I've noticed this now on several forums and across various countries and types of fishing.

It seems to me that certain fish and countries seem to be okay with the idea of guiding and some are not.

For example, I seem to find that:
- Salmon ghillies in Scotland are not resented
- Sea trout guides are sometimes resented and sometimes not
- trout and grayling guides are more often than not resented
- SWFF guides are resented

Is this just my perception or is this about right?
And if so why? I cannot see what's wrong with someone offering services to show someone a river or mark they don't know? Nobody is forcing a client to agree to pay the guide...

Is it because the guides don't pay any more for their membership of an angling association yet make money from having access to that water?
Is it because the guides sometimes get free fishing or free tackle?
Is it because we wish we were making money from our pastime?

Got to say I'm not a guide and have no aspirations to be one, but I've always found this resentment to be more than a little odd...

Bri

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I've never used a guide. However I am sure the do give added value when people visit new locations.

They provide a service and one which a lot of people find useful.

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Eddie
"We look to Scotland for all our ideas of civilisation."
Voltaire

Personally, I've never used a guide or had any kind of angling instruction, apart from some advise from older anglers when I was a young lad; and now I still listen to any advise given by young or of old experienced anglers! I believe, your never too old to learn something new!

I have no objection to Guides and angling instructors, showing others the best methods and leading the way for inexperienced anglers! Although, it's not for me; and never was! But, I have no resentment towards them, in-fact, I fish with several of them and count them as good friends! They do what they love doing; and help others enjoy it also, Although, I have no aspirations to become a guide myself.

I'm not with you Bri.... Why would someone pay for a guide if they resent them? The only situation I can think of where resentment could be justified, is when a guide is compulsory... or neatly worked into the cost of your trip, and you have no choice

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Too much Saturn, not enough Moon.

Buzzers 2012


Fly Clips & Stands

Do anglers perhaps resent guides publicising "their" fishing for money? Seems that would explain the SWFF guys being most resentful about having their marks shared?

I think you could add Irish boatmen to the list that are not resented.

I'm sure that there is an element of truth to this but I don't know why. Golfers don't seem to resent going to a golf pro but anglers do seem to have a bit of a hang up in going altogether or paying a decent rate if they do go to a guide or instructor.

I have guided for trout and grayling in the past long before guiding became a feature of UK angling and had no great issues with clients but I was mostly guiding novices who had a lot to learn and gave good value for money on an exclusive beat. I think one issue is that golfers can see a measurable benefit in improved technique reducing scores whereas catching fish is less measurable and the benefits consequently less tangible.

Most guides cannot make a decent living on charges that are very modest compared to almost any other skilled trade or professional. They quite often travel to guiding appointments and are constantly under pressure to outperform their clients. The "big names" can get a better rate but there are not many of them.

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“There is no more lovely country than Monmouthshire in early spring. Nowhere do the larks sing quite so passionately, as if somehow inspired by the Welsh themselves. There is a blackbird on every thorn and a cock chaffinch, a twink as they call him there, on every bush...... It moved me profoundly. I had been spared to see another spring, and I thank God for it.”

Oliver Kite
“A Spring Day on the Usk”
A Fisherman’s Diary

I don't know why some anglers seem to resent some guides.

IMHO It is of course always a much more satisfying experience if you can enjoy a successful days fishing which is the result of all of your own skill and effort.

However if time at a venue is limited or you want to hone your skills or take techniques to the next level, then the use of a guide can be a very rewarding experience

I have only ever made use of a guide once and it was the most memorable days fishing in my life.

I was on a business trip to Vancouver and managed to squeeze in 1 days fishing before flying home. I paid about $600 for single days Salmon fishing.
I thought long and hard about paying so much for a single days fishing but the whole thing was well worth it. I was picked up from the hotel, all licences and fly tackle provided (along with a nice lunch) and connected with numerous Salmon during the day - managing to land 2, one of which was well over 20lb.

I certainly didn't resent the guide or the fee paid

Each to his own

Andy

Scratch - I don't think I was clear enough: the resentment I've referring to usually isn't from those who pay for them, but from other anglers to use the same waters...

Bri

---------- Post added at 12:08 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:07 PM ----------

I think for the SWFF fraternity that seems to hold very true.
Marks are shared openly amongst friends, but are considered gifted wisdom which shouldn't be traded on...

Bri

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www.goldengrovecottages.com

there are some waters where for basic saftey a guide is essential for someone new to them, what price life and limb!

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i was walking far from home, where the names are not burned along the wall, saw a building, high as heaven, but the door was so small

I don't resent guides, they offer offer an excellent service and do it for a pittance, i have used guides and will do again, hell the best anglers i know including internationalist use guides regularly.

So you don't want to learn a new skill, hone a technique or be put onto fish

Say you go the trip of a life time, Bonefishing, Montana or NZ are you going to pay £2000 to get there then not hire a guide, get out of here your a mug.

Thats not to say you shouldn't tackle unknown water yourself, i have fished a power of unknown rivers this year my self and loved it, just tackled them differently than i would at home, i have had the luxury of time to potter for the sake of it an enjoy it. Put me on a big bit of water like Loch Leven or Awe and i would not have the foggiest idea where to start, thats where a guide comes in.

Time fishing is very precious for some, maybe only a handful of trips a year don't they deserve the right to have the best day they can and if a local pal is not available whats better than a guide, they even undo you fankles!

Resentment does come in , there are some fakes out there who are full of chat and little substance, they claim to know waters when they don't or steal peoples ideas and call them there own. These people are quickly found out and word of mouth spreads.

Use a guide with a good local reputation and i have no doubt you will have a day to remember. Its also worth noting your the client, so you want to learn something tell them, you want to chase that fish of a life time tell them, you want to sort out your casting tell them, you want to learn river craft tell them.....