Things to know

Generally, as a starting point, consider tipping your guide 20% of the trip cost.
If the guide went above and beyond, it wouldn't be unusual to increase your tip to 30% or even 50%.

It’s also important to remember, no matter how much you paid for your day on the water, there are many factors the guide can’t control. Bad weather, changes in water flow rates, temperature, rain — It's not what you catch, it's how hard the guide worked for you. He'll bait your hook, adjust a reel's drag, net your fish, take your photograph & fillet your catch at the end of the trip. Tip based on what the guide can control, don't withhold a tip because of things that are out of their hands (like weather or not getting into the fish).. Your guide’s job is to work hard for you and if he busted tail all day and you still didn’t manage to catch the number of fish you expected or any at all, that’s not your guide's fault any more than it’s your server’s fault if the food doesn’t taste good or is not cooked to your liking.

When you book with an independent guide service, you know that the owner is the one doing all the work. He/She is also the one making the boat and insurance payments and filling it with gas and  providing high-end gear and tackle. If you pick the right guide and play your cards just right, you might also become a better angler by listening to what the guide says about reading water, casting, mending line, and other skills. A tip in this case shows the guide you appreciated the service and recognize his many years of experience. It also shows you want him to be in business next year so you can book with him again.

A tip is NOT required, although less than 10% can indicate dissatisfaction. And it will leave the guide wondering what he did wrong to upset his clients.

Thank you and we hope this helps in understanding about tipping with whoever & wherever you may cast your line when fishing with a guide.

Terri

Fisherman's Choice Charters

907-892-8707

►Salmon Retainment-Little Susitna River - 3 per day, 3 in possession, 

only 2 per day, 2 in possession may be coho (silver) salmon .

• Less than 16 inches: 10 per day, 10 in possession in combination .

You must not remove a coho salmon 16 inches or longer from the water unless you plan on keeping it. 

If you retain a bag limit you may not fish for any species of fish on that same day.

►Salmon Retainment - Deshka River • 16 inches or longer: 3 per day, 6 in possession 

 You must not remove a coho salmon 16 inches or longer from the water unless you plan on keeping it.

 If you retain a bag limit you may not fish for any species of fish on that same day.

►Salmon Retainment - Willow Creek Area - 3 per day, 3 in possession, 

only 2 per day, 2 in possession may be coho (silver) salmon.

You must not remove a coho salmon 16 inches or longer from the water unless you plan on keeping it.

If you retain a bag limit you may not fish for any species of fish on that same day.