Thoughts on guiding... Clients or other people often ask me how can I just stand by and watch others catch all the fish? (I refuse to fish along side my clients; I don't feel they need the competition).
However, the answer is quite simple; I get just as much satisfaction, (maybe more) by guiding and helping others get into the fishing experience and sharing their excitement. In fact, many say that the quality they like in me most is that often I get more excited about their catch and the outdoor experience than they do. Sharing the fishing experience is what I love most about guiding as well as meeting some wonderful people, making new friends, and revisiting with old friends from all over the world. I love to fish and I love to share my fishing experiences with others, even if I don't wet a line.
The knowledge I have gained thru the years of guiding and fishing on my own has come not only from the fishing and guiding experience, but from learning from all who would share their knowledge with me. It has involved searching for information thru various means and people, reading, watching, leaning over their shoulder, listening when I needed to listen. It has involved numerous 18 hour days, 20 mile drift boat trips, just one more cast, and then another, and not being afraid to ask questions, no matter how simple or complex. But most importantly, I have taken the time to attempt to put it all together while understanding that total knowledge is impossible, but reasonable understanding is extremely rewarding. .
That brings me to my other point. We read, search, and therefore deduct in order to present the logical cast, mend, and presentation to induce our quarry into a strike. Sometimes, even when everything seems perfect and even Mother Nature has presented us the 'Perfect Day', someone forgets to participate. Mr. Steelhead, or Mr. Trout, or Mr. Bass just forgot that this was the day, the place, and the time. You find out more about people thru their adversities, than you ever will thru their successes. But more importantly, you find out just how much you need to know and understand and how much time you must spend on the water to become truly successful. And that my friends, is why you hire me. Between the two of us, we can strive and coerce our quarry into a strike and share that fantastic experience and have a hell of a good time doing it. After all, is that not what it is all about?
So lets go fishing when you get a chance. Only you can make your own chances. Check out our web site and I am sure you can find something that meets your fancy and fits your schedule. Hope to see you on the water soon.
- Jim |
