How much do you tip a guide?

[troutcrazy]

I'm heading out for a guided trip on the white river for trout. This will be my first fishing trip with a guide and I'm wondering what a average tip should be per person? It's a 7:30-3:30 trip with a box lunch provided and there will be 3 of us.

[AJM]

My opinion, it depends on how well the trip went. When I have been on trips in the past, you pay $100 a person for example, if it was just a good trip you may tip $10- $20 dollars. If it was the time of your life, with a trophy fish to go along with it, probably $30 or so.

I struggled with how much my first time, I felt like I was already paying him $100, but in the time spent with the guide you will build a connection and most likely have an awesome and unforgettable time. But it is all about what you feel comfortable doing.

Just remember that any tip will be much appreciated.

[SlopFishin]

If you have a good time a like your guide then I'd give him a minimum of $50.

[artcarney_agr]

Every guide I've talked to said that you tip a guide just like you would a waitress at a restaurant.

10%, 15%, 20%, or whatever you think based on the guide's EFFORT, not by how many fish you catch.

[Col Forbin]

your standard 15% to 20% should be fine, and maybe a bottle of good bourbon too.

[troutcrazy]

your standard 15% to 20% should be fine, and maybe a bottle of good bourbon too.

15% to 20% tip amount is great, but the bourbon would never make it to the boat!

Thanks guys for the advice...

[cantcatch]

I have only gone out with a guide a couple of times but didnt even think about tipping him. I paid him for his services, I guess if he did something exceptionally great I could give him a little more, but to me this is NOTHING like tipping a waitress, a waitress is paid way below minimum wage and depends upon his/her tips to make a living. Tell me if I am wrong but this is just my 2 cents.

When I use to go to the barber I NEVER tipped him either, maybe I am just a cheap skate?

[HURRICANEBOB]

"This will be my first fishing trip with a guide and I'm wondering what a average tip should be per person? "

I usually tip them about 30 degrees, any more than that and they tend to fall over.

[BassNNutt]

a good tip is: "Dont forget to put the plug in the boat"

Just Kidding.....(I know we have some regulars on this board that are guides) and some super nice guys that go out of their way to help people even if they are getting paid or NOT....

[Dave Stewart]

From a guide: Normally it is customary to tip a guide 10-15%. Here is how I look at it from a guide's point of view:

If you can afford the tip you should do so...no we are not waitresses but it has been a custom to tip hunting and fishing guides since there were such folks. Most of us guides depend on the tips to pay some of our expenses so we can keep our costs down for the clients. Now, I am a firm believer that if the guide has not earned the tip, they should not be tipped....earning is not based on how many fish or how big are the fish you catch...guides are not gods...we can't control the weather, the fish or your ability. We can however, work hard to put you on fish and try to teach you as much as we can in the short time we are on the water together. So if you feel the guide has worked hard to get you on fish and/or taught you something about the type fishing you are doing so you can later do it on your own...you should tip them.

Do I think someone is cheap if they do not tip?...actually I figure it is one of the following:

1. They are not satisfied with the services they received.
2. They are ignorant of the fact they are expected by custom to tip a guide.
3. They cannot afford to tip.
4. They are cheap. (Yes, I tip my barber)

[Dave Stewart]

your standard 15% to 20% should be fine, and maybe a bottle of good bourbon too.

Looking forward to your trip coming up....

[dc chopper]

Hey Dave, if he is going fishing with you, should have told him 75%!