Tipping Fishing Guides

Does anyone have any suggestions for how much to tip a fishing guide? Either that or fishing guides, what is your expectation on tipping beyond the fee you charge?

I don’t “expect” a tip as a fishing guide, and work as hard for you as I would for a celebrity or millionaire. I have gotten all sorts of tips from cash to gifts and all are appreciated. (cash may be $25-$50)
Actually your guide works a lot harder on a poor bite/weather day than when the fish are “jumping in the boat”.
Another situation may be “going the extra mile”…I.E. picking you up somewhere, filleting your fish for you(unless specified in his agreement)…or if you happen to damage a rod or equipment…you then should consider something extra$$$

Tom you sound like someone I would like to just go out fishing with, no workin just fishin!!

I, like Tom expect nothing. I appreciate anything. Tips have ranged from my expectation to $100. and dinner.

None of the guides I know have a tip jar in their boat.

I like the part of picking the person up the best…..Brian

I always feel bad when the guide has to work harder than I do…….

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Tom you sound like someone I would like to just go out fishing with, no workin just fishin!!

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I always thought that too. I hope the fish and your clients are good to you this summer Tom!

Rootski

Thanks Steve!
I started Guiding after a final prompt from James about 8 years ago…I wish I had started sooner! I have met great people and ( ) have never been skunked…yet.
Just sharing the boat and techniques etc… with other fishermen (and women) is very rewarding for me.

I expect nothing as a tip. I charge for my time and expenses. Though, if someone offers an extra $20.00, I gladly accept it.

I guess one thing to consider is if you have an independant guide, or if your going through a guide service or broker. The guide is paid much less through a broker and a tip for an outstanding job may be in line if you feel you should do so.

Cole, you weren’t talking about guide tipping like we use to “cow tip” were you?

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Cole, you weren’t talking about guide tipping like we use to “cow tip” were you?

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Hey BK,
Will you take me fishing? I’m buying!

Like others have mentioned. I don’t expect a tip but they are always nice to get. Also already mentioned, keep in mind it’s a lot more work for the guide when fishing is slow.

As for how much? It depends on the client of course. Some have money coming out of their ears and others just scraped up enough for a trip of a life time. In my experience, tips range from 20-50 for a half day and 40-100 for a full day. So basically same as the food industry, 10-20%. With that said if the guide didn’t bust his hump for you all day. I’d say a “thank you” is a good enough tip.

Oh ya and like Tom said if you break something it’s nice to be tipped accordingly. I had a guy break too rods in one day! Fishing was great and I got a nice $20 bill for a tip. That kinda sucked.

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I like the part of picking the person up the best…..Brian

I always feel bad when the guide has to work harder than I do…….

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BK picks up all his client’s at Colvile Park.