As anglers, guiding is something many of us do at some point. Perhaps you’re taking family for the first time. Perhaps you’re employed at a fishing lodge. Perhaps you run a prominent Lake Winnipeg outfitter. I have done some guiding up north, definitely talked to many guides. I frequently take newcomers fishing. I have also been a emergency substitute for some local outfitters. I have been guided myself. It’s definitely not a career path for me but I figured I have enough experience to give this post a shot.
Definitely good fishing guides put their guests on fish. However, there is more than just being a good guide than being a good angler and cook. For those who want to be a good guide, your conduct is key to being successful. The fishing might be variable but your conduct can be constant. In fact, it’s not really different from any customer service position. Hopefully this post will give aspiring guides (or even seasoned guides) some tips on how to give your guest a good day.
Act Professional
You would think that this would be common sense but I have definitely witnessed guides, even seasoned guides, exhibit poor conduct.
Like any customer service position, be professional as possible. Perhaps after knowing your client’s character a bit better you can loosen up a little and adapt. I might sound like church preacher here but I would definitely avoid excessive profanity. Profanity is unprofessional and suggests a rough character. Of course it may happen in the heat of the moment but really keep it to a minimum.
When you have conversations with your guests, try to avoid the controversial topics as much as possible and stay neutral as possible. They’re often called the GRAPES (Guns, Religion, Abortion, Politics, Economics and Sexuality). We all have some strong beliefs and the guests also have strong beliefs. Definitely do not ruin the mood by having a debate. I have had to hold my tongue in front of some clients with strong views.
Also please do not drink or do drugs while on the water. Do not get intoxicated the night before you hit the water. You would think this seems like redundant advice but I’ve seen it happen and it has definitely resulted in some nasty consequences. I made my guiding debut due to a drunk guide so I feel compelled to say this.
Of course, you also need to be professional towards other people you encounter. No matter how good you treat your guests, their impression of you may be ruined if you show hostility to other anglers, outfitters or staff. It feels like common sense but even seasoned guides sometimes have a hard time with this. In the smartphone era, who knows if someone might film your conduct and post it to social media.
More than the Fishing
In fishing, there are so many moments where nothing happens. You will have slow periods when guiding as well.
Definitely ask personal questions. Getting to know someone is a strong sign of respect and makes people feel comfortable. It was something that I unfortunately learned late in life and had to really make an effort to show interest in others. Ask about their career, family and other fishing adventures. Not only does it help with the atmosphere but chances are you might get some good life advice yourself. I definitely learned many things about the clients and it has helped shaped me to be person I am today.
Since you’re in nature, talk about the surroundings. A lot of clients don’t have many encounters with wildlife or nature. Point out landmarks. It’s good to have some interesting trivia about the wildlife or the landscape to keep things busy. Additionally if you see a moose swimming in the water, stop fishing and boat to it. It’s a sight that is worth as much as any big fish.
Be Confident
Passion is contagious and it really makes a guest’s day better.
I do my best to show interest in the whole process and show enthusiasm, no matter how hard things get. I like to show my guests how much I love fishing. Always be optimistic, even if you have to force it a little. Whatever you do, do not complain excessively and make excuses. More likely than not, your guests are very understanding people who know that fishing is something that is out of your control. Of course you will get clients who have high expectations and may not be satisfied. You just have to do your best no matter what and accept whatever results you get. If they aren’t satisfied, that’s their problem.
Definitely something I learned was to not worry. Things go wrong in fishing all the time. I have forgot ice in the beer cooler, hit rocks and of course had bad fishing. Even the best guides are not immune. As hard as it can be, try to not worry and work things out calmly. Sometimes it’s just a funny blunder that you and guests will have a laugh at. Definitely your attitude and the way you deal with adversity will make a difference in how your guest perceives their day.
Final Words
As with any customer service position, guiding is tough. You deal with a variety of personalities while not being fully in control of the results. I will say it is stressful and there’s a reason I wouldn’t do it as a career. It’s definitely not for everyone.
If you’re an aspiring guide, hopefully you got some useful tips. It can be tough and mistakes will definitely be made. Nobody will be good at this starting out (and I will say some prominent guides) are still not good after doing it for years. However like fishing skills, people skills will improve over time. It’s a skill we all have to hone throughout our lives.
Let me know in the comments if you have any other tips that might help make a client’s day better! I’m sure there are many tips I have missed.
