Guided fishing trips

I’m thinking about doing a guided fishing trip this year. I know things have changed quite a bit recently and I’m out of touch. I’m wondering what amount of tipping is good for a good one day trip. Anyone have experience with this?

Base it on a combo of factors:

- how much fun did you have?
- how hard did the guide work to help you achieve your goals?
- how long was the day compared to the plan?
- be sure to consider how much leg work/scouting/knowledge of the area/fishery/conditions the guide has invested in order to provide a unique experience that accentuated how your success surpassed what you could've done alone.

I've seen all ranges of tips - from nothing to spectacular.  Guides just want to feel acknowledged and appreciated for their efforts.

My goal as a guide is to put someone on one of the most rewarding days of their life.  If that happens, don't find yourself wishing you would've been better prepared to show your appreciation.

I agree with the sentiment, I’m just struggling with translating it into dollars.

Are you a penny-pincher?

Using the questions and criteria Eric cited along with the guide fee, I’d think a reasonable number should be apparent. Do you want to Goni to more specifics? Do you want the guide to accept another booking from you?

Are you a penny-pincher?

Using the questions and criteria Eric cited along with the guide fee, I’d think a reasonable number should be apparent. Do you want to Goni to more specifics? Do you want the guide to accept another booking from you?

The older we get the more disconnected we tend to be from current prices. Tipping has changed radically in the last several years. I got my first job in 1976. $100 feels different to me than someone half my age. It’s more about the perception of value changing with inflation. It used to be 10% for tipping so tips increased as prices went up. Then it seems the percentage increased to 15% and more. In 1976 a $100 tip would be a weeks wages. Now not so much. If a reasonable number is apparent to you I’d be interested to hear what it is. I’m asking the question because it isn’t apparent to me and I do want the guide to be willing to accept another booking in the future.

I would say 20% would be my starting point.  More or less than that is depending on the service.

I agreed with 20% +/-. 
I had a guided yellowtail kayak fishing trip at La Jolla several years ago. 
We spent 13 hours on the water, and I came home with three yellowtails.  I felt it was an outstanding service and gave a 33% tip ($100).

Paul

Thanks for the numbers. 

I’ve gone out with guided outfits.  I typically ask the broker what a typical fee is.

They break it down beautifully usually.  I just got back from Mexico and it was awesome service.   I tipped what they suggested and then went thru the group w some extra.   

But 20% is a great place to land.