Fly Fishing for Less

go to a shop where there are certified people and train under them untell you get a feel for the bussnise and then go out on your own as a guide build a good customer list and that is all you really need to get started

The term ‘certified guide’ insinuates that there is one governing body which tests and certifies people to be guides all across our country. That is not the case.

Each state handles the licensing of guides differently, if licenses are required. Notice I said licensing of guides, not certification of guides. In most states guides are licensed and I would hope bonded and that makes them a guide. There may or may not be a testing procedure to obtain the license.

Reputable shops/lodges/guide services will usually only hire people that they know are trustworthy and can do a good job. That doesn’t mean they are certified, just licensed (if one is required) and they have used them before and found them to be adequate at their job.

I believe we are a long way off from having certified guides.

I have always used fly shops that are well established and so far they have always produced excellent guides. Find out about the fly shop or whatever company you are looking at and see how long they have been in business.

Larry