Often, people don’t own boats and would like to hire fishing guides out on a local river or lake. You may be traveling and would like to fish while you are on holidays! Hiring a fishing guide can teach you a lot about a local waterbody, while catching fish along your day’s journey! As a small business, I appreciate every person who uses my services, whether they are local, or from out of province/country.

Some fishing guides either make a part time living, or a full time living offering these services. It is either their primary means of supporting themselves, or like me, it subsidizes my income. Guides normally have a boat, all the gear to provide you for the day, gas for the boat, trucks to pull the boat, lunches if that is provided, and on and on it goes.

There is a lot of planning that goes into every trip which includes shopping for lunches, making lunches, checking and maintaining gear, spooling reels with new line, organizing tackle boxes, making trips to and from local tackle shops, boat maintenance are some examples. There is a great deal of work and time that goes into every trip!

As a business owner, I take customer service very seriously! I set myself apart from any competition. I answer your emails and calls promptly and get back to you quickly. After all, “I’m not the only guide in town”. After we arrange your trip, that YOU booked, you cancel on short notice, or no notice at all. Thanks for wasting my time.

Years ago, a regular client booked a trip with me. I made lunch, went to the local tackle shop and bought 100.00 worth of lures, gassed up the truck, woke up early, showed up to the boat launch and the client never showed up. After many phone calls, and several text messages that morning, I stood there in disbelief! That guy was never welcome back in my boat again, and justifiably so!
Many guides make this their full time living! Its not just a little side hustle, it’s their way of life. It’s their job!

So, what’s your point Mike?

The point is, I was counting on that money to pay my mortgage, to buy food for the week to feed myself and my child. It was money that was going towards the light bill, the internet connection so I could keep my business running. It was going to put gas in the truck so I could make appointments for the week. And now, none of that will happen!

I urge you, please think about the guide before you cancel on short notice. I understand, things do happen in life, and I will reschedule with you when those things do arise. Please be mindful that the funds you are paying the guide for your trip is oftentimes used to pay bills. When you cancel, those bills don’t get paid. Please be aware that when you cancel on short notice, I could have put another client in your place and made money to cover my bills.

Please see my new cancellation policy here

Thank you for reading and I hope this post brings awareness on this topic.

~Mike