RodRick

WOW! This turned out to be the best "back and forth", on this subject, I've ever seen. I never gave a second thought to "Cliff's" fishing on the front deck, on the several times we were out on LOZ. Thing is, I caught more and bigger Bass than I would have without his services. He never out-fished me, never ignored instruction or demonstration, but, none-the-less, fished the whole time we were on the water. Honestly, and no offense to those who posted to the contrary, I had a better experience being on the back deck, than I would have if Cliff had stood beside me, giving item by item instruction on the foredeck. I felt part of an experience that I paid to share. Note, also, that I was rigged with the appropriate bait as soon as he was and, on the second cast/pitch/flip, was properly presenting my appropriate bait AND CAUGHT BASS. I nearly choked the first time he gave me his rates, but after one trip out (that included a beautiful peach-colored sunrise opposite a rainbow and, later, a brutal thunderstorm, that felled trees across my line that had an 8lb bass at the other end), I had no problem shelling out his fee plus tip. At all times, we shared jokes, experiences, concerns, food and drink. It's the experience! I would be hesitant to limit my expectations to a guide being my servant/slave because I "bought" him. My total experience is 3 guides, on 3 entirely different bodies of water and a total of 8 trips out. Blast every time. The guide in Lousiana, shortly before Katrina hit, balked at charging full fee because we were skunked! Tempting, but I paid the full amount, because it was an absolutely beautiful experience, I expected to pay the full, and he, and his boat, gave everything they had to the effort. I'll never forget that trip out. Go for the experience! You'll get your money's worth. Disappointed with a dismal guide experience? Lighten up on the tip.

I have never not enjoyed a guided trip, even one where I was skunked! Further, it's rare to hear of anyone else not enjoying a guide's time. Guides are, as a general rule, going to price their services by their level of confidence in providing satisfaction. Me, I don't worry about references, just make sure I find them, not them me, capice? Go out looking to have fun, not to worry about getting a head full of great ideas for his fishing type and style. You'll still know more about Bass than when you left the ramp/dock. The tipping is where the business end of things really comes to the front. His fee takes care of the expenses, your tip is what he will live on til the next tip, so to speak. Did you enjoy yourself to the extent of 15% or was it so good you want to throw in the second grand? ;D