I share my personal journey until 4:21. Feel free to skip to 4:22 to hear more on guide planning, personality, finances, expectations, burnout and more.
This video pretty much says it all. Well done! I've been a fishing guide for more than 30 years, and I couldn't have said anything more or said it any better. Thank You. I think this video should be viewed by all aspiring young guides
I’ve guided for 30 years. Just recently retired and decided to fish for pleasure. I must say I miss it. Didn’t think I would, but I do. I guess it’s become a part of me. I love teaching, laughing, sharing the excitement of a fish and the great feeling at the end of a good day. You video brought back lots of memories. Your insight is great and true. Thanks.
April: Wow! I've been guiding for 30 years in NorCal, outfitting for over half of it and of course have thought of doing something similar myself.I managed to raise two healthy and happy kids, put enough away for retirement and stay married to the same gem for 36 years while guiding full time! I recently turned 69 and am conducting my last guide trip in two days on Thursday, December 8th as my OG back and arthritic hands have given up, so your video could not have come at a more meaningful time for me. Your essay was more than masterful, a beautiful piece of art that is more than the sum of its' insightful parts. I often tell guide prospect's my favorite author John Geirach's joke: Be careful if you try to make a living out of something you love because it can turn out to be like love making. Better to be an amateur than a pro! FYI We've crossed paths on a few occasions, first at the California shows when you first arrived and I introduced your program when you presented after me, later a few times on the Bulkley and Kispiox. I've followed you ever since. You are simply amazing, I am a huge fan of your work. I hope to see you again and perhaps share a day on a local water if you are traveling through Mt. Shasta or doing a feature on the dam removal on the Klamath in the next few years? Just drop me a line. Craig
I’m an outfitter and what I offer my guides in way of retirement is simply advice: save early and save often. Learn a very strong skill like coding, book keeping, motion graphics, sales closing, or so on to make the bulk of your money off season, then have fun guiding.
Hey there, recognized the Whistler Fly Fishing hat on your guest. That was a great shop, and I bought a shit ton of gack there. Very much missed in town.
It's funny how spot on this is. I'm a guide, and yeah.... I also live out of a vehicle. I flop from montana to Florida. I never see family. Don't have relationships. Finances suck. Basically, just eat beans, rice, and trout. But..... my life is a dream. I haven't been guiding for very long. But the biggest thing to me Is how you communicate and engage with your clients. If you're good, you can turn a terrible day into something amazing.
Thanks April! This is as important to clients to realize what “real” expectations as it is to aspiring anglers who want to make the jump to guiding! Great job!!
This is a extremely helpful video that not many guides talk about. Especially "shore based" fishing guides and i think i can say this for so many, we wish there were more like this going from the steps of creating a name to registering with the irs to social media coverage so on and so forth. This step would be fantastic. I live in CT and am looking and have for last year or 2 and have the itch to be a surf fishing guide. Here in CT. Thank you.
I really appreciate this video. I’ve watched a few people burn out from guiding and it’s tough to watch. I’ve loved fly fishing so much for so many years and have a serious collection of memories, materials, and experience. I just couldn’t make it my job.
April - If the day should come that you grow tired of guiding... you could have a career in Voice work. Your diction is flawless and the tone of your voice is pleasant and easy to listen to. I really enjoyed this video as an avid angler who has resisted guiding over the years for all of the reasons you aptly described. Well done! I used to see you running trips occasionally in the Chilliwack area years ago.
This video pretty much says it all. Well done! I've been a fishing guide for more than 30 years, and I couldn't have said anything more or said it any better. Thank You. I think this video should be viewed by all aspiring young guides
I’ve guided for 30 years. Just recently retired and decided to fish for pleasure. I must say I miss it. Didn’t think I would, but I do. I guess it’s become a part of me. I love teaching, laughing, sharing the excitement of a fish and the great feeling at the end of a good day. You video brought back lots of memories. Your insight is great and true. Thanks.
April: Wow! I've been guiding for 30 years in NorCal, outfitting for over half of it and of course have thought of doing something similar myself.I managed to raise two healthy and happy kids, put enough away for retirement and stay married to the same gem for 36 years while guiding full time! I recently turned 69 and am conducting my last guide trip in two days on Thursday, December 8th as my OG back and arthritic hands have given up, so your video could not have come at a more meaningful time for me. Your essay was more than masterful, a beautiful piece of art that is more than the sum of its' insightful parts. I often tell guide prospect's my favorite author John Geirach's joke: Be careful if you try to make a living out of something you love because it can turn out to be like love making. Better to be an amateur than a pro! FYI We've crossed paths on a few occasions, first at the California shows when you first arrived and I introduced your program when you presented after me, later a few times on the Bulkley and Kispiox. I've followed you ever since. You are simply amazing, I am a huge fan of your work. I hope to see you again and perhaps share a day on a local water if you are traveling through Mt. Shasta or doing a feature on the dam removal on the Klamath in the next few years? Just drop me a line. Craig
I’m an outfitter and what I offer my guides in way of retirement is simply advice: save early and save often. Learn a very strong skill like coding, book keeping, motion graphics, sales closing, or so on to make the bulk of your money off season, then have fun guiding.
Thanks for the honesty 😊
Hey there, recognized the Whistler Fly Fishing hat on your guest. That was a great shop, and I bought a shit ton of gack there. Very much missed in town.
I kind of wish this video had been available before I started guiding 40+ years ago. Great job April, keep telling it straight!
Great video! Gonna make it required watching for my Shop Staff and Guides in training.
It's funny how spot on this is. I'm a guide, and yeah.... I also live out of a vehicle. I flop from montana to Florida. I never see family. Don't have relationships. Finances suck. Basically, just eat beans, rice, and trout. But..... my life is a dream. I haven't been guiding for very long. But the biggest thing to me Is how you communicate and engage with your clients. If you're good, you can turn a terrible day into something amazing.
Thank you for investing your time in producing this excellent overview of a fishing guide’s lifestyle realities.
Thanks April! This is as important to clients to realize what “real” expectations as it is to aspiring anglers who want to make the jump to guiding! Great job!!
This is a extremely helpful video that not many guides talk about. Especially "shore based" fishing guides and i think i can say this for so many, we wish there were more like this going from the steps of creating a name to registering with the irs to social media coverage so on and so forth. This step would be fantastic. I live in CT and am looking and have for last year or 2 and have the itch to be a surf fishing guide. Here in CT. Thank you.
I really appreciate this video. I’ve watched a few people burn out from guiding and it’s tough to watch. I’ve loved fly fishing so much for so many years and have a serious collection of memories, materials, and experience. I just couldn’t make it my job.
April, that was excellent. Well done!!! I thoroughly enjoyed it. Beautifully shot and great editing.
April,
April - If the day should come that you grow tired of guiding... you could have a career in Voice work. Your diction is flawless and the tone of your voice is pleasant and easy to listen to. I really enjoyed this video as an avid angler who has resisted guiding over the years for all of the reasons you aptly described. Well done! I used to see you running trips occasionally in the Chilliwack area years ago.
good clips of Gene,world class water!
Thank you Amy. You have all my respect for loving our addiction and a tremendous work ethic. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👍🏼
So impressed by your journey! Hats off! Way to go!
Thanks for this, something every fly angler should watch!