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Outdoors

There's a catch to guiding

The job of leading anglers to hot fishing spots is rewarding but not without some obstacles.

By DAVID A. BROWN
Published September 10, 2005

Somewhere in the United States, on any day, a corporate executive stares out the window of his plush corner office and dreams of one thing - fishing.

Spending time on the water seems so enchanting that even highly accomplished ladder-climbers fawn over the chance to step aboard a floating fantasy. Those who fish recreationally often laud guides and charter captains with statements such as, "You have the best job in the world. You get to go fishing whenever you want."

hough a rewarding profession, this career choice requires more work and perseverance than most realize. Fishing guides Dave Markett of Anclote and Mike Locklear of Homosassa recently shared their perspective.

REQUIRED SKILLS: Markett - Marketing and business skills are the two capacities that determine whether or not a guide survives. People skills determine whether or not a guide gets repeat business.

Locklear - Above all, you need a cheerful attitude. Smiles and laughter are healthy but not to be overdone. No one wants to listen to a laughing hyena. Communications and networking also are important for getting your name out to the public to let people know you are available.

MISCONCEPTIONS: Markett - People think that somehow guides get to keep a lot of money from their efforts. Full-time guides who survive do handle some money, but the inescapable fact is the more a guide runs, the more (equipment) he or she wears out and breaks. Few guides live anything more than a month-to-month existence.

Locklear - Many believe that guiding is easy money and not a lot of work. Any time you are self employed, you are going to have to work twice as hard as you would in a regular job. Most folks can leave their jobs at (the office). They don't have (business) investments such as a $50,000 flats boat, insurance, supplies and maintenance. If a guide meets his clients at 8 a.m., he has already been up for three hours preparing his boat. The same goes for after the trip. There's plenty to do such as cleaning the boat and answering messages from the phone and e-mail.

CHALLENGES: Markett - Unexpected weather or water conditions are major factors that should keep any right-minded person from choosing guiding as a profession. This year's red tide is a prime example. It has set asunder at least three months of expected income, while business expenses keep on keeping on. There is no way to anticipate these conditions. In 2004, we had eight weeks of continuous tropical weather interruptions.

Guided fishing trips solely rely on discretionary spending and disposable income, so it becomes a double whammy. Increased fuel expense comes directly out of anticipated profits, and an increase of rate is justified. But, an increase of rate immediately impacts and effects client base and their willingness to spend discretionary income when fuel costs are eating away at every family's budget.

Locklear - The sun is brutal and, if you guide in an open boat with no shade, it is imperative to wear a good all-around hat, long sleeves and sun block. As a much younger guide, I did not cover up or apply sufficient sunscreen. Now I am paying the price with five operations thus far concerning skin cancer. Also, winters can be a chilly experience and windburn can occur if you don't protect your face with some type of shield or scarf.

Also important is the state of the union. Presidential election years are sometimes tough for business. Folks hold on to their money unless you have an ironclad clientele that is recession proof. The 9/11 (terrorist attacks) affected everyone in this country, as well as all the hurricane damage. Soaring gas prices are scary to say the least, and I already know firsthand this is causing some hardships on the recreational fishing industry.

REWARDS: Markett - Seeing a person catch a fish they would never otherwise have a chance to catch. And seeing the confidence increase in many folks when they single-handedly battle and subdue a fish they never thought they could catch.

Locklear - Fresh air, great weather, gentle breezes and screaming drags with bent rods. A giant tarpon eating a fly 15 feet from the boat. The water is very therapeutic. I don't do it enough, but showing a kid or taking him fishing is very rewarding.

Most guides still love their work. No doubt times can be hard but, for most, even the worst day on the water beats the pants off being cooped up in someone else's office. Yet, just like that corporate exec who spends each day in palatial surroundings, those who aspire to make a full-time living on the water have to work hard for their position.

It doesn't happen over night. But each time the sun peaks across the tree line and the water comes to life, matchless ambiance rewards their diligence and they remember why guides do what they do.

[Last modified September 10, 2005, 01:22:18]