How much to tip a fishing guide?

Lots of different perspectives.  I always based it on what I was given for the money.  But now that I think about it. 20 percent was about right.  But some guides did get extra because they went above and beyond to put us on fish and some boat operators burned more gas.  More common when I was out of California.  Not many charters in California have impressed me, but probably because the more specialized skills came into play in areas I was not familiar with.  They go on short runs to save on gas and nothing more than the basics.  You can tell who loves their jobs and who just wants the day to be over with.

That was fun to read Cam. Thank You.

That was fun to read Cam. Thank You.

+1, loved your train of thought there, Cameron.

Good stuff here.

Luckily I'm not in a position to have to live off of what I'm making on guiding at this point.  I do try to provide a great trip and positive overall experience with lots of info, adventure and calories burnt having fun.  A 20% tip is appreciated, and above that would really stoke me out.

 

I tell them not to buy stock in Microsoft. #freetip
I have guided a lot in the past. They often tipped for shit. Kill a nice bull, get it out for them, and on a $4500 hunt, I would get $40/day pay. I got twenty bucks more times than I can count as a tip. I have got guns, knives a lot, other gear they bought just for that trip, and the occasional BIG tip! I try to tip 20% regardless, and more if it was warranted.

Cameron, can you help me get Moby Dick off my bucket list? 

  Careful what you wish for, Howard!!

 

Tip good! 12 day trips on Alaska rivers were $5000/person x 10 people=50,000 and 20% would be 10k...never happened
did get $1200 one time and was thrilled.... Loved the work and soo much effort is put into a trip. one night at 11:30pm after cooking breakfast, breaking up camp, rigging the boat, rowing 3/4 of a ton of gear down 40 miles of river, de-rigging and setting up camp, then cooking a gourmet meal....I was washing pots and pans and cleaning up their shit (literally)while everyone else was partying...that I realized that being in that special place is what its all about!


Once on a salmon charter out of Berkeley, I told the deckhand that if I won the jackpot I would give it all to him....he gave me special gear caught two monsters and I won the  $250 jackpot.... he was happy so was I

Did the same on a halibut trip in Ak....was not catching, everyone else was...when I informed him I was giving him the pot, he changed my lure and I immediately started catching fish one after another

Thanks for all the pointers, I'll be sure to post some pics when I return

You didn't book the kayak guide down there Jay?  For Shame!

My brother wasn't up for guided kayak fishing, but I may rent a yak and do a little yak fishing on my own if the timing works out.

Jay, sure do miss you and the wifey.. Hope you have a wonderfull trip bro! I only tip if there is beer involved.

I miss fishing with you guys back there in California every day. The fly fishing and steelhead are fun up here, but after you've been towed around by a sturgeon or landed a limit of halibut, trout just don't compare.  I can't believe it's been almost 5 years since I last fished the ocean! 

BTW, the wife and I divorced about three years ago, but life is still pretty good and I recently re-married.

Well congratulations on the re marrie bro! Bring her to the salt..Lets break her in!!