Guides offer many facets to sport fishing, number one being safety. Professional guides are excellent boaters with years of experience, and have the know-how to provide safe passage in hazardous weather conditions. Each year guides experience more unusual situations on the water than most individuals will in a lifetime. Since weather conditions on the water can change almost instantly, facing threatening conditions is just part of the job.
And if a medical emergency arises licensed guides, are trained in First Aid and C.P.R. by the American Red Cross.  

But the greatest attribute an experienced guide can provide is fishing expertise. So if you're a boat-less angler or simply feel unlucky, the fish could be biting for you after all. And hiring a guide can be very affordable. If you're on a tight budget, consider bringing a friend to share the cost. You might bring your spouse or children for a family day on the water. And you can be assured that you and particularly the kids will come away feeling successful. It takes the burden and the stress out of teaching kids to fish.   

And don’t forget mom! The interesting fact is that women are flocking to the sport of fishing as they realize its simplicity, beauty and value, plus enjoying a day in the pristine surroundings of nature. Many of these lady anglers hire guides in the beginning to jump-start their fishing experience, and eventually fish on their own. More women now run their own boats and making fishing day’s part of the R’ n R’ so desperately needed with today’s busy lifestyle. Astonishingly, nearly 1/3rd of all fishing license’s sold in the U.S. today are purchased by women.   

If you’re planning on hiring a guide for a live bait trip, if you’re a careful observer, and ask questions, you can readily learn the art of cast netting for bait. Many guides go early to get bait for the day’s trip so they are ready to go when you arrive. However, if you’re interested in learning to catch bait using a net, let your guide know so you can go with him. He will surely welcome the extra help and you will quickly learn how its done. Then, during the fishing trip you have the opportunity to learn which baits work best, how to hook them and what size tackle is required.   

Fishing with artificial lures offers another fascinating aspect in catching fish. Those interested in catching fish using artificial lures should hire one of the excellent many guides here in Florida’s west central region that specialize in this type of fishing. Catching fish with artificial lures is more than just casting it into the water. Most lure specialists spend years perfecting the use of artificials and get to understand exactly what it is that triggers a fish to strike. Ask your guide to teach you which lures are most effective for the species you’re trying to catch, how to tie them to your line, how to cast them and most importantly which retrieve works best to trigger a strike.   

Guided fishing trips make great all-occasion gifts for everyone regardless of age or gender and are truly ideal for the person who has everything. Business owners and managers should consider offering fishing trips as sales incentives and closing gifts for that special contract or sale. They also make excellent incentives for the sales staff itself as a reward for reaching those exceptional quotas. Tournament contenders, pre-fishing for upcoming events will also gain a wealth of knowledge from a guided fishing trip... everything from the best locations to the most effective lures for that particular area. And they can accomplish in one day what other contenders will need a week of fishing on their own to discover.   

Finding a reputable guide is not difficult, check with area tackle and bait shops, look in local magazines, or attend various seminars. There are guides for all species of fish and styles of fishing. From saltwater offshore, inshore, bays, flats and backcountry to freshwater rivers and inland lakes. From rod and reel to fly-fishing there are guides waiting to share their wonderful world with you.   

People often ask why does it cost so much just to go fishing. Well the perceived cost is directly proportional to the value received. The cost associated with doing business for full-time guides, are relative to business and overhead operating expenses. First is the initial cost of equipment, tackle and licensing. Then comes, boat payments, vehicle payments, gas, oil and maintenance, insurance and taxes. Lastly, is the endless hours professional guides, spend acquiring knowledge to offer successful outing’s. After all these are ducted the remainder is profit.

At the end of the day, you should ask yourself the following questions: Did I enjoy the trip? Was the boat and tackle first class? Was my guide pleasant and fun to be around? Did I learn new techniques and skills? If you answer yes, then the cost of great day on the water was worth it. Since most guide fees do not include a gratuity remember if you had a great day and enjoyed the services of your professional, reward them accordingly.   

When you get to the point where you think it might be worthwhile chartering a trip, consider asking the following questions when contacting a fishing guide: Are they licensed and insured? Are they full-time guides? What tackle, boat and equipment do they use? What do you need to bring? And since the temperature on the water can be cooler or warmer depending on the season, ask for clothing advice.   

A parting thought when going on a fishing charter: Most guides work hard to find fish for their clients. However, fish have unique feeding habits and may bite this morning and not again until late in the evening. They may readily feed in one location today and not be there tomorrow so have patience. Your guide will work diligently in your behalf to locate feeding fish. Remember he’s doing his best to ensure you and you companions have an enjoyable, relaxing and productive day on the water.

To book a fishing trip with Capt. Woody Gore, call: 
813-982-2034 Office
813-4577-3814 Cell 
Or log on to Capt. Woody's web site at http://captainwoodygore.com/