Fishing is not for everyone, but for those who like it, it’s a great way to unwind, connect with nature or someone, get some exercise, and maybe even catch your own dinner. Still, it’s not just about buying a fishing line and having a go. For example, it’s important to follow all fishing regulations and guidelines to ensure the sustainability of fish populations. So, if you’re a beginner angler, hiring a fishing guide is the right call as a good fishing guide can provide you with valuable instruction and advice that can help you catch more fish as well as have a more enjoyable experience on the water.

Here are some important things to know to help you choose the right fishing guide as a beginner.

Communicating Your Goals and Expectations is Important

Communicating your goals and expectations with a guide before you hire them is important as it’s how you’ll find out if you’re on the same page booking your trip.

For example, if you want to go flat fishing, communicating your goals and expectations is how you’ll gauge the experience of a flat fishing guide.

To communicate as such:

• Be honest about your experience level
• Discuss specific preferences such as using a certain type of bait or fishing in a particular location
• Ask questions
• Be realistic about your expectations
• Talk about logistics

Personality is Important

Fishing with every guide isn’t a great experience, and many times this is because of personality clashes. For example, if you’re a laid-back and easy-going person, you likely won’t enjoy fishing with a guide who is highly intense and goal-oriented. On the other hand, if you’re a serious angler who wants to catch a lot of fish, you likely won’t enjoy fishing with a guide who is laid-back and lacks motivation.

You want a competent guide who is not only compatible with you but also enthusiastic, patient, and adaptable.

To find a fishing guide whose personality is compatible with yours:

• Attend fishing shows and expos where you can speak with potential guides to get a sense of their personality
• Ask other anglers who know you if they have any recommendations for a fishing guide with a personality that matches yours
• Check social media where you can get a sense of people’s personality

Availability is Important

One of the things that can ruin a fishing trip is a cancellation so you want to check the availability of a guide before you book them.

Fishing conditions can vary widely depending on the season, or even on the time of day. For example, if you want to catch salmon, you’ll need a guide who’s available during the salmon run.

Also, if you have specific requests, such as wanting to fish in a particular location, you’ll need to hire a guide available in that area at the time you’ll be there.

Hiring a fishing guide as a beginner is one of the best ways to learn the ropes and have a successful fishing experience. Just be sure to keep these things in mind when choosing a fishing guide.