Tips On Hiring A Musky Guide
Craig Sandell © 2011

Every registered guide in the state of Wisconsin pays a fee for a license to operate as a guide. The guide also makes the following oath: I, _________________ do solemnly swear that I will well and faithfully perform the duties of the office of a guide licensed by the State of Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources to guide, direct and assist other persons in fishing in accordance with the provisions of s.29.512., Wis. Stats.

How much does a guide cost?

Many guides will offer a half day or a whole day guide service. A full work day is 8 hours (no exceptions). Obviously, a half day should be half as much as a full day. The cost should not go up if more than one person is hiring the guide. Full day guiding usually includes the courtesy that you pay for lunch. A full day guide job runs from $200 to $275. If you are paying more, then you are paying for a name as well as for a guiding service. Also, many guides will quote a price that is contingent upon having action...if you do not have action the price is usually less.

How do I know if the guide is good?

Ask other fishermen about the guide you are considering. If you hire a guide through the resort you are staying at you are less likely to get a bum steer. Ask to see the guide's License. Check out the guide's boat before you hire him; typically, a shabby boat is an indicator of a shabby guide service. Beware the guide that toots his own horn; if he is a successful guide other people will "sing his praises".

What is expected from you as a client?

Your responsibilities are to be on the dock on time. You should have your gear in good working order. You should NOT be drunk. You should treat your guide like a fellow Musky angler; not like hired help. You should pay when services are rendered. (All of these things, with the exception of the payment item, are things that you should expect from your guide. )

Should I tip the guide?

Some guides, like Joe Bucher, expect to get a tip. In deed, Mr. Bucher has expressed that sentiment in print and pre-supposes to speak for hundreds of Musky guides on this issue (of course he fails to name any of those guides who share his sentiment). As a guide on the Chippewa Flowage, I view a tip as a reward for service above and beyond the performance for which you contracted !!! That brings us to the final question.

Why should I hire a guide?

You hire a guide because he has a better knowledge of the fishery than you do and should, therefore, be able to put you on to some fish. If you are only up for a day or two, a guide is your best investment to a productive outing. If you are up for a week or two, you hire a guide to not only put you on to fish but to also give you some tips on where to fish the rest of your time on the water. Your guide should give you tips on the best lures to use (not just the ones that he sells), the best time of day to fish, and even the occasional tip on casting technique. All these things are reasons why you pay a guide to take you out fishing. Your guide should eagerly mark your map so that you can re-trace your guide outing. If you get a level of performance that is greater than that which you feel you have paid for, then a tip is in order. Adjust any tip amount to be equal to the guide's extra performance.

A Final Word !!!

Remember that you are hiring a guide to enhance your fishing skills and knowledge and to increase your opportunity to catch a fish. Remember also that a person is able to be a guide because he spends one heck of a lot of time on the water fishing. If you were able to spend as much time on the water as your guide does, you could hire out your services as a guide. In fact, that is how many people who are guides became guides.

• Beware the guide that only uses his brand of lure during the guide day.

• Beware the guide who tells you nothing about the water you fish.

• Beware the guide that assumes it is OK if he fishes for himself. (Remember, the guide is there to take you to a spot and keep the boat in position while you fish...He can't do that if he is casting.)