Help: Want to help a friend.

Got a bud whose got his packet to apply, and go though all training to become a fishing guide. 6 -pack and all. I want to help him be aware of all those incidental expenses, that go along with the profession. He's building a house, working a day job, a great bass and cat guy, and I just want to help him know "what it really is". He knows boats inside and out. But what about all those other things, like liability insurance, expense accounting, difficult customers. What things to plan for to be better prepare to handle it successfully.

I realize public forum may not be the right venue. So PM is fine. Or email is [email][email protected][/email].

I worry about this guy, he's energetic and strong. Just want thim to understand the whole deal, cause I know he'll decide what's right. Not looking for solutions, just want to help him be aware of potential problems so he can be prepared going in.

Thanks folks in advance.

I have been self employed for 11 years. Be prepared to work for nothing! Some customers you can never make them happy. Over insure, and hire a CPA to do the paper work. Good luck with your buddy hope it works for him.

Bob: I sent you an email.....feel free to call me for information about the business. I have seen a lot of folks come and go in this business....it takes more than just being able to catch a fish now and then.

I tought about it myself but decided if i do i'm doing it for free just so i can fish more.Keep the goverment out that way.Still havn't made any cash but being retired i can use it but don't need it.Just like teaching our young & old the great sport of fishing.JMO
River Basser
Terry Adolph:cool:

About the 6-pack license - in regards to logging hours, to what extent do they scrutinize the log book?

I've been driving boats since I was about 7 yerars old....jet skis, houseboats, jon boat, cruisers, bass boats, and on and on....I've got enough hours accumulated over the years, just no documentation. Is there a way to backlog those hours?

When you fill out the form which verifies your time on the water you will need to show a minimum of 360 days on the water just for the Inland license. (Great Lakes and Near Coastal has more requirements). Normally this form is documented by your Maritime Employer but since you are your Maritime Employer, you are verifying this for yourself. Let you conscious be your guide....but if you get in an accident you better be able to prove you were on the water those days you said you were.

[QUOTE=DaveStewart;472229]Bob: I sent you an email.....feel free to call me for information about the business. I have seen a lot of folks come and go in this business....it takes more than just being able to catch a fish now and then.[/QUOTE]

Got it! And thanks.

Hopefully he has some guide friends who will share some overflow.
Hopefully he has a base with productive waters at hand.
Hopefully he has the personality/with information skills to sit in a small space of 6 or more hours an, make it enjoyable.
Major is have the help handy for the unexpected.

You know it takes a special personality to do this not to mention skills......

Keep us posted how it works out..........he's lucky to have a mentor around like you

:eek:[QUOTE=rickhise;472401]Hopefully he has some guide friends who will share some overflow.
Hopefully he has a base with productive waters at hand.
Hopefully he has the personality/with information skills to sit in a small space of 6 or more hours an, make it enjoyable.
Major is have the help handy for the unexpected.

You know it takes a special personality to do this not to mention skills......

Keep us posted how it works out..........he's lucky to have a mentor around like you[/QUOTE]

I like seeing freinds be successful. I quit competing with friends right after I started always losing. :eek:

where's he plannning on guiding?needs to be on some water people want to pay to fish,would not think the local lakes here would be very good money makers,other thoughts would be just to start you will need a good bank account for equipment before you even put a line in the water,somewhere he can "build" into a network,say Dave is booked up,still getting calls he could dump some business on this guy.just like tournament fishing sponsorship would be great.

[QUOTE=CTFSHWHISKER;472454]where's he plannning on guiding?needs to be on some water people want to pay to fish,would not think the local lakes here would be very good money makers,other thoughts would be just to start you will need a good bank account for equipment before you even put a line in the water,somewhere he can "build" into a network,say Dave is booked up,still getting calls he could dump some business on this guy.just like tournament fishing sponsorship would be great.[/QUOTE]

before he gets referrals, he has to pay a lot of dues, those who refer put there name on the line as well... makes me rethink what i said about overflow.

[QUOTE=rickhise;472460]before he gets referrals, he has to pay a lot of dues, those who refer put there name on the line as well... makes me rethink what i said about overflow.[/QUOTE]

Good point.