Trip to the big O

[bassguy]

For the past two years now, my father and I have made a trip to Fla. to go bass fishing with wild shiners. It's a good time with dad and we both catch fish.
However, it is not real challenging and the guides keep you limited. We actually had a guide treat us as though we don't know what we are doing.
I am seaching for a guide that will allow me to use my own baits and do my own casting. Truth is, I do know how.

[Table Rock Guide]

BassGuy, well first being a guide I understand what you are saying.. But the guide should never treat you like that!! Not to take anyones side but here is what happens alot of time we get people that don't even know how to fish, and these guides get locked into doing things a certain way.

They spend so much time finding fish that will bite live bait, alot don't even pay attention to what the fish are doing with say plastics or crankbaits. Its a easy money trip.. Not Right by any means.

So here is what my guys do when they book with me.. First we discuss what they are looking for, ie, smallmouth, Largemouth, ect.. Then I ask how they want to fish, just go catch fish or go out and try to find and catch fish. Then I explain what I have found. Numbers of catches with each type of bait. Then I let the customer pick which way we go..

When you book these trip the best thing to do is be up front and tell the guide these things..

1)Allways try to speak with the guide taking you out. Alot of times you get booked thru a booking service, these folks are just taking down names and so forth.. Tell them you want to speak with the guide because you have certain things you are looking for. If not go somewhere else.


2) Explain you are experienced with fishing and are looking for a guide to help you with that type of fishing. If you want Jigs tell him jig fishing, or just what ever is getting bit at that time frame. But No Live Bait.

3)Tell the guide to fish or not. Alot of times I get trips where I do not even fish because my clients ask that I do not, gives them more fish. I just take them to place where I know there are fish and show them the way to catch them, then sit back and watch and help as needed.

4) Talk with your guide figure out where to meet and when and last get his cell number and give him yours where you can reach him, just in case you or he has any troubles.

That really is the basics. Best bet is to talk with the guide before you go out, gives you a chance to feel him out first before you get on the water.

Also as far as finding guides use the local chamber of commerce, call local marinas and ask the front desk of where you are staying for any names and numbers or ad's in mags like bassmasters..

Hope that helps alittle, good luck in your search..

[carl]

First class advice, Don. Thanks, Carl