| Do you want to catch that 200 pound cat you've | | | | Another factor here is how long they've been in |
| always dreamed of? The right catfish fishing guide | | | | business. It's nice to help out a small guide service |
| might have the knowledge and experience to help | | | | just getting started, but generally the longer a |
| you do that. You can learn a lot from a good | | | | service has been in the area, the better they'll |
| guide, and come home with a trophy-winner! It's | | | | know their turf. Those companies that have an |
| just a matter of finding one that really knows his | | | | established presence in a particular area are the |
| stuff. | | | | ones you want to pick. |
| Who Needs a Fishing Guide? | | | | Also, companies that have full-time guides are |
| Why would anybody need a fishing guide? You | | | | generally better. These guys are experienced. |
| just drop that line in the water and wait for them | | | | They spend as much of their lives as possible |
| to come along, right? Wrong! There's a lot more | | | | catching cats, and this experience can help you |
| to it than that, and unless you've spent some | | | | land the cat of your dreams. That's not to say |
| time out there with no bites, you have no idea | | | | that all part-time guides are bad, but they are |
| how much help a guide can be. Plus, you can learn | | | | more likely to be hit-or-miss. Guys who spend all |
| from their expertise and knowledge. | | | | day at it are generally going to be more |
| Catfish guides are experts at what they do, and | | | | experienced and knowledgeable. |
| that is why they are guides. They are usually | | | | You can also check out their track record. Be |
| trophy winners themselves, and they have turned | | | | nosy and ask. How many fish do they catch in a |
| catfishing into an art form. They can also help out, | | | | day? How big are they? What trophies and |
| taking some of the trouble of organizing your trip, | | | | awards have they earned. You know how |
| getting gear and getting set up. | | | | fishermen are, they'll be more than happy to |
| Licenses | | | | show you their walls of photos and trophies. |
| First off, make sure that the guide you pick is | | | | Bragging is second nature with us! |
| officially licensed and insured. Sure, you might get | | | | Gear |
| lucky with so-and-so's uncle whose been fishing | | | | See what kinds of things they'll furnish for you. |
| this lake for years, and offers to be your "guide" | | | | This depends on your own needs, of course. |
| for a 12-pack of cheap beer. But, if you don't | | | | Guide services will provide for you, at the very |
| want to take chances, go with the pros. | | | | least, a boat. Check out what kind of boat they |
| The main thing is that you want to make sure | | | | can line up for you and see if it suits you. Some |
| these guys do everything by the book. There are | | | | services offer to provide you with all the gear |
| tricky laws in different states and different areas, | | | | you'll need for your fishing trip, so you won't have |
| and they should fish legit. | | | | to bring anything at all. |
| Knowledge | | | | If they provide the gear, check it out and see |
| Now, probably the biggest advantage to getting a | | | | how the quality is. Usually, these guys know that |
| guide is that every place is different. Catfish lurk | | | | the gear is what keeps some of their customers |
| at the bottom of almost every body of water on | | | | coming back, and they keep the best stuff |
| this continent, so you want somebody who | | | | possible on hand. |
| knows the cats in that particular neck of the | | | | On the other hand, you might prefer a guide that |
| woods. Cats are everywhere, but they aren't the | | | | lets you use all your own gear. This will depend on |
| same everywhere you go, so you need that | | | | your preference. Catfish guides are a great |
| expertise to find out when and where they are. It | | | | resource for gear recommendations. Using a |
| really takes a local to know those spots inside and | | | | guide's gear also gives you a chance to try out |
| out. Everything differs by area; when to fish, | | | | something you might not otherwise try. Always |
| what gear to use, how to cast your line. These | | | | check to see what they offer in the way of |
| guys should definitely know their stuff. | | | | furnishings. |