skills.
• Don’t Blame Your Guide for Uncontrollable Factors Like Weather
Weather conditions are beyond anyone’s control. If the weather is unfavorable, avoid blaming your guide. Maintain a positive attitude and understand that guides cannot change the weather. Even on tough weather days, there are still opportunities to learn and enjoy the experience. If fishing is slow due to weather, focus on improving your casting or learning about local ecology. Be open to your guide’s alternative suggestions, such as fishing for different species if your primary target is affected by weather.
• Don’t Engage in Controversial or Divisive Topics Like Politics
Refrain from discussing sensitive or divisive topics like politics during your guided fly fishing trip. Such discussions can be distracting and detract from the shared enjoyment of fishing. Engaging in arguments while fishing is counterproductive and unpleasant. Focus on the shared passion for fly fishing and the natural environment to ensure a harmonious and enjoyable experience for both you and your guide.
• Don’t Tell Your Fly Fishing Guide How to Do Their Job
Avoid instructing your fly fishing guide on how to fish. While you might have past fishing experiences, your guide is on the water daily and has current, localized knowledge of what works best. If you have a strong hunch or preference, share it with your guide as a suggestion. However, if your guide advises against it, trust their expertise and avoid insisting on your approach. Respect their understanding of the present conditions and effective techniques.
• Don’t Bring Unnecessary or Superstitious Items Like Bananas
Refrain from bringing items known to be bad luck in fishing lore, such as bananas (a common superstition in the fishing community). While seemingly trivial, respecting these long-held beliefs can contribute to a more harmonious atmosphere on the boat.
• Don’t Bring Non-Fishing Companions Who Might Detract from the Experience
Avoid bringing along family members or friends who are not interested in fly fishing, especially if they might be disruptive or detract from your experience. Non-fishing companions, like a spouse or children who are not keen anglers, can become bored or require attention that takes away from your guided fishing time. Instead, dedicate separate time to activities everyone will enjoy.
• Don’t Rock The Boat – Literally or Figuratively
Be mindful of your movements in the boat. Avoid sudden or excessive movements that can rock the boat, making it difficult for the guide to maneuver, especially when rowing a drift boat or poling a flats boat. Uneven weight distribution and rocking can also spook fish. Maintain balanced movements and be considerate of the guide’s efforts to provide a stable fishing platform.
• Don’t Mistreat Loaned or Rented Gear
If you are using your fly fishing guide’s gear, treat it with utmost care. Be cautious with rods, avoid stepping on lines, and be mindful of borrowed waders when navigating through rough terrain. Remember that this gear is expensive and essential for the guide’s livelihood. If you accidentally damage gear, offer to pay for the repair or replacement, showing responsibility and respect for the guide’s equipment.
• Don’t Bring Illegal Substances or Drugs
Never bring illegal drugs on a guided fly fishing trip. The presence of illegal substances can have severe legal consequences, potentially leading to the confiscation of the boat and equipment, jeopardizing the guide’s business and livelihood. Instead, if you wish to relax, opt for a legal and appropriate beverage like a beer after the fishing day is over.
• Don’t Rudely Use GPS or Navigation Devices
Avoid using GPS devices or overtly marking fishing spots on your own without discretion. It can be perceived as rude and distrustful of your guide’s expertise and local knowledge. Moreover, attempting to return to specific spots without understanding the waterway can be dangerous. Trust your guide’s navigation skills and local expertise for a safe and successful trip.
By adhering to these dos and don’ts, you will not only become a welcomed client but also enhance your overall guided fly fishing experience. Following these guidelines will help you forge a positive relationship with your fly fishing guide, ensuring a more enjoyable and productive time on the water, and perhaps even making a new friend who shares your passion for angling. Remember, you are not just paying for a fishing trip; you are investing in an experience and expertise that can enrich your fly fishing journey.
