Guide Q&A- Handling Experienced Anglers
We asked our top guides how they handle guiding more experienced anglers- answers include letting them choose their baits and fishing in different areas.
Guided fishing trips aren't just for beginners! Rest assured, even the most experienced anglers always have something new to learn and absorb from a trip. Whether it's exploring a new location, catching a new species, or trying out different techniques, we asked our guides how they best handle trips with more experienced anglers.
Read their answers below!
"With more experienced anglers, you find out first what they are looking to catch so you can design a trip specifically for them. I also am able to take them to spots that require more experience. Anglers who are inexperienced, I take to spots where I can gauge their ability." -Captain Jay Calhoun, Lock It Up Charters
“First, I see what they are capable of doing. Then, look at their techniques and then offer advice on the way I do things in my body of water. The reason is, my body of water is probably different from theirs and the fish tend to act differently. They always have some good tips to learn as well, especially if I go to another water body.” -Captain Larry Miller, Fishin' All The Time Guide Service
“I give more experienced anglers a little more freedom on my boat as to casting and trying new things. This comes with the belief that they understand and respect the hard work it took for me to provide them the boat and tackle they use while they are on a guided trip with me” -Captain Jaden Webb, Castaways Fishing Guide
“I tend to sit back and allow anglers who have a little more experience than others to master their skills. If I notice one angler is having a rough day (we’ve all been there), I’ll provide advice and typically share past experiences pertaining to different targeted species and what worked for me or other anglers during those times. This allows them to have another technique in their toolbox. In 54 years of being in the business, I’m still learning new things. Otherwise, my job is to put them on the fish.” -Captain Mark Elliott, Gone Fishin' Sport Charters
“I start out treating all the clients the same if they are new on a trip with me. With clients that are returning, I give them as much independence as they want. I have always felt that the client wants to be hands-on as much as they can. That’s from putting the line out to netting the fish. It should be noted that by the end of our trip, all the clients are hands-on and feeling comfortable with what they are doing.” -Captain Mark Haley, Shannon Sea Sportfishing
"In my experience, more experienced anglers have the opportunity to fish out of the boat or wade fish and use artificial lures." -Captain Joe Guerra, Bay Finatic Charters
“I really let them take the lead- if they know how to rig their baits, I let them go for it.” -Captain Rich Adler, Tuna Wahoo Charters
“Some of my techniques are 100 percent customer hands-on regardless of experience, and some techniques are me doing a lot of the work until the fish actually bites- AKA downrigger fishing!” -Captain Brad Bugica, Lake Tahoe Fishing
“First, I ask them what type of angler they are and experience they have, and then I explain my techniques and ask them what they are comfortable with doing.” -Guide Ryan Hahn, Keep It Reelin' Guide Service
“Give them options to go after bigger fish with less action or target smaller fish with more activity.” -Captain Paul Hogg, Hogg Tide Charters
“I cater the trip to the fishing techniques that they enjoy, such as flipping or topwater. It’s all about the client and how they love to fish.” -Captain William Wood, Bass Fishing With a Pro
“I ask if they would prefer artificials vs live bait. If I know they are bass anglers, I’ll ask if they want baitcasters, otherwise, spinning tackle is provided. I will offer them to fish docks and other structures knowing they are less likely to get hung up.” -Captain Thom Ray, Catch A Ray Charter
“Everyone is different and we can learn a lot from each other. I always have fun fishing with other anglers willing to accept right or wrong ways of fishing.” -Captain Chad Rudolph, Southern Access Charters
“I customize each trip based on the guest's experience.” -Captain Augustin Perez Jr. (Cappy), Reel Action Charter Services
Be on the lookout for more Guide Q&A content and make sure to check out our guides above! To book a guide today, head to our homepage and find the best in your area.
