How to Tip your Fishing Guide 101

Here at AnyCreek, our community of outdoor guides centers around the hunt for incredible adventures. You will frequently discover that our guides will go out of their way to provide you with the best possible experience — making special arrangements to pursue specific species, explore certain areas, provide you with meals on the water, or even extend your trip. Tipping is a great way to show your appreciation for everything that goes into planning, preparing for, and executing world-class fishing experiences. 

Before the Fishing Trip

Guides are so much more than just companions on a fishing trip; they are knowledgeable experts responsible for ensuring safe, successful outings. Their expertise extends beyond basic fishing insights. A great guide provides vast local knowledge, top-tier gear and tackle, expert insights into fish behavior, and excellent people skills. Additionally, guides can work very long, physically demanding hours putting their anglers in position to succeed. Recognizing their effort in creating an enjoyable fishing experience is crucial.

Tipping fishing guides is not merely a monetary exchange; it is a way to express gratitude for their exceptional service. By tipping, we demonstrate appreciation for a guide’s hard work and dedication. Furthermore, tipping helps foster long-lasting relationships and encourages fishing guides to continue providing outstanding experiences on future adventures.

Several factors should be taken into account when determining an appropriate tip for fishing guides. Consider the overall quality of service received, including the guide's expertise, knowledge, and professionalism. Additionally, recognize the guide's effort in ensuring a successful fishing experience, as well as any additional services provided, such as teaching new techniques or sharing valuable local knowledge.

When you spend money on a guided trip, various aspects are typically covered by the fees you pay. Here are some common expenses that the money you spend on a guided trip helps to pay for:

Gear

Your fees often contribute to the cost of providing and maintaining fishing gear and equipment such as rods, reels, flies, lines, boats, trailers, and other necessary gear. If you break, damage, or lose any gear during your trip, you should consider this when deciding how to tip your guide.

Meals

Some guides include food and beverages as part of their trip packages. Others will provide refreshments pro bono, or make special meal arrangements throughout your day. Understanding what’s included in your trip package can help you gauge how much to tip your guide.

Lodging

In certain situations, such as on destination or multi-day trips, lodging is included in the overall trip package. If your guide played a direct role in arranging or assisting with lodging, a larger tip could be appropriate.

Shuttle Costs

If your guided trip involves floating a river or transportation to and from fishing locations, your tip can help cover the expenses associated with shuttling, fuel, vehicle maintenance, or even hiring professional shuttle services.

Weather

Weather is one of those uncontrollable factors that can be your best friend or worst enemy on a fishing trip. Guides frequently brave the blazing heat, bitter cold, howling wind, and pouring rain to put their clients on fish. You should consider the physical challenges imposed on your guide by the weather when tipping at the end of your trip.

Daily Catches

When tipping your guide, we encourage folks to focus less on the quantity of fish caught, and more on the guide's expertise, efforts, and role in improving your fishing skills — along with the quality of your overall experience. Keep in mind that success on the water is influenced by many factors ultimately beyond your guide's control. Recognize that fishing success can be unpredictable, and even highly-experienced anglers have days with fewer fish caught. Factors like water conditions, time of year, or fish population dynamics all play a role, and it’s not solely the guide's responsibility to guarantee a high fish count. Consider the guide's communication, professionalism, and attentiveness to your needs. While the number of fish caught may be a factor, especially if you have a banner day, it should not be the sole basis for tipping. Focus on the overall experience and the guide's contributions to your enjoyment and satisfaction.

Group size

A larger group typically means more anglers to supervise, instruct, and assist throughout the fishing trip. Sometimes guides will have to make special arrangements to accommodate larger groups — like providing extra gear or even additional boats. Additionally, your guide may need to allocate more time and effort to ensure everyone in the group has a satisfactory experience. Consider if your guide managed to give adequate attention and support to each member of your group, addressing their needs and providing guidance as required.

Trip Duration

When it comes to tipping your fishing guide based on trip duration, consider the additional effort and commitment required for longer trips. Longer durations demand more time, energy, and planning from the guide. Assess their stamina, enthusiasm, and ability to deliver a successful and enjoyable experience throughout the extended period. Evaluate their adaptability, logistical coordination, and flexibility in adjusting strategies to optimize fishing opportunities. Tipping more generously for longer trips can be appropriate, recognizing the guide's extended dedication.

Guide Licensing, Permits, and Insurance

Professional guides need to obtain licenses, permits, and insurance to legally operate and ensure your safety during the trip. Your tips can contribute to covering the costs associated with these legalities.

Outfitters and Fly Shops

In many cases, your guide may work with outfitters or fly shops that help to manage bookings and logistics. In many western states, guides are prohibited from taking clients unless the  trip is run through a licensed outfitter. These establishments often take a percentage or cut out of the guide's pay as a commission for booking and managing trips. Take note of this if you booked your guide through an outfitter or shop, as tipping your guide is a fantastic way to show appreciation for their individual efforts throughout your trip.

Navigating tipping etiquette for fishing guides can be made easier by understanding customary guidelines and percentages. While there may be variations, a standard range for a great experience is typically between 20-25% of the total trip cost. A $100 tip is a great starting point for any trip over $400.

While monetary tipping is the preferred and universal medium for gratuity, there are other ways to express your appreciation to your fishing guide. Here are some other ways to show your gratitude to fishing guides:

Gifts

Tipping is not the sole means of expressing gratitude to your fishing guide. One alternative is making thoughtful gifts as a meaningful way to show appreciation. However, be mindful that some guides work hard to earn a living, and monetary compensation is usually the simplest and most effective way to show your appreciation.

Positive Reviews, Referrals, and Honest Feedback

Writing positive reviews and testimonials helps your guide to enhance their reputation and attract more clients. Directly referring friends and family to their guiding business not only benefits the guides but also strengthens the network of fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Lastly, providing constructive feedback and suggestions for improvement shows that you value your guide’s dedication and commitment to continuously improving their services.

While tipping is generally expected, there may be situations where it is not appropriate or necessary — for instance, if the service provided by the guide falls short of expectations or if the guide's fee already includes a gratuity charge. In such cases, exercise some discretion and assess whether tipping is warranted. If the guide consistently provides poor service, compromises safety, lacks knowledge or effort, or engages in misconduct, withholding a tip could be justified. Tipping is meant to acknowledge exceptional service, and it's within your discretion to decide whether the circumstances warrant a tip. 

Tipping fishing guides is an important gesture that acknowledges their hard work, expertise, and commitment to delivering exceptional fishing experiences. By adhering to proper tipping etiquette, expressing gratitude through various means, and cultivating relationships, we contribute to the thriving community of outdoor guides. Remember, showing appreciation goes a long way in ensuring future unforgettable fishing adventures for all.